Switching from MH to Par38 (now rapidled diy)

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011.

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  1. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

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    I believe the post was refering to LED kits, or strips, or MU 135 type setups
     
    Coastie Reefer, Jun 17, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Jun 17, 2011
    #11

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  2. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    Correct. That's what gathered.
     
    civiccars2003, Jun 17, 2011
    civiccars2003, Jun 17, 2011
    #12
  3. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

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    Do you have any pics by chance??
    thanks for the info guys, i guess i just need to choose wisely here. the rapidled is looking pretty good though. i think i would probably get 5 of them.
     
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    #13
  4. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    Hey dbo, I know you are looking at par38s, but is there a specific reason? If I remember you have a canopy, you could have a lot more options just doing a rapid retro kit and a couple heat sinks. They even have solderless connectors if that's an issue for you. Just something to consider.

    Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
     
    insanespain, Jun 17, 2011
    insanespain, Jun 17, 2011
    #14
  5. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    Par38s are not LEDs, but the size of the bulb the LEDs are in. The number after Par means how many eighths of an inch the diameter is. Par38s are 38 eighths of an inch. Par30 are 30 eighths of an inch.
     
    xmetalfan99, Jun 17, 2011
    xmetalfan99, Jun 17, 2011
    #15
  6. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

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    Actually im not really a canopy guy, it just came with the stand i purchased lol i would rather have a open top with a very sleek looking fixture for the par38s. ive seen the pics of tank that have them highlighting certain areas and i am really digging it. plus i figure i can sell my canopy and MH and T5s to recoop some of the costs for the switch over.
    i looked into the rapid kits but that seems way over my electronics level lol and like i said i like the dramatic look of the spotlighting.
     
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    #16

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  7. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    Sweet, ya I hate canopys! Open top with a nice fixture is the way to go. Definitely post pics when u make the change.

    Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
     
    insanespain, Jun 17, 2011
    insanespain, Jun 17, 2011
    #17
  8. Tadpole1mill

    Tadpole1mill Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I'm all for it i love my par38. I would also check out the nanocustom bulbs from Nanotuners their bulbs are run alittle harder for more oomph :)

    Can't wait to see what you decide and how u choose to mount them.
     
    Tadpole1mill, Jun 17, 2011
    Tadpole1mill, Jun 17, 2011
    #18
  9. M-Ocean Man

    M-Ocean Man Flame Angel

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    Sure do, Bud. . . .

    Here's my build thread - has a bunch of pics.
    http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...oceanic-cube-not-biocube-led-build-99223.html

    I progressed from 2 to 3 LEDS as time went on. There are a few pics of how they are mounted too.

    Let me know if you have any other questions!
     
    M-Ocean Man, Jun 17, 2011
    M-Ocean Man, Jun 17, 2011
    #19
  10. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

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    i was kinda thinking about a fixture like this (with the ugly glass at the ends removed so the bulb doesnt heat up) any issues with running it this way?
     

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    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    #20
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