1w,3w, or 5w leds

[AJ460]

I have seen them all I have been told you want to grow corals spend 1500 dollars get 5w leds only. I find this hard to believe but im new at the hobby only been in it about 1-1.5 years now. so what do I want for the coral growth

 

[rhinonm]

A good fixture with a broad (many) spectrum. I have the vegas and i believe they are all 3w except for the whites.

Go for a big name brand AI, Ecotech, GHL, ect and youll be fine. Even the cheaper chinese leds will grow corals.

I think for a beginner a Metal Halide or T5 fixture would be easier. Leds are very touchy and their is a large learning curve.

 

[2clown]

I agree that LEDs are a touchy issue. But most of the major brands lack the " FULL" spectrum. Depending on how comfortable your are, you may be better served to go the DIY route. Which will be infinitely customizable, and expandable.

 

[AJ460]

I can build the diy kits I just dont know what to bid

 

[YoungREEFA]

Cree has assorted leds in 5w , but most are 3 watts, which could be considered standard, so why not just go 3w

 

[Ron Reefman]

I have seen them all I have been told you want to grow corals spend 1500 dollars get 5w leds only. I find this hard to believe but im new at the hobby only been in it about 1-1.5 years now. so what do I want for the coral growth

Who have you been talking too?

I have 198 3W leds (total) in 2 fixtures over a 180g sps & lps reef. This is 25%-33% more than enough, but I wanted to be sure. They've been in use for 9 months now and my corals are growing just as fast or faster than when I had 1000W of MH and 160W of t5! Oh, and the 2 fixtures I use cost me all of $700 delivered.

 

[2clown]

I the 104 3watts setup on 3 heatsinks. But I need to adjust my color mix for a change sps tank. If you plan your coral selection in advance. You won't have the same experience. Good luck.

 

[hossa81]

3 watt leds seem pretty popular currently. I just bought two reef radiance DM-132e's and i believe that they are three watt leds. The guy that runs the company, rick keeps you informed on when your lights are going to be shipped. Like some of his other lighting options and i would definitely buy again if these ones work well.