Algae scrubber lights

So those from eBay and Amazon just need a cord wired into them.
FullBore, what is the power supply for? I would want to wire them into my apex for a timer, but hate to take up 2 sockets

Corey
 
I don't think it's overkill, but I would use something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Durable-LED-Floodlight-Plant-Grow-Light-Hydroponic-Lamp-Waterproof-US-Stock-TY6R-/141841188859?var=&hash=item210664c7fb:m:mHkxNJj9bfmwmTQKI4JZd9Q

It's waterproof, and people say the red, and blue led's work better

So if I'm reading this right this auction is for LEDs that are 1w each?

And it looks to me after reading this that you need 3w per 8 inch square.
Corey,

Check out post number #6884 in the basics thread (here is a link to page #276, the post is a few down the page).
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977420&page=276

It explains LED lights and how you should size them to your screen. Pretty much you should be wary of the lights like the ones in the links you posted as their actual draw will possibly be a lot less than what they claim, and the intensity needed might not be there.

I have similar lights as FullBoreReefer ready to go for when I finally build my scrubber but obviously cant comment on how well they work as I have yet to get it all together.

So is 10W really enough per side for 13X7?

Thanks just making sure Im putting together the numbers for my order correctly and I think I must be missing something.

thanks!
Kelly
 
I don't think it's overkill, but I would use something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Durable-LED-Floodlight-Plant-Grow-Light-Hydroponic-Lamp-Waterproof-US-Stock-TY6R-/141841188859?var=&hash=item210664c7fb:m:mHkxNJj9bfmwmTQKI4JZd9Q

It's waterproof, and people say the red, and blue led's work better

These claim to be waterproof...
I have the 50w version. It is an aluminum case, with a rubber gasket, piece of glass, and the flimsy metal band screwed on top. One of mine has gotten condensation inside. These are cheap products made in china, so you can's expect too much out of them.


So if I'm reading this right this auction is for LEDs that are 1w each?

And it looks to me after reading this that you need 3w per 8 inch square.


So is 10W really enough per side for 13X7?

Thanks just making sure Im putting together the numbers for my order correctly and I think I must be missing something.

thanks!
Kelly

For example the 10w fixture has a "10 watt" LED chip, which is comprised of 9 1w leds.
 
These claim to be waterproof...
I have the 50w version. It is an aluminum case, with a rubber gasket, piece of glass, and the flimsy metal band screwed on top. One of mine has gotten condensation inside. These are cheap products made in china, so you can's expect too much out of them.

You have a suggestion on something else to try?

And are you getting decent growth out of your 50w, Im not so worried about mine being waterproof

Thanks!
 
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You have a suggestion on something else to try?

And are you getting decent growth out of your 50w, Im not so worried about mine being waterproof

Thanks!

Mine has only been running for 2 weeks so far. I got an explosion of brown growth this week. Scraped it off today (about a quarter cup) and looked at it under a microscope and identified it as diatom algae. Don't see any hair algae growing yet.

These lights have "reflectors" but they are very shallow. They shine nearly 180*. The center 4" x 4" square on my ATS had less growth than the rest. I'm curious if it is getting too much light. But then again, I'm looking to grow hair algae not diatoms.

If you're handy and understand LED electronics, building a custom fixture with the leds more spread out would probably be better.
 
Mine has only been running for 2 weeks so far. I got an explosion of brown growth this week. Scraped it off today (about a quarter cup) and looked at it under a microscope and identified it as diatom algae. Don't see any hair algae growing yet.

These lights have "reflectors" but they are very shallow. They shine nearly 180*. The center 4" x 4" square on my ATS had less growth than the rest. I'm curious if it is getting too much light. But then again, I'm looking to grow hair algae not diatoms.

If you're handy and understand LED electronics, building a custom fixture with the leds more spread out would probably be better.

One of two options, back the light off a few inches, or if space is an issue then lower your "on" time.
 
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