ATS's and PAR38 bulbs

[fishy888]

Has anyone done well with a PAR38 LED lamp from Lowe's or wherever in an algae turf scrubber? I am getting ready to modify my stand to put a sump and DIY ATS into action along side my skimmer and if I could use these LED bulbs I would think there would be far less lamp replacement than with regular CFLs that might need replacing every three months.

 

[dartier]

Those may not work as good as a LED with 660nm, or 660nm and 450nm in a 8:1 ratio. you should ask in http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977420 as lots of people have used PAR38 LED plant bulbs quite successfully.

In an earlier ATS I built I used multichip 3500K LEDs, which should be similar to the ones you are considering (as far as spectrum goes) and had mixed results. It did grow some green hair algae, but it grew way more red slimy types.

I have since switched (for a new ATS) to an array of 660nm and 445nm LEDs and only get green hair algae. Far better results.

To see some examples of good candidates, search Ebay for something like 'LED grow light E27 Par38 18W PK 36W'.

But as I said, the ATS thread will be the best place for help.

Dennis