LED lighting: Cluster vs. Panel

[bblumberg]

So the title says it all. If designing a new LED light fixture should I lean towards a cluster arrangement to get more of a spotlight effect or should I arrange the LEDs in a panel to get more even coverage throughout the tank (ideally).

I would like to focus on more scientific reasons for this such as coral and system health, and less on aesthetics like "this one looks better".

Looking forward to the discussion!

I have built DIY both dispersed and cluster. Both work, but clusters are, of course, much less work to wire up. I like the BlueAcro COB arrays very much. With the reflector/diffuser combination, there is no disco effect whatsoever. I like them even better with T5 supplements which is how I have them arranged.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Take a look @ the newest video from BRS TV on the Kessil AP700.
Should answer your questions.

 

[TimmyD16]

Thanks for all the information folks!

Lots to consider for sure...

 

[rocsec1]

I’ve used both and have not seen any difference. Currently I am using two radions over a 120. It was doing the job but after getting coral from two guys local to me I changed. One was doing straight t5’s and the other had two radions and four t5 ‘s supplementing them. Their tanks were growing coral,all kinds, much faster with better color then I was. I added the t5’s and my coral has taken off.

 

[TimmyD16]

I've used both and have not seen any difference. Currently I am using two radions over a 120. It was doing the job but after getting coral from two guys local to me I changed. One was doing straight t5's and the other had two radions and four t5 "˜s supplementing them. Their tanks were growing coral,all kinds, much faster with better color then I was. I added the t5's and my coral has taken off.

So would you attribute this more to the even spread of the light or to the different lighting technology?

 

[lingwendil]

Why not both? This is my preferred method of lighting right now. Many clusters, but in panel form. No optics for a much more even spread and no disco, blending is fantastic.

Very nice. This guy gets it.




A panel of multiple smaller high output clusters is a proven design for larger setups, but each cluster needs care and consideration given to intended mounting height, distance from cluster to cluster, etc. Using emitters or individual arrays/boards that have a good spectral output will cut down the amount of types needed, and will make it easier to design for this.