rogergolf66
im an addict lol
depending on how much flow is going to the filter sock that may not be the best place for the bag. If you can get it pretty Flat put it between the baffles in your sump you get better effectiveness out of it.
LEDs loosing ther intesity?
- Thread starter sirrealism
- Start date
Something to consider with LED lighting setups:
Heat is the enemy of electronics. The majority of active devices (which include LED) degrade faster at higher temperatures. One way to combat this degradation is to use more emitters than necessary but run them at a reduced current. This will keep them cooler and will slow any junction degradation that may occur. Running at reduced current also has the benefit of making them more efficient. That is, you get more light per watt of consumed power.
Heat is the enemy of electronics. The majority of active devices (which include LED) degrade faster at higher temperatures. One way to combat this degradation is to use more emitters than necessary but run them at a reduced current. This will keep them cooler and will slow any junction degradation that may occur. Running at reduced current also has the benefit of making them more efficient. That is, you get more light per watt of consumed power.
jasonandsarah
New member
You aren't going to get even close 20,000 hours out of those t5's 
with the d2-120 leds only being 90$ on ebay for full spectrum Maybe you should of just got new leds.
Maybe even some Radions
jk.
I think your right about the meds being the issue. Hopefully it gets resolved fast.
Idk if your going to get higher intensity out of a T5 fixture?(unless it's big?) Might get good color? If you were happy with the leds then I wouldn't switch and throw your tank out of wack even more.
with the d2-120 leds only being 90$ on ebay for full spectrum Maybe you should of just got new leds. Maybe even some Radions
jk. I think your right about the meds being the issue. Hopefully it gets resolved fast.
Idk if your going to get higher intensity out of a T5 fixture?(unless it's big?) Might get good color? If you were happy with the leds then I wouldn't switch and throw your tank out of wack even more.
sirrealism
New member
Well its been 2 days with carbon in the sock and the T5 light and I see a small difference already. Mind you it might be the light switch but better PE and my pink cap looks a bit brighter. It may be the better colors with the T5 light that makes the pink look better but I swear it looks a little bit brighter then when I put the light on and the carbon. I do believe it is the meds and the lights were fine but thats ok I have a use for the LEDs on another build anyway. I now have 3 of these just blue and white d120s and will buy one more. They will go over my new 300g 8' tank along with my 8x54w T5s.
As far as intensity I really dont think i lost much now. I have not used a PAR meter yet but the 3rd D120 is only 6 months old and it seems to be about the same in intensity. I do know that until I use a PAR meter I wont know for sure but looking at the 2 against a wall they look the same
As far as intensity I really dont think i lost much now. I have not used a PAR meter yet but the 3rd D120 is only 6 months old and it seems to be about the same in intensity. I do know that until I use a PAR meter I wont know for sure but looking at the 2 against a wall they look the same
sirrealism
New member
Oh and i could not put the bag in the baffles in the sump as my sump is an open one. In a week i will put new carbon in a reactor.
reefdude135
New member
I recall one of the manufacturers stating to expect a 10% to 15% loss in par per year. it's very realistic that the fixture is just producing less light than it did a few years ago. I learned this same lesson the hard way. :-(
sirrealism
New member
I measured par about 2 years ago and it was much higher then I thought it would be. I will have to go back in my paperwork but I do remember the lowest numbers being 200 at the bottom corner. I put activated carbon in the filter sock and changed out the lights for a 6x54w T5 unit and the tank is doing much better. I dont think it was the lights and do think it was the meds I had put in months ago and never put carbon in to remove it. I do believe I could put my LEDs back on and all would be well but I think I can get better growth with the T5s but we will see
