LEDs...Where to Start, I am a bit Overwhlemed

[dkeller_nc]

Shimmer is primarily influenced by the dimensions of the light emitter rather than the type of emitter. Specifically, point sources shimmer, whereas wide emitters don't. This is why fluorescent tubes don't shimmer - they're not point sources like MHs.

If shimmer is a primary concern, I would look at LED multi-chip flood lights, like the Kessil series.

 

[TropTrea]

Shimmer is primarily influenced by the dimensions of the light emitter rather than the type of emitter. Specifically, point sources shimmer, whereas wide emitters don't. This is why fluorescent tubes don't shimmer - they're not point sources like MHs.

If shimmer is a primary concern, I would look at LED multi-chip flood lights, like the Kessil series.

I will agree with this to a point. If your talking 100 1 watt LED's over 33-3 Watt LED's the three Watt Leds will give you better shimmer. Even better with 20- 5 Watt LED's/ I would not go the 10-10 Watt LED's though because now your talking about extreme shadows.

Now the spot light approach usually is using a single spot for an area roughly 24"X24". Yes you get shimmer however as with a single point source you wll also get drastic shadows.

If you want Shimmer with your LED's simply run a row on the front or back of the tank at an angle rather than facing straight down. They will pick up any surface disturbance and considerable shimmer. But don;t over do it as I did on first attempt at this and had people complaining of getting sea sick in the room the tank was in.

 

[RAJOD]

Shimmer is primarily influenced by the dimensions of the light emitter rather than the type of emitter. Specifically, point sources shimmer, whereas wide emitters don't. This is why fluorescent tubes don't shimmer - they're not point sources like MHs.

If shimmer is a primary concern, I would look at LED multi-chip flood lights, like the Kessil series.

You are correct on the point source. Nothing shimmers quite like a MH.

But LEDs can sort of do it without all the heat and bulb replacements.

I might try a thin row of high output LEDs. Like a strip of 3 or 5 watt LEDs and see how that shimmer looks vs MH.

 

[TropTrea]

DIY LED's to me are the best way to go all the way around especially if your looking for shimmer. A single strip that is roughly 5' long for your tank can produce 60 Watts of LED power for around $150.00. If you want them dilemma add another $30.00. Depending on the degree of shimmer you want pot them near the front of the tank and angle them back to the rear. a 45 degree angle will give the maximum shimmer beating any other kind of light source for shimmer. Less angle less shimmer. Since your not worried about corals alternating between neutral white and Royal Blue LED's will even kick the shimmer up a little more so.