Par 38 LED bulbs

[poolkeeper1]

Two Tanks

Two Tanks

36x24? I thought you were said you wanted to put them over a 650 gallon? did you mean 65? with 6 over a 65 you could do that and that and it would work. I would buy them and experiment with them. You can also change out the optics yourself on some par38s. I would get some extra optics and experiment mixing them to get the coverage you want. I would also keep you more light demanding SPS somewhat directly under a bulb and your not so demanding sps in the overlap between bulbs. I would also look into certain LED panels too. I will pm you some info on some LED panels that are being used by some friends of mine on large tanks that may be a better value today or tomorrow, Bill.

And the LEDs if they stay cool are rated for something like 50,000 hours.

Adrian, The bulbs I have already are on a 650 gal Tank, And are for suplement lighting only. The conversation was about my personal tank which is just 16" high 36x24x16H that is where i want to try and replace my M/H with 2-3 Par 38's. That being said I already have a 36" Reefbrite Led Bar plus T5's and 250W M/H, Just thinking I can ditch the M/H.
Bill

 

[AdrianBryce]

Oh i see

I would go with a few par38's then

good luck

 

[SRT80]

Here are the PAR 30 bulbs. Have a option of 40 or 60 degree optics. I'm thinkin' about a couple 60 degree optics with a 14k look for a 20 gal.

http://www.boostled.com/

Steve

 

[poolkeeper1]

The ecoexotic has inter changable lenses, you can use 40,60,80, and I think 120 they just snap in and out FYI.
Bill

 

[SRT80]

I see. I don't even know the difference of optics. Is it the higher number the wider spread? I'm just thinkin' since I'm doin' such a simple small setup that will only house mushrooms, green star polyps, and maybe a few zoas, the PAR 30s would be better for me if I need 2 bulbs. $120 for to 30s or $240 for 2 38s.

I might just go with a couple of the stunner strips with the new reflectors. I did ask ecoxotic about those and they said 2 would be fine for a 10 gal.

Steve

 

[poolkeeper1]

Yup, The higher the# the Wider the spread, You are correct. For what your doing the cheaper bulbs would be fine IMO
Bill

 

[rompininphx]

Do you think 4 bulbs covering a 48"x12" area only growing lps and softies would work? I know there will be some shadowing, but I think it looks more natural like that.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Coverage

Coverage

Do you think 4 bulbs covering a 48"x12" area only growing lps and softies would work? I know there will be some shadowing, but I think it looks more natural like that.

I'm not sure of anything, This is all new and you just have to try it and see what happens. I would start with 4 bulbs on your tank and see how the life in your tank reacts, Be it good or bad.
Bill:wave:

 

[AdrianBryce]

The optics create a wider spread the higher in number they go. They also reduce par ratings in the same manner. 4 over a tank that size may work for low light corals I would recommend 80 degree optics though, so that you don't get "light columns", and get decent overlap. The key is to acclimate, especially with the high power LED's, your corals will FADE DRASTICALLY IF YOU DON'T. This comes from experience.

 

[poolkeeper1]

How?

How?

The optics create a wider spread the higher in number they go. They also reduce par ratings in the same manner. 4 over a tank that size may work for low light corals I would recommend 80 degree optics though, so that you don't get "light columns", and get decent overlap. The key is to acclimate, especially with the high power LED's, your corals will FADE DRASTICALLY IF YOU DON'T. This comes from experience.

How did you do that? By time or by Height or Other?
Bill:wave:

 

[rompininphx]

I was thinking of leaving a space in the middle of my tank open with just sand and maybe ill put a stunner strip there if it isn't aesthetically pleasing but lighting the two sides with a 14k and an all blue or 20k on each side. That way id be covering a smaller area, should I still go with the 80*