Par 38 LED spotlights

[maddog2002]

JTL, you are using 12k or 20K bulbs? I like the color.

 

[JTL]

I am using a 50/50 mix of 12k and 20k. The pics are brighter and whiter than the real thing. I am thinking about adding two 12k to whiten it up a little, although I am not really sure it will make really make a difference. My wife loves the color the way it is and the corals really "pop" so maybe I should just stay with the 50/50.

 

[mozymo]

What made ya'll choose LED spotlights over a module like Aqua Illumination?

I am starting up a 120g mixed reef (48x24x24) and am trying to decide between 8-10 LED spots on tracks or a 3 module AI system.

thanks

 

[JTL]

For me it was the combination of flexibility, price, quality and I wanted a contemporary look.

 

[agsansoo]

Here's mine:

PAR38 20K LED Spotlight with 80 deg. optics.

 

[alcove]

just ordered one 4xrb 1xw pics up when i get it!

 

[GSMguy]

Alcove is that a custom order or is that the way the 20k is configured?
how much extra for custom if it was custom?

 

[agsansoo]

beeker, have you measured the par on your tank yet ?

 

[alcove]

custom, 20k is 3bx2w i wanted a more deepwater look. they will let youy know prices for custom stuff if you call them, it is just more wait time to get it they quoted me 2-3 days extra.

 

[beeker]

i should be getting my hands on a PAR meter this saturday the guy i've been trying to get it from has been busy the last 2 weeks, i should have pics up by monday if that happens this weekend

 

[ulua56]

After 15 years of MH and VHO, I bid a fond good-bye. Love these Par38 20K.
At least my Zoa's do.

 

[JTL]

I am looking forward to the results.

 

[Anemonebuff]

If I were to use these on my 125(6' long) would 2 per 2' square(total of 6)(3x12K and 3x20K) with 80 degree optics be adequate for a mixed reef that is thriving under 175 watt halides?

 

[agsansoo]

80 deg. optics would only be good for softies. Mine is 8" off the water in 5" deep tank. I'll be lucky to do 200 par that close.

 

[JTL]

FWIW I have 6 on basically 2x4 tank and it is not enough with 40 degree optics. I added 2 additional. I think you will need at least that many with 60 degree optics, and 12 if you use 40 degree. Of course the height will also make a difference. If Beeker posts some Par numbers this week-end that will help.

 

[JTL]

Beeker, where are those par numbers?

 

[JTL]

Here a couple of more tank pics with just the 6 lights. When I get home next week-end I will add two more. In the one pic you can see how the tank cover alters or reflects the light. I have some new material coming that is clear and this is more of a milky color.

 

[beeker]

par number pics will be up tomorrow

but for a teaser here is my finding

1 inch under the surface in the center of the PAR38 bulb i was getting a PAR of 1500 with 12k 40 optics, at the bottom PAR was a consistant 200 in the center, towards the outer basically 8 inches off center it was between 50 and 80 PAR, on the inside it averaged between 100-180 i'm impressed with the results

just for [profanity] and giggles i tested the PAR in my sump and it was between 40-50, lol

and just as a comparison

my BC29g with 2 24w T5's and a 150w pheonix 14k, i was getting an average PAR of 500 1 inch under the surface and around 50 PAR at the bottom, the T5's by themelves only resulted in around 35-45 PAR at the bottom of the tank

 

[agsansoo]

Can't wait beeker ! If your numbers look good ... I switching to PAR38 for my DT. All I know is, I need a par meter !

 

[GrampaDon]

par number pics will be up tomorrow

but for a teaser here is my finding

1 inch under the surface in the center of the PAR38 bulb i was getting a PAR of 1500 with 12k 40 optics, at the bottom PAR was a consistant 200 in the center, towards the outer basically 8 inches off center it was between 50 and 80 PAR, on the inside it averaged between 100-180 i'm impressed with the results

just for [profanity] and giggles i tested the PAR in my sump and it was between 40-50, lol

and just as a comparison

my BC29g with 2 24w T5's and a 150w pheonix 14k, i was getting an average PAR of 500 1 inch under the surface and around 50 PAR at the bottom, the T5's by themelves only resulted in around 35-45 PAR at the bottom of the tank

Thanks for the par numbers. Along with the comparisons to the T5/MH