Par 38 LED spotlights
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Anemonebuff
New member
I would say 14. Mounted like this:
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
Gnawnivek
New member
A quick question, so do the angles run true to specification? like a 60 degree lamp is 60 degrees? and not 50 or something like that?
For example, if I assume I have a 12 W x 12 H tank (Depth, into the page, doesn't matter), and I want to light the entire tank with a 60 degree lamp. I assume the lamp is a point source. I want the edge of the light to hit the bottom of edge of my tank (less light on the sides, less algae).
Next I make a triangle, that's X high, and the base is 6" long, with the angle from the X to the hypotenuse be 30 degrees, half of 60. This means my height, X, is tan(30)=6/x. X=10.39, this means I should put my light 10.39" from the bottom of my tank (in the water). Now obviously that is wrong, so we'll say I want the light to hit the top edge of the tank, to get the maximum spread, this means the light should be 10.39" from the top of the tank (makes more sense). If I do the same for the 40 degrees lamp, I would need to mount the lamp 16.48" above the tank. For 80 degrees, 7.15 degrees. Does this seem reasonable? Or is there more variables I'm missing, like the par distribution?
The thing that interests me about these lamps greatly is how they focus the light in such a small space (spotlight). The main concept right now is I want a nano next to my computer, and this would be great as there would be minimal spillage of light from the tank.
Also, I'm eager to know about the difference between the BoostLED, RapidLED, and Nanotuners models, besides customization of bulbs. Is one designed better then another in terms of temperature control, sturdiness, waterproofness, or finish quality? Because of course if none of these are different, then I would go ahead and choose the cheapest one.
For example, if I assume I have a 12 W x 12 H tank (Depth, into the page, doesn't matter), and I want to light the entire tank with a 60 degree lamp. I assume the lamp is a point source. I want the edge of the light to hit the bottom of edge of my tank (less light on the sides, less algae).
Next I make a triangle, that's X high, and the base is 6" long, with the angle from the X to the hypotenuse be 30 degrees, half of 60. This means my height, X, is tan(30)=6/x. X=10.39, this means I should put my light 10.39" from the bottom of my tank (in the water). Now obviously that is wrong, so we'll say I want the light to hit the top edge of the tank, to get the maximum spread, this means the light should be 10.39" from the top of the tank (makes more sense). If I do the same for the 40 degrees lamp, I would need to mount the lamp 16.48" above the tank. For 80 degrees, 7.15 degrees. Does this seem reasonable? Or is there more variables I'm missing, like the par distribution?
The thing that interests me about these lamps greatly is how they focus the light in such a small space (spotlight). The main concept right now is I want a nano next to my computer, and this would be great as there would be minimal spillage of light from the tank.
Also, I'm eager to know about the difference between the BoostLED, RapidLED, and Nanotuners models, besides customization of bulbs. Is one designed better then another in terms of temperature control, sturdiness, waterproofness, or finish quality? Because of course if none of these are different, then I would go ahead and choose the cheapest one.
Anemonebuff
New member
My quote is if you used 60* optics. You would need more with 40* optics.
Anemonebuff
New member
I am sure there is a margin of error for the optics, but I am sure they are less than 10 degrees out of specs. With these bulbs you need to test them once you get them by holding them over the tank and measuring the proper mounting height. There is no real set monting heights for PAR38s. Plus, the user's personal likes/dislikes affect how high they should be mounted.
Anemonebuff
New member
IMO Boosts are best for smaller tanks 20" or less deep and the other two can be used successfully over larger/deeper tanks. They all seem to be quality made, and I use both Rapids and Boosts, and they never get too hot to hold. As far as waterproof, none are, but LEDs tend to be very tolerant to humidity.
ritter6788
Say no to clove polyps
I found these at Lowe's I'm going to be using them on a frag tank. They hold a lot tighter than the regular clip on lights. My bulbs are coming in today so I'll know for sure how well they work. I can't see any way this will fall in a tank on their own and they fit perfectly.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_203216-1373...tURL=/pl_Work+Shop+Lights_4294857041_42949370
Anemonebuff
New member
Find a way to srcew them into something. These bulbs are very heavy. Plus as I said the wing nuts loosen very easily.
ritter6788
Say no to clove polyps
There's only 1 wing nut on the clamp and it's at the top where it swivels. Even if the wing nut came loose the bulb would point down towards the water but it won't reach the surface. That clamp part locks on very tight. I have a spiral CF bulb in there right now which is very close to the same length and there is no way it can reach the water unless I pull it in there, clamp and all. They are not the same as these,
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=rel&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1
The clamps on those are terrible and will easily fall into a tank. BTW the bulbs I got, (Evil's bulbs), are .62 pounds heavier than a CF bulb I was using.
Anemonebuff
New member
3 with 60* optics or 5 to 6 with 40* optics. If you want SPS corals at the bottom I recommend 40's. If they will be midway up 60's.
Anemonebuff
New member
They maybe better, but I would only suggest a secured fitting. JMO.
Anemonebuff
New member
40* optics only 20K:
http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=74&products_id=698
60* optics and 12K:
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-141/(New)-7-LED-PAR38/Detail
Expensive IMO 40* optics only:
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/EX-6852.html
Personally I like the color that the Rapids give. They are just blue enough and look 12K to the eye. BoostLED has 12Ks that look 14-20K and a 20K bulb that looks 20K+. Unless you are doing a small cube or nano, I would not recommend these bulbs.
jwoyshnar
Active member
I have the usual question for you guys and i hope you done mind answering. I have a 70 gallon cube tank that i thought about selling but i dont think i am now. It is 30x30x19. How many par38 bulbs would you suggest for a mixed reef? I found a hanging light fixture that would be perfect if 5 bulbs are needed.
Anemonebuff
New member
I would use 5. Like a five on a die(dice). Using 60* optics about 6-10" above the water. You would need more with 40* optics.
jwoyshnar
Active member
Thanks for the reply. I know you said dice pattern, but how do you think a star pattern would work out? The fixture i found, that is the sequence of them.
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