Par 38 LED spotlights

I'm very interested in LED's. Does anyone make a whole lighting fixture for a 72" tank? Has anyone switched from MH or T5 to LED's without losing growth?
 
I would caution those of you that have larger reefs specifically for SPS. I have 500 watts of MH over a 40 gallon breeder (I know overkill) and looking for a lighting alternative. The beautiful picture of the tank above is basically non-photosynthetic corals so any current LED lighting is sufficient. I saw a nano tank at my LFS with built in LED lighting equivalent to a 150 watt MH. It was awesome to say the least. It won't be long before a retrofit system is available suitable for larger tanks. There is a seller on Ebay that has a unit starting at $238.00 that is equal to a 175 watt MH system. I am trying to be patient since I have a SPS dominated tank. I am enjoying the growth and color of my corals and don't want to compromise them for something that might work at this point.
 
I think everyone is cautious at this point. I will not purchase these until I have a PAR meter first. I think a meter is a must anymore. If you serious about reefing anyway.
 
I just hooked up my par38, it has the 60 degree optics.

P1010450.jpg
 
How do you like it? It looks a little dark on the right. Is it just the pic like most are claiming? It doesn't photo well from what others have said. Plus I'm on my phone so it's not easy to see.
 
It wasn't centered in that photo, it seems to get good coverage on the sides. I wish I could test the par though, to make sure that the corals on the sides are actually enough light. It looks so much better in person.
 
The main light has arrived! I thought all 3 had shipped but I guess my 2 all blue spotlights are still being made. So I have the 80* 20K now, I will still try to set this one up this weekend. Will be nice to see how it is by itself anyways.
 
Does anyone know what the equivalent of 4 20k Par38's in a MH?

This is my biggest hang up when it comes to LED's. The industry right now seems to base all new lighting systems to Metal Halides.
 
I see three kinds of track light and was wondering what I'm supposed to use. Obviously not the "low voltage" but there is "Line Level" and "Linear". What's the diference?
Lowes had the linear and the plug that attaches did not have a ground does that matter?

Kc3
 
Is that 400 par on the sand at 18"?

Would the 40 degree have enough to cover the 24x24x16? If your measuring them at 30" above the sand that would put these lights above the tank rim about 12-14"s.

Most likely I will just have to buy a par meter and one to test.
Any chance on a loaner unit to test? I will pay a loaner fee as well.



Sorry for all the questions but there is few with experience with these.
 
38PAR_LED_1sm.jpg

38PAR_LED_2sm.jpg

38PAR_LED_3sm.jpg

I got one in the mail today. I am not sure what I think about it yet. I do know that I don't like the track light setup that I got from Lowe's. The actual socket assembly is too big and ugly for my rimless tank.
 
I got one mounted on the Lowes track light too. The 20K is very blue. Still waiting for 2 more! The track light is kinda cheapy but you get what you pay for. I don't mind it too much, but my lights are mounted pretty far from my tank so it doesn't really take away from the rimless elos. Directly over a nice rimless tank then yeah I can see it looking kinda bulky.

DSC02780.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Radion time help. (Long post)
Replies
2
Views
138
kj swans
K
wvned
This kind of makes me sad
Replies
6
Views
250
Timfish
Timfish
M
Can't find 60"VHO Actinics anymore... LED recommendations
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
ClownBubbaJoe
ClownBubbaJoe
Anemone
PAR!
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
Misled
Misled
Corals.com
***Saturday Spotlight: Zoanthids!*** 25% Off All Corals!
Replies
0
Views
820
Corals.com
Corals.com
Back
Top