saltwaterpicaso
New member
is anyone out there using leds to grow macro algea in there sump or fuge. if so what colors are you using
sump leds
- Thread starter saltwaterpicaso
- Start date
AmherstReef
New member
I just bought an LED bulb last weekend from Home Depot. A Phillips 75W - PAR30L - 5000K. The growth over the past five days is insane.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203553307?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=led&storeId=10051&N=25ecodZ5yc1v&R=203553307#.UVS_SJPbMoM
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203553307?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=led&storeId=10051&N=25ecodZ5yc1v&R=203553307#.UVS_SJPbMoM
saltwaterpicaso
New member
that bulb would actually be cheaper than building one
psychofishy
New member
printed the link 
I am actually looking for a solution for my refugium as we speak...
hopefully our HD has it in stock tomorrow
I am actually looking for a solution for my refugium as we speak...hopefully our HD has it in stock tomorrow
saltwaterpicaso
New member
do you think the led version would grow better than a 6500k cfl spot light
AmherstReef
New member
Not sure , I always used 5000k spots. But I have really been impressed by this LED bulb.
I'm a bit late to the party, but here is what my setup looks like; the chaeto grows like a weed.
Here is what I made it out of, all from Lowes, total cost was around $65 if I recall. Almost bought a Coralife setup, but reviews made me hunt this down. This one is dimmable and rated for wet locations.
5000K LED PAR38 Dimmable
Clamp Light Fixture (removed reflector for the LED bulb)
I cant find the links on Lowes' website for the dimmer (seen at the base of the bulb, around $5) and the digital timer ($10) but they are in the lighting section when you goto the store. That dimmer is a requirement on the bulb, extremely bright, probably would go with a PAR30 if I had to do this over. I will probably build a better hanger for the bulb, however, as it is fairly heavy due to the heat sink on it. It sits haphazardly on the edge of the sump, otherwise it would fall in. :hmm4:
(Clown is for sale if anyone wants it, True Perc $10!! Get it out of my fuge! :lmao
Here is what I made it out of, all from Lowes, total cost was around $65 if I recall. Almost bought a Coralife setup, but reviews made me hunt this down. This one is dimmable and rated for wet locations.
5000K LED PAR38 Dimmable
Clamp Light Fixture (removed reflector for the LED bulb)
I cant find the links on Lowes' website for the dimmer (seen at the base of the bulb, around $5) and the digital timer ($10) but they are in the lighting section when you goto the store. That dimmer is a requirement on the bulb, extremely bright, probably would go with a PAR30 if I had to do this over. I will probably build a better hanger for the bulb, however, as it is fairly heavy due to the heat sink on it. It sits haphazardly on the edge of the sump, otherwise it would fall in. :hmm4:
(Clown is for sale if anyone wants it, True Perc $10!! Get it out of my fuge! :lmao
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
The main advantage of the LED unit over a typical CFL is that the LED's light is naturally directional (concentrated in a narrow cone), which works really well in a typical arrangement where you're trying to light a small patch of algae in a sump. A CFL is very poor for this arrangement.
From an efficiency perspective, the LED will definitely be better, but given the low power levels we're dealing with it's hard to make the argument based on saving 10 or 15 watts.
saltwaterpicaso
New member
true will. im trying the cfl for now becouse i already have it in the next few months will try the led and see what works better my sump comparment for cheato is 14 by 18 so the cfl might be a better choice
