UV leds. Is there any new information out there

[josephv]

Please direct me to any new information on this subject. I currently have a 300 gallon reef tank that is entirely lit with 210 diy 3 watt leds 70% 18--20k white and 30 % royal blue my tank is 90% lps corals and is thriving. Now I am considering adding sps as well
It has been suggested that that coral pigmentation is a corals way to fight off UV in their natural environment. When a coral is taken out of its natural UV intense location such as shallow waters and brought into a low UV environment as your tank, the coloration can diminish as the pigmentation that was used to fend off UV is no longer needed. To the reef keeper, that is not good as we love the colors. Some LED gurus are trying to use UV but the LED's that provide correct UV spectrums are in the $50 per + and spike. MH bulbs eliminate most of their UV radiation via the outer glass shell and HQI's do the same with the piece of glass infront of the lens. In my opinion, introducing UV without precise measurable quantities and spectrum precision may be dangerous for the corals. Also, the only benefit from using UV in a reef will be pigmentation for shallow water corals. Is there any new information on the use of uv leds that will help me give my new corals what they need to thrive.

 

[Woja222]

I'm gonna follow along for this one. I'd definitely like to hear some responses.

 

[rtparty]

It was debunked that coral coloration was related to UV protection. the proteins that corals use to fight off UV is clear in color.

However, I've had much better coloration since adding a uv stunner strip.

 

[gbru316]

It was debunked that coral coloration was related to UV protection. the proteins that corals use to fight off UV is clear in color.

However, I've had much better coloration since adding a uv stunner strip.

Interesting. Do you think this has anything to do with the actual temperature of the UV lights, or could it possibly be solely from the addition of more lights, regardless of temperature?

 

[rtparty]

Interesting. Do you think this has anything to do with the actual temperature of the UV lights, or could it possibly be solely from the addition of more lights, regardless of temperature?

I think it has more to do with adding light in the 420nm range. So far the majority of the pre built fixtures totally exclude this range.

 

[gbru316]

I think it has more to do with adding light in the 420nm range. So far the majority of the pre built fixtures totally exclude this range.

Ah that makes sense. 420 nm isn't technically UV, with UV being under 400 nm, and outside of the visible spectrum.

UV is generally considered "not good" for corals.

Those "UV" LED's you are using are actually violet/actinic, which perfectly explains the aesthetic boost you describe.

Edit: don't actually own an LED array yet, though I'm building one shortly for a 10g AIO nano. I've been immersing myself in the technical aspects of the technology for the past few weeks to try to build the best possible array. Looks like I'll definitely have to incorporate a 420 nm or two.

 

[rtparty]

Ah that makes sense. 420 nm isn't technically UV, with UV being under 400 nm, and outside of the visible spectrum.

UV is generally considered "not good" for corals.

Those "UV" LED's you are using are actually violet/actinic, which perfectly explains the aesthetic boost you describe.

Edit: don't actually own an LED array yet, though I'm building one shortly for a 10g AIO nano. I've been immersing myself in the technical aspects of the technology for the past few weeks to try to build the best possible array. Looks like I'll definitely have to incorporate a 420 nm or two.

My UV LEDs are not violet. they are 403nm and contain light between 380nm and 420nm. I know the difference between UV and violet.

 

[gbru316]

My UV LEDs are not violet. they are 403nm and contain light between 380nm and 420nm. I know the difference between UV and violet.

Sorry if I offended you, wasn't my intent. Ive seen a lot of misinformation out there in regards to LED's. What type of emitter is the strip using? I'd like to check out the data sheet.

Since you suspect the added 420 nm as the reason for the added color, do you think a dedicated 420 nm emitter would be more beneficial than a UV emitter?

 

[JDK]

I dont think T5s give off any UV light at all. They work well for people.

 

[lucky_snapper]

I have been experimenting with the UV LED's that rapid is selling right now. 3 watt @ 410nm and they are amazingly bright and bring out the greatest florescence in my corals. The brains and most of the LPS glow under the lighting. I have 7 uv LEDs running @ 700ma and it makes my 210 glow in a deep violet.

 

[Woja222]

So which LEDs would be better to run a few of? 400nm-410nm or 418nm-420nm? I can find both in 3w LEDs from different sources...

 

[Woja222]

Or I've also found uv LEDs that have a maximum wavelength of 398nm...
So which way is best to go? 398nm, 400-410nm, or 418-420nm?

 

[Woja222]

Any more inputs?

 

[gbru316]

Any more inputs?

All the research I've found states that true UV (under 400 nm) can be detrimental to coral growth/color. So you'd probably be best staying above 400 nm.

Halides have UV shields for a reason. I don't think true UV is the "missing link" for good LED color.

 

[Woja222]

That being said, what would be better then? The 400-410nm, the 418-420nm, or no violet leds at all and just rely on the 450-455nm spectrum of the royal blues?

 

[gbru316]

That being said, what would be better then? The 400-410nm, the 418-420nm, or no violet leds at all and just rely on the 450-455nm spectrum of the royal blues?

It has been said that violet helps with coloration. However, I'm not really sure which violet wavelength is best, as I have no firsthand experience.

 

[mike_dani]

I use the violet LEDs at 420nm and live the purple color and love pop they add. I have a 300 gallon mixed reef with 240 LEDs 24 violets, 24 greens, the rest are royal blue, blue, cool white and neutral white.

Here is the violets only

Greens only

Full tank shot

 

[rtparty]

Sorry if I offended you, wasn't my intent. Ive seen a lot of misinformation out there in regards to LED's. What type of emitter is the strip using? I'd like to check out the data sheet.

Since you suspect the added 420 nm as the reason for the added color, do you think a dedicated 420 nm emitter would be more beneficial than a UV emitter?

You didn't offend me. my first post was short because I am on my phone and it sucks typing messages on here. My old phone had no problems but my new one doesnt like it.

I think light in the 417nm area is needed most. I have a nice chart showing the needed light but it is on my computer.

 

[gbru316]

You didn't offend me. my first post was short because I am on my phone and it sucks typing messages on here. My old phone had no problems but my new one doesnt like it.

I think light in the 417nm area is needed most. I have a nice chart showing the needed light but it is on my computer.

No worries, I'm on my phone as well

Would you mind uploading that chart when you get a chance?

 

[Woja222]

So the 418-420nm would be more beneficial and safer than the 400-410nm?
My setup is currently 65 450-455nm royal blues, 130 20000k whites, and 12 pink leds. More than likely going to add 12 violets to go on the same light cycle/driver as the pinks.

You didn't offend me. my first post was short because I am on my phone and it sucks typing messages on here. My old phone had no problems but my new one doesnt like it.

I think light in the 417nm area is needed most. I have a nice chart showing the needed light but it is on my computer.