LED conversion
- Thread starter nvmycj
- Start date
scsinet
Active Member
I'd be interested in this sort of thing too... I've been toying with the idea of an LED system for some time, but nobody ever seems to directly discuss how many LEDs are the "right" number. Obviously it depends on the factors already mentioned and then some, but I wish I could get some idea of how many LEDs, what colors, etc would replace a certain type of lamp, generally speaking. I get the feeling that most people more-or-less go with their gut...
Perhaps a discussion will erupt on this thread that addresses the question directly rather than it just being a fleeting comment on a build thread.
Perhaps a discussion will erupt on this thread that addresses the question directly rather than it just being a fleeting comment on a build thread.
al mc
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SCSInet http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374554
I'd be interested in this sort of thing too... I've been toying with the idea of an LED system for some time, but nobody ever seems to directly discuss how many LEDs are the "right" number. Obviously it depends on the factors already mentioned and then some, but I wish I could get some idea of how many LEDs, what colors, etc would replace a certain type of lamp, generally speaking. I get the feeling that most people more-or-less go with their gut...
Perhaps a discussion will erupt on this thread that addresses the question directly rather than it just being a fleeting comment on a build thread.
SCSI...have you been on the Aquaillumination website? I recall they have some interesting info on LEDs, Par value and depth of penetration and I do believe they compare them to MHs
Originally Posted by SCSInet http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374554
I'd be interested in this sort of thing too... I've been toying with the idea of an LED system for some time, but nobody ever seems to directly discuss how many LEDs are the "right" number. Obviously it depends on the factors already mentioned and then some, but I wish I could get some idea of how many LEDs, what colors, etc would replace a certain type of lamp, generally speaking. I get the feeling that most people more-or-less go with their gut...
Perhaps a discussion will erupt on this thread that addresses the question directly rather than it just being a fleeting comment on a build thread.
SCSI...have you been on the Aquaillumination website? I recall they have some interesting info on LEDs, Par value and depth of penetration and I do believe they compare them to MHs
2quills
Well-Known Member
I haven't seen anybody put together a conversion table as of yet. As mentioned though, there are so many different variables that come into play here that it isn't funny. LED wattage, amount of LED's used in a given fixture, output of the fixture/drivers, optics used...it can go on and on. Thankfully there has been enough research and trial and error done by now to get a pretty good idea of what you what need in order to keep what you would like to keep, but unfortunately you may have to do some searching to find others with a similar set up who are already having success.
The thing to keep in mind here is that not all LED fixtures being put out by the manufactueres being created as equal, just as any of the other types of lighting systems that we use over our reefs. The variables above as well as depth of the tank all come into play and what we know is that some corals require more light than others.
I believe the basic assortment of cool white and royal blue 3w leds work just fine. Alot of folks had trouble with corals losing color for a while there but I believe it was mostly because the whites that they were using were overpowering the corals. The only thing that I haven't really seen much definative proof on is the effects of what adding certain other colors has on over all growth and color.
For now, the safest bet in my mind would be to get or make yourself a LED fixture to where you can dim the outputs of your individual colors. That in conjunction with the right combination of optics or height above the tank can pretty much alow you to the color you are after while still being able to keep your corals alive and healthy.
The thing to keep in mind here is that not all LED fixtures being put out by the manufactueres being created as equal, just as any of the other types of lighting systems that we use over our reefs. The variables above as well as depth of the tank all come into play and what we know is that some corals require more light than others.
I believe the basic assortment of cool white and royal blue 3w leds work just fine. Alot of folks had trouble with corals losing color for a while there but I believe it was mostly because the whites that they were using were overpowering the corals. The only thing that I haven't really seen much definative proof on is the effects of what adding certain other colors has on over all growth and color.
For now, the safest bet in my mind would be to get or make yourself a LED fixture to where you can dim the outputs of your individual colors. That in conjunction with the right combination of optics or height above the tank can pretty much alow you to the color you are after while still being able to keep your corals alive and healthy.
nvmycj
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SCSInet http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374554
I'd be interested in this sort of thing too... I've been toying with the idea of an LED system for some time, but nobody ever seems to directly discuss how many LEDs are the "right" number. Obviously it depends on the factors already mentioned and then some, but I wish I could get some idea of how many LEDs, what colors, etc would replace a certain type of lamp, generally speaking. I get the feeling that most people more-or-less go with their gut...
Perhaps a discussion will erupt on this thread that addresses the question directly rather than it just being a fleeting comment on a build thread.
EXACTLY! There's no "10 LED's for an 10000k PC" equation. Nobody, in any LFS or blog, has told me the conversion.
Originally Posted by SCSInet http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374554
I'd be interested in this sort of thing too... I've been toying with the idea of an LED system for some time, but nobody ever seems to directly discuss how many LEDs are the "right" number. Obviously it depends on the factors already mentioned and then some, but I wish I could get some idea of how many LEDs, what colors, etc would replace a certain type of lamp, generally speaking. I get the feeling that most people more-or-less go with their gut...
Perhaps a discussion will erupt on this thread that addresses the question directly rather than it just being a fleeting comment on a build thread.
EXACTLY! There's no "10 LED's for an 10000k PC" equation. Nobody, in any LFS or blog, has told me the conversion.
nvmycj
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374745
I haven't seen anybody put together a conversion table as of yet. As mentioned though, there are so many different variables that come into play here that it isn't funny. LED wattage, amount of LED's used in a given fixture, output of the fixture/drivers, optics used...it can go on and on. Thankfully there has been enough research and trial and error done by now to get a pretty good idea of what you what need in order to keep what you would like to keep, but unfortunately you may have to do some searching to find others with a similar set up who are already having success.
The thing to keep in mind here is that not all LED fixtures being put out by the manufactueres being created as equal, just as any of the other types of lighting systems that we use over our reefs. The variables above as well as depth of the tank all come into play and what we know is that some corals require more light than others.
I believe the basic assortment of cool white and royal blue 3w leds work just fine. Alot of folks had trouble with corals losing color for a while there but I believe it was mostly because the whites that they were using were overpowering the corals. The only thing that I haven't really seen much definative proof on is the effects of what adding certain other colors has on over all growth and color.
For now, the safest bet in my mind would be to get or make yourself a LED fixture to where you can dim the outputs of your individual colors. That in conjunction with the right combination of optics or height above the tank can pretty much alow you to the color you are after while still being able to keep your corals alive and healthy.
Okkkkkk..... So here's my scenario... 29g BioCube. I'd like to have soft corals, and maybe some hard corals. I want my tank to GLISSEN & SHIMMER! Day by day,...it'll get there. But I also want to provide good lighting to my creatures. I just can't get a straight answer from anyone.
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374745
I haven't seen anybody put together a conversion table as of yet. As mentioned though, there are so many different variables that come into play here that it isn't funny. LED wattage, amount of LED's used in a given fixture, output of the fixture/drivers, optics used...it can go on and on. Thankfully there has been enough research and trial and error done by now to get a pretty good idea of what you what need in order to keep what you would like to keep, but unfortunately you may have to do some searching to find others with a similar set up who are already having success.
The thing to keep in mind here is that not all LED fixtures being put out by the manufactueres being created as equal, just as any of the other types of lighting systems that we use over our reefs. The variables above as well as depth of the tank all come into play and what we know is that some corals require more light than others.
I believe the basic assortment of cool white and royal blue 3w leds work just fine. Alot of folks had trouble with corals losing color for a while there but I believe it was mostly because the whites that they were using were overpowering the corals. The only thing that I haven't really seen much definative proof on is the effects of what adding certain other colors has on over all growth and color.
For now, the safest bet in my mind would be to get or make yourself a LED fixture to where you can dim the outputs of your individual colors. That in conjunction with the right combination of optics or height above the tank can pretty much alow you to the color you are after while still being able to keep your corals alive and healthy.
Okkkkkk..... So here's my scenario... 29g BioCube. I'd like to have soft corals, and maybe some hard corals. I want my tank to GLISSEN & SHIMMER! Day by day,...it'll get there. But I also want to provide good lighting to my creatures. I just can't get a straight answer from anyone.
spanko
Active Member
Some of the best information from a poster named Evilc66 here. He is the driving force for LED's at nanotuners.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=186982
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=186982
nvmycj
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374824
Some of the best information from a poster named Evilc66 here. He is the driving force for LED's at nanotuners.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=186982
that guys knows his LED's!
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/384988/led-conversion#post_3374824
Some of the best information from a poster named Evilc66 here. He is the driving force for LED's at nanotuners.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=186982
that guys knows his LED's!
spanko
Active Member
Clive is the source for all things LED. He lives not too far from me and is a great source of information on lighting in general. He actually made my Actinic LED upgrade for when I was running a Sunpod MH lamp and what a thing of beauty it was. 6 Cree royal blues in two banks of three each. They were great.