Which LED fixture to get?

[snakeblitz33]

So, I have a 20g high tank that I would like to get an LED fixture for. I was dead set on power compacts until Gemmy started me thinking about LED technology.
So, what is better Par 38 bulbs or an actual fixture like this: Marineland Reef Capable LED Light 18"-24"
What would your LED lighting suggestion be for an average mixed reef tank?

 

[snakeblitz33]

https://www.saltwaterfish.com/Marineland-Reef-Capable-LED-Light-18quot-24quot_p_5065.html is a link to that marineland 24" LED fixture...

 

[snakeblitz33]

Can someone recommend a Par 38 bulb if I were to go that route?

 

[1guydude]

ecoexotics! Theyre par 38bulbs are powered by 3w crees and give a spotlight effect...so it penetrates and would be perfect for ur 20tall! U may need to set em high because the optics are only 30deg....i have two over my 20L and prob gonna get another!
Also i like the orpheks! I have had or seen one yet but they look promising....i think u can choose the optics on those ones!

 

[snakeblitz33]

I would like to get a couple of 60 degrees... not 30s... I don't want to set them really high over the tank.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Ecoexotics are like $115 each.... I found another supplier that sells somewhat the same thing in 60 degrees for nearly half the price... I don't think that they are crees though. If I buy two 12 watt PAR 38 bulbs will that be ok? I'm lost when it comes to this LED lighting thing. Any other brands worth note?

 

[acrylic51]

Check out Evil's over at nanotuners.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Correction - the ecoexotics and Evils both use CRE LED's and they both have a 40 degree angle of light. Except for the fact that Evils are 27$ cheaper. lol.
So, would this mean that I would have to get rid of my canopy if I wanted this lighting system... or would I just be better off going for the way I know which is CFL/ T5HO etc. etc.

 

[gemmy]

I say go with LED's.

Try something new.

 

[2quills]

Rapid also sells par bulbs with optional 60 or 80 degree lenses. http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-141/%28New%29-7-LED-PAR38/Detail

 

[snakeblitz33]

Wow 2Quills. Me likey. lol! I think I'm going to go with your suggestion.
Question 2: will two of these work for a 20g mixed reef tank?

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///forum/thread/387158/which-led-fixture-to-get#post_3404323
Wow 2Quills. Me likey. lol! I think I'm going to go with your suggestion.
Question 2: will two of these work for a 20g mixed reef tank?
Yeah as long as you go with 60 or 80 degree optics then two should cover a 20g pretty well without having to mount them very high. I think those Rapid bulbs are like a 12,000k look. But with the addition of the warm white they should really help bring out the reds, orange, and yellow colors in the tank as well. The typical royal blue and cool white mix is nice and brings out greens, purple and blue really good but lacks in the red/orange spectrum. Should also be a good bulb for growth. 3w leds over a 20g tank is going to give you more than enough par no matter what degree lenses you use.

 

[1guydude]

+1 on the rapids
lol i think im gonna order one of those evils to complete my set up....they resemble my ecoexotics!