Par 38 LED spotlights

goodtimes · 11/25/2009, 11:23 AM

I came across these Par 38 LED spotlights on Nanotuners. They look great and are priced well considering they are suppose to last 4 to 6 years and use hardly any electricity. I emailed them and it sounds like I can use a couple of them for primary lighting on a 24"x16"x12" tank. What do you think of them.

KafudaFish · 11/25/2009, 11:46 AM

I have looked at them too for a project that is in the back of my mind. They are in the process of changing the optics to give a wider coverage (fewer bulbs) and not have to hang the lights so high. If you could light your tank with a pair then you are talking the price of a 250 kit with only 42 watts of electricity.

Please post their answer.

goodtimes · 11/25/2009, 12:42 PM

This is the response I got from Nanotuners...

The PAR 38 lamp can handle any corals you want, but it really depends more on how many you run for a given system and how close to the water the light(s) is. You could use one or more as primary or supplemental lighting. It’s really up to you. Under standard operating conditions, the LEDs should last 4-6 years depending on how many hours the lamp is run. The warranty on the lamp is 6 months. Yes, the lamp provides the same shimmer as HQI lighting. The two primary configurations are 12k (3 white/2 blue) and 20k (3 blue/2 white). Yes, all five LEDs are in one lamp. It uses a standard e26 socket, which means that any fixture out there that you can screw a standard light bulb into will work.

So I am still not convinced 100%. I asked for some pics from them of tanks lit with these.

goodtimes · 11/25/2009, 12:44 PM

My biggest concern is coverage, I guess I can wait unitil the new ones are out. I wonder what the price difference might be.

goodtimes · 11/26/2009, 08:36 AM

Just want to bring this back to the top to try and get some input. I am really close to ordering but would like some input. I know on some other threads people were excited about japenese spotlights so I thought they may like these.

kmu · 11/26/2009, 09:51 AM

Im gonna follow this thread up close since those par38 lamps are made by Evilc66 who is known to be the LED guru on nano-reefs.

Gonna wait for the new optics mentioned and might order one...

kc350twin · 11/26/2009, 12:52 PM

It would be nice to have a scale that would show the coverage of a single lamp at a set height. I am looking closely at these as well. I have a 24x24x16 and I was thinking 4 of them about 10" above the water.

Keiki Moana · 12/02/2009, 01:52 PM

goodtimes: evil has a long thread at nanoreef on LEDS...its really good (but long)

kmu · 12/02/2009, 06:29 PM

Awsome... I will definitelly get at least one in the future...

rick88 · 12/02/2009, 06:42 PM

so can these do more than suplement sps? i would love to run only LEDs but have yet to be convinced. it took my a while to trust the t5s to haha

RaKe · 12/02/2009, 06:50 PM

I think this is awesome, when I set up a nano, I will definitely be looking into these.

gotfrogs · 12/02/2009, 07:48 PM

I am considering using these on a track light to replace a dual 150w DE MH setup on a gallon rimless tank. How many of these would I need to more or less be equivalent to two 150 MHs?
I assume the LEDS would work with the HA120 track light head for sale here http://www.ledgrowlights.com/sales_retail.htm ?

Tang Salad · 12/02/2009, 08:53 PM

I just got one of these in the mail today. Thanks, EvilC.

This is the 20,000K Version (2W/3B). These pictures are to show the spread and intensity, not the color! (As others have noted before me, it's tricky to get cameras to capture the true colors of LEDs... it'll take some tweaking.) The actual color is a very crisp Blue-white.

This is a 24"x12"x16" deep 20g tank.
Here is the light 12" over the surface:

Here it's 6" over the surface:

The light is very bright, especially in the center. The shimmer is very strong and the color is great.

As it stands now, I'll probably redo my aquascaping to take more advantage of the spotlight effect.

Hamerhed · 12/02/2009, 09:07 PM

I have a 20g 24x12x16 tank also and like those lights but they seem very fucused in the pictures. Too focused really. IS that just from the effect of the camera or are they really that spotty?

What do you think about having 1 at either end of the tank but pointing at the opposite side? Would 2 be overkill on such a little tank?

Tang Salad · 12/03/2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamerhed

I have a 20g 24x12x16 tank also and like those lights but they seem very fucused in the pictures. Too focused really. IS that just from the effect of the camera or are they really that spotty?

What do you think about having 1 at either end of the tank but pointing at the opposite side? Would 2 be overkill on such a little tank?

In reality the transition from the brightest area to the dimmest is much more subtle. It's not quite as dramatic as the photos show, but it's still a spotlight. Don't forget though, it's designed, marketed and sold as a 'spotlight'.

I think 2 on a 20g would be excellent.

kmu · 12/03/2009, 09:37 AM

Those pictures are awsome, Im definitelly gonna wait for the newer optics to come out for a wider coverage...

Tang Salad · 12/03/2009, 09:43 AM

I'd like to know, maybe EvilC can answer, but can the optics be easily switched out?

kmu · 12/03/2009, 09:57 AM

Tang salad,

How do you think the coverage would be on a 12" cube?

gotfrogs · 12/03/2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tang Salad

I'd like to know, maybe EvilC can answer, but can the optics be easily switched out?

One of the reviews that I read said that they could be changed.

Gremraf · 12/03/2009, 05:32 PM

That is a very good looking light. I can see lots of applications, will have to keep it in mind for the future.

Creetin · 12/03/2009, 06:40 PM

Where can we purchase these?
So i want to light up say my tank at 6 ft by 3 ft how many would i need?
Thanks

gotfrogs · 12/03/2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creetin

Where can we purchase these?
So i want to light up say my tank at 6 ft by 3 ft how many would i need?
Thanks

You can buy them here: http://www.nanocustoms.com/product_i...roducts_id=213

Tang Salad · 12/03/2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmu

Tang salad,

How do you think the coverage would be on a 12" cube?

It would be beautiful. In fact, I can't imagine a better light for a 12" cube. And I've played with plenty of lights in my time.

Hamerhed · 12/03/2009, 09:09 PM

Tang Salad or Evilc66... How many degrees spread are the ones in those photos?

Tang Salad · 12/03/2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamerhed

Tang Salad or Evilc66... How many degrees spread are the ones in those photos?

I'm fairly certain these are 40°.

11/25/2009, 11:23 AM	#1
goodtimes Nothin but Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 506	Par 38 LED spotlights I came across these Par 38 LED spotlights on Nanotuners. They look great and are priced well considering they are suppose to last 4 to 6 years and use hardly any electricity. I emailed them and it sounds like I can use a couple of them for primary lighting on a 24"x16"x12" tank. What do you think of them.

11/26/2009, 12:52 PM	#7
kc350twin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Severn, MD Posts: 1,579	It would be nice to have a scale that would show the coverage of a single lamp at a set height. I am looking closely at these as well. I have a 24x24x16 and I was thinking 4 of them about 10" above the water. __________________ 112g Cube 36x36x20= Custom 12x39wPower Module (Par Monster)= Neptune Apex=ATB 840v2=BM Doser= 2 MP-40's

12/02/2009, 08:53 PM	#13
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	I just got one of these in the mail today. Thanks, EvilC. This is the 20,000K Version (2W/3B). These pictures are to show the spread and intensity, not the color! (As others have noted before me, it's tricky to get cameras to capture the true colors of LEDs... it'll take some tweaking.) The actual color is a very crisp Blue-white. This is a 24"x12"x16" deep 20g tank. Here is the light 12" over the surface: Here it's 6" over the surface: The light is very bright, especially in the center. The shimmer is very strong and the color is great. As it stands now, I'll probably redo my aquascaping to take more advantage of the spotlight effect. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

12/02/2009, 09:07 PM	#14
Hamerhed Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Great White North Posts: 66	I have a 20g 24x12x16 tank also and like those lights but they seem very fucused in the pictures. Too focused really. IS that just from the effect of the camera or are they really that spotty? What do you think about having 1 at either end of the tank but pointing at the opposite side? Would 2 be overkill on such a little tank? __________________ 20g tank, 20g sump/ref, coralife skimmer 30lbs LR, chaetos, 6 astrea 96w T5HO 2 clarkii clowns, 1 firefish, 1 blood shrimp red, blue and hairy mushrooms, frogspawn, Pumping Zenia, Blue Snowflake, Zoanthids, Hammer, ricordia, cocoa worm, blue ridge, Candy Cane, Green Acropora Never mind your tank let me see your sump Current Tank Info: Up since july 1 2009

12/03/2009, 09:43 AM	#17
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	I'd like to know, maybe EvilC can answer, but can the optics be easily switched out? __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

11/25/2009, 11:46 AM	#2
KafudaFish Cyprinius carpio Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,496	I have looked at them too for a project that is in the back of my mind. They are in the process of changing the optics to give a wider coverage (fewer bulbs) and not have to hang the lights so high. If you could light your tank with a pair then you are talking the price of a 250 kit with only 42 watts of electricity. Please post their answer.

11/25/2009, 12:42 PM	#3
goodtimes Nothin but Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 506	This is the response I got from Nanotuners... The PAR 38 lamp can handle any corals you want, but it really depends more on how many you run for a given system and how close to the water the light(s) is. You could use one or more as primary or supplemental lighting. It’s really up to you. Under standard operating conditions, the LEDs should last 4-6 years depending on how many hours the lamp is run. The warranty on the lamp is 6 months. Yes, the lamp provides the same shimmer as HQI lighting. The two primary configurations are 12k (3 white/2 blue) and 20k (3 blue/2 white). Yes, all five LEDs are in one lamp. It uses a standard e26 socket, which means that any fixture out there that you can screw a standard light bulb into will work. So I am still not convinced 100%. I asked for some pics from them of tanks lit with these.

11/25/2009, 12:44 PM	#4
goodtimes Nothin but Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 506	My biggest concern is coverage, I guess I can wait unitil the new ones are out. I wonder what the price difference might be.

11/26/2009, 08:36 AM	#5
goodtimes Nothin but Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 506	Just want to bring this back to the top to try and get some input. I am really close to ordering but would like some input. I know on some other threads people were excited about japenese spotlights so I thought they may like these.

11/26/2009, 09:51 AM	#6
kmu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In the DESERT Posts: 3,306	Im gonna follow this thread up close since those par38 lamps are made by Evilc66 who is known to be the LED guru on nano-reefs. Gonna wait for the new optics mentioned and might order one...

12/02/2009, 01:52 PM	#8
Keiki Moana Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 72	goodtimes: evil has a long thread at nanoreef on LEDS...its really good (but long)

12/02/2009, 06:29 PM	#9
kmu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In the DESERT Posts: 3,306	Awsome... I will definitelly get at least one in the future...

12/02/2009, 06:42 PM	#10
rick88 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: jax bch ,FL currently in Gainesville for a while Posts: 180	so can these do more than suplement sps? i would love to run only LEDs but have yet to be convinced. it took my a while to trust the t5s to haha

12/02/2009, 06:50 PM	#11
RaKe Moved On Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 61	I think this is awesome, when I set up a nano, I will definitely be looking into these.

12/02/2009, 07:48 PM	#12
gotfrogs Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dickinson, TX Posts: 1,215	I am considering using these on a track light to replace a dual 150w DE MH setup on a gallon rimless tank. How many of these would I need to more or less be equivalent to two 150 MHs? I assume the LEDS would work with the HA120 track light head for sale here http://www.ledgrowlights.com/sales_retail.htm ?

12/03/2009, 09:37 AM	#16
kmu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In the DESERT Posts: 3,306	Those pictures are awsome, Im definitelly gonna wait for the newer optics to come out for a wider coverage...

12/03/2009, 09:57 AM	#18
kmu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In the DESERT Posts: 3,306	Tang salad, How do you think the coverage would be on a 12" cube?

12/03/2009, 05:32 PM	#20
Gremraf Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 99	That is a very good looking light. I can see lots of applications, will have to keep it in mind for the future.

12/03/2009, 06:40 PM	#21
Creetin Limestone Cowboy. Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In a little place i like to call a little place. Posts: 4,552	Where can we purchase these? So i want to light up say my tank at 6 ft by 3 ft how many would i need? Thanks __________________ If only common sense was common. Current Tank Info: 300 gal marineland deep

12/03/2009, 09:09 PM	#24
Hamerhed Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Great White North Posts: 66	Tang Salad or Evilc66... How many degrees spread are the ones in those photos? __________________ 20g tank, 20g sump/ref, coralife skimmer 30lbs LR, chaetos, 6 astrea 96w T5HO 2 clarkii clowns, 1 firefish, 1 blood shrimp red, blue and hairy mushrooms, frogspawn, Pumping Zenia, Blue Snowflake, Zoanthids, Hammer, ricordia, cocoa worm, blue ridge, Candy Cane, Green Acropora Never mind your tank let me see your sump Current Tank Info: Up since july 1 2009