Quick LED light question

schmuck11 · 03/05/2010, 10:27 AM

Im sure there is a formula or the answer somewhere to the question I am about to ask. Perhaps Ive skipped over or something and not realized it. How many watts though do you need compare to other lighting sources? I thought I read somewhere that less watts were need compare to others. If anyone could just give me a general number, that would be wonderful!

swjim · 03/05/2010, 12:44 PM

I'm still researching a DIY LED build but if I'm understanding your question correctly I believe that your answer will depend on which LEDs you choose to go with, how much current you choose to drive them with, the spacing between LEDs, the height they will be placed over the aquarium and the optics (if any) you choose to use.

Mustang Boy · 03/06/2010, 10:41 PM

yes like swjim mentioned there are way too many variables for there to be a set wattage comparison. a very tight array with 40 degree optics run at 1000mA mounted close to a shallow(12in tall) tank will have enough PAR to bleach any coral there is whereas the same tank with a slightly more spread out array with no optics run at say 700mA will be able to grow any coral you want. so you see what im saying it all depends on what pieces you put together and where you mount them to what they will equal in other types of lighting

03/05/2010, 10:27 AM	#1
schmuck11 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 12	Quick LED light question Im sure there is a formula or the answer somewhere to the question I am about to ask. Perhaps Ive skipped over or something and not realized it. How many watts though do you need compare to other lighting sources? I thought I read somewhere that less watts were need compare to others. If anyone could just give me a general number, that would be wonderful!

03/05/2010, 12:44 PM	#2
swjim Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boerne, TX Posts: 884	I'm still researching a DIY LED build but if I'm understanding your question correctly I believe that your answer will depend on which LEDs you choose to go with, how much current you choose to drive them with, the spacing between LEDs, the height they will be placed over the aquarium and the optics (if any) you choose to use.

03/06/2010, 10:41 PM	#3
Mustang Boy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 1,088	yes like swjim mentioned there are way too many variables for there to be a set wattage comparison. a very tight array with 40 degree optics run at 1000mA mounted close to a shallow(12in tall) tank will have enough PAR to bleach any coral there is whereas the same tank with a slightly more spread out array with no optics run at say 700mA will be able to grow any coral you want. so you see what im saying it all depends on what pieces you put together and where you mount them to what they will equal in other types of lighting