Curious about LEDs
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37169
Printed Date: March 05 2026 at 5:08am
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Topic: Curious about LEDs
Posted By: Haley'sfish
Subject: Curious about LEDs
Date Posted: December 13 2009 at 4:17pm
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I was just curious about LED lighting. How does coral grow under it, does it support corals that require intense lighting? Thanks in advance!
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Replies:
Posted By: MrNewbie
Date Posted: December 13 2009 at 4:31pm
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I have performed experiments using 3 different families of leds and have found good success with growing everything, softies thru SPS. In fact my monti plate had better color and growth under my last LED panel than it did with 250W HQI
------------- Just a couple of glass boxes full of slimey things |
Posted By: Haley'sfish
Date Posted: December 14 2009 at 6:47pm
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Thats sweet, so possibly the only set back is the price tag? |
Posted By: MrNewbie
Date Posted: December 14 2009 at 11:10pm
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Right now initial cost is high but the lifespan and the lower energy use may be enough to offset the initial cost
------------- Just a couple of glass boxes full of slimey things |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: December 15 2009 at 8:46am
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There are people growing corals under leds. One of the big problems is that they don't penetrate deep tanks so most of the led lit tanks are quite shallow. But as for their ability to produce light and grow coral.... they can clearly do that.
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: bfessler
Date Posted: December 15 2009 at 9:59am
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I think LED's can penetrate a deep tank the problem is that when the optics focus the light tight enough it creates a very small spot effect. The effect is more obvious the higher you get in the tank as the beam narrows. In order for the light to be evenly distributed you would have to place a lot of the High Power LED's very closely spaced. This causes problems with excess heat and cost.
I think they are becoming more popular in Nano tanks that aren't to deep and are more square in shape. Nanotuners sells a retrofit for Nano's up to 30 gallons for about $300 which isn't that much more than a MH lid or clip on fixture. JBJ just came out with their first LED Nano system complete with Tank, Stand and Lighting for around $700 so they're becoming increasingly available and more affordable. ------------- Burt An equal opportunity reefer, I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping. [email protected] |
Posted By: Ryan Thompson
Date Posted: December 15 2009 at 12:16pm
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Just a quick observation, How many tanks out there really are that deep? I would say the average tank is between 18" to 24" from top to bottom. Rarely are tanks deeper than 30". LED's can penetrate up to 36" without too much of a problem. I talked to Ike all about that issue at the Reef Fest. LED's are the future of this hobby and the future of all lighting. They are now starting to build homes with all LED lighting. Think about that cost! But also think of how low your electricity bill will be and you will never have to replace a light bulb. You could even change the color of the light to set the mood for you and that special someone.  The only issue I have seen with LED lights is the colors of the corals, especially SPS, seem to suffer. I have LED's over my pico growing mushrooms and zoos. The colors blew me away to begin with but have slowly declined. The one thing that is hard with LED's is to get the full spectrum of lighting. I would like to see some of these companies throw in a row of pink, to help pick up reds a little better. IMO the best lighting option is mix T5 and LED. Low electricity, GREAT colors, personalized look, low heat and best of all...low mercury! The one drawback is that you need to find a way to keep the LED's insulated from the heat. ANY heat will kills an LED's output. Just my 2 cents.
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Posted By: jdskidawg
Date Posted: December 16 2009 at 12:00pm
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there is aTON of LED info here in the lighting forum http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/ - http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/ ------------- 150 in the works 8g Biocube,minijet 606,par38 led and Intank media tower,koralia nano |