The only reason a comparison was given is because people like to reference existing technology to new ones currently coming out, it gives them a benchmark to see where it stands compared to what we know. However like mentioned in earlier posts 1 LED spotlight would never be able to replace a 250W MH in terms of coverage and still get the proper PAR value. Now with that said, i have to agree with you that the LEDs in the form of spotlights are not the best forum to light bigger tanks in, but anything up to 60-70 gallon range is still doable as long as the depth of the tank doesnt exceed 24". Evil66 himself uses i believe 4~5 bulbs over his 40g tank and he said hes been getting good results from them.
What makes me conclude that the PAR38 bulbs provide 15W of lighting is the fact that they are 3W LEDs x 5, the driver provides 700mA which takes roughly another 6W bringing the total up to 21W. (evil66 pointed this out as well in his own thread about the PAR38 spotlights) So from the very beginning there has always been 21W bulbs and never any 15W PAR38s. So if we were to test the wattage utilized by the 27W version of the O.C ICE CooL.E.D we would most likely see it pulling in the 33-35W range as it also utilizes a PAR38 driver.
Great points you guys are bring out! keep this discussion rolling.
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Eugene
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