LED light help

[Metrontech]

Hoping to get some insight...hoping I didn't make a stupid purchase

I purchased an ELive track system today

http://elivepet.com/fish/lighting/le...le-track-light (48" version)


It comes with 8 White & 2 Blue LED PODs which have the following output/draw:

Cool White 10,000K White 80 lumens 1W

Lunar Blue 445 nm Blue 475 mcd 1W

I added 4 more Lunar Blue, so I have 14 total

When I turned it on and observed my tank it was a lot less "bright" than my 2 T5 10K I was running

I know "brightness" has nothing to do with the PAR etc. but I am wondering if I have enough light or PAR (still learning) to maintain my softies?

I have a few leathers, kenya tree and GSP

I appreciate any input, and help!

[e46er]

Most led fixtures run 3 watt LEDs and covers a couple feet so 14 1w led over 4 feet? I'd guess yes its underpowered

How deep is your tank?
Also the link doesn't work for me

[monocus]

ok for fish only.i would use a min of 3 watt leds

[Metrontech]

So it would be 56 LEDS at 1W as there are 4 LEDs per pod

I wonder why they told me this would work for simple coral

The tank is 21" deep

How does the rating work for LED vs T5 etc.

I know they say 3W per gallon or something like that, but LED is a totally differing light

[e46er]

Ah I read it wrong. My bad.

[Metrontech]

No worries, I am more interested to know if this will be enough?

I am confused with all the information out there in regards to lighting

I know the 3W per gallon rule...but LED is different...right?

So with the 8 - 10K - 80 lumen white and 6 blue will that be enough for my coral?

Or will I need more?

Thanks again

Originally Posted by e46er

Ah I read it wrong. My bad.

[reefwars]

Fwiw I doubt your getting more light than your 2 t5s were giving you, 1w LEDs are not all that strong and then 21" of water depth is the killer. No reason you can't supplement with other led strips or add more LEDs though if your of the creative kind , I should also note that just because you are doing softies don't mean less light is better you'd still want decent lighting

[JmeJReefer]

Go online and check out ppls bulb configurations. Some very interesting combos of t5's! And better Colors for bulbs these days! 6500k usually is a "plant bulb" and very yellowish. IMO, doesn't look good on reef tanks. North Americans seem to prefer the bluer spectrum for reefing....
Good luck

[Metrontech]

Ocean Creation calgary was amazing to deal with here in Calgary

Just a wealth of knowledge and great customer service

So I have a 6 bulb T5 HO hanging over my tank now

1 - 10k daylight 54W
1 - Actinic blue 54W
1 - Purple 54W
1- Actuablue special 54W

2 - Pro light grow T5 54W 865 HO (white) 6500k

Should I even use the last 2? I know they may cause algae but will it help with coral?

Mike

Originally Posted by JmeJReefer

Go online and check out ppls bulb configurations. Some very interesting combos of t5's! And better Colors for bulbs these days! 6500k usually is a "plant bulb" and very yellowish. IMO, doesn't look good on reef tanks. North Americans seem to prefer the bluer spectrum for reefing....
Good luck

[crimper]

Originally Posted by Metrontech

Ocean Creation calgary was amazing to deal with here in Calgary

2 - Pro light grow T5 54W 865 HO (white) 6500k

Should I even use the last 2? I know they may cause algae but will it help with coral?

Mike

Don't even bother, first it is too yellow.... second, algae love that spectrum. If you want whitish light, go with a 10K.

But if I were you I will throw in a couple of ATI Blue Plus and Coral Plus in there. There are lots of people having good coral coloration on this two types of bulb combo alone esp SPSs. There rest is much for color taste.

Google Best 6 T5 Bulb Combo, and check how their coral response.

Good luck.