Too many LED's for moon lighting???

zum14 · #1 03-07-2010, 06:25 AM

Hello, so i have a setup that has 8 LED's for moon lighting and im just wondering if thats maybe too much light for nightime? Its a 46 Gal tank, i just dont want to stress everyone out with it not getting dark enough. I dunno i was thinking maybe 6? I do like to watch my tank at night alot so i was hoping more then 2 would be ok. Thanks.

Stones · #2 03-07-2010, 12:50 PM

I don't think 8 LEDs is too many unless they are the big 3+ watt style ones. My old moonlight had about 36 wide angle blue LED's (over a 48" tank) and it just gave the tank that nice dim blue shimmer at night.

banditpowdercoat · #3 03-07-2010, 02:57 PM

I can probibally build you a dimmer for your LED's if you need?

zum14 · #4 03-07-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

I can probibally build you a dimmer for your LED's if you need?

ill do some resistance checks on them cause they are pretty bright, they may be the 3w. I never thought about a dimmer thats a great idea! these ones are just 12V so thatd be easy, Thanks a lot!

banditpowdercoat · #5 03-07-2010, 04:59 PM

Best way to find power of LED's is current draw. LED's don't measure like regular resistive devices do some times. Voltage/current=resistance

And a slight little modification of my Fan Speed controls would enable them to be used as a 12VDC 20W+ dimmer

zum14 · #6 03-08-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

Best way to find power of LED's is current draw. LED's don't measure like regular resistive devices do some times. Voltage/current=resistance

And a slight little modification of my Fan Speed controls would enable them to be used as a 12VDC 20W+ dimmer

really? Hmm... ive never ran into that problem yet at work but will definitly remember it next time im scratching my head over a problem. Thanks again. So now im just thinking here but doesnt that dimmer vary the voltage to the source? The reason i ask is that the power source im using i can easily switch to 9vdc or 7.5vdc down to 3.5vdc. So just thinking but if too bright, drop it down to 9V? What do ya think? or am i missing somthing again??? Thanks for the help.