LED lighting for marine aquarium

Jeffrey2277

LED lighting I would like to discuss all the pros and cons of this device. I want to hear feedback from aquarists. Pros: 1. Compactness. 2. Beautiful backlighting. 3. Manageability. 4. Durability (????) 5. Energy saving. Cons: 1. Price. 2. Unrealistically toxic colors. 3. No reviews on long-term use over several years. Please add or correct the pros and cons.

Jason

multicolored reflections on the ground and rocks.

Teresa

Look at your photos in the thread. Or is it edited in Photoshop?

Melissa3200

Only contrast has been added from Photoshop, as I shoot in RAW, so there's not much to edit if the white balance is set correctly. In general, shooting under LEDs is quite challenging, similar to a bright sunny day when photographers hide their cameras.

Bryan1851

1600x520x90 - three MG + 4 T5. On the ice, it will of course be twice as thin.

Anne

Let's post photos for clarity.

Matthew

Then we need to compare it with regular lighting, and the photo level should be the same. How many people can do that? Let's start with the topic starter. Max, you have decent studio photography equipment. Maybe we need to introduce some criteria? Otherwise, it will turn into a mess.

Aaron6112

Here are some unedited photos (only cropped at the edges). They were taken with a point-and-shoot camera. It's daytime in the aquarium now. In reality, it looks completely different—the colors are richer and more accurate (for example, euphyllia is brown).

Cindy

and there won't be such a box on top of the aquarium

Alejandro

No, well, you can process the BB and add contrast, otherwise it gives the impression that everything in the aquarium is blue. It's early morning for me right now, so I can't shoot, but I'm preparing a video that will give a clearer idea; I have a stripped-down version of Photoshop and no video editor.

Joyce

I have T5+MG. So there's nothing to show. It's hard to say anything from the photos; it's impossible to see anything without Photoshop.

Omar3497

I just fixed the BB.

Michael5242

There's no need to say anything here (like in Bulgakov). If you use Photoshop, then an aquarium is not necessary. To take photographs, you need to "adjust" the light fixture. But that's if you're dealing with reproductions and other publishing.

John1464

So I'm getting at comparing LED light and MH+T5, and the fact that there's nothing to show is just misleading.

Luis3725

Thank you! That's how it is in real life. What a great power of art means. You can already make calendars. Thank you.

Meghan

I said this not to offend, but because taking a shot with real colors without any adjustments is practically impossible.

Brandy

No problem. The truth is more valuable.

Chad4168

Here are two shots, one without post-processing and the other adjusted. It's not that it's impossible to photograph; professionals can probably handle it well. The issue is that not everyone knows how to choose the right shooting modes, myself included, and the equipment we use is already outdated, meaning it can't convey the color palette under LED lighting. It would be interesting to see how it looks if shot with a film SLR, as digital is only getting closer to film.

Sheila

I'll also add my two cents in the form of two photos.... I'm posting the photos in my topic without any editing, as I don't know how to do it (professionally). This is what comes out without practice.

Yolanda

I would really like to hear feedback from those who have both LED and T5 lighting, for example. Under otherwise equal conditions (except for lighting), how do different organisms feel and grow? This refers to two aquariums (preferably in the same system), one with LED lighting and the other with T5. What will the results be? That's the question...

Angela7060

I brought up this topic because I agree that LEDs are the future; they offer savings in almost everything over time. This applies to electricity, lamp replacements, and the corals look beautiful. That's why I'm trying to figure out whether I should start installing them on my aquarium now or wait until their price and quality reach perfection. The other day, I was at a reef exhibition and looked at aquariums with LEDs and T5s. In one system, there were 12 aquariums. The LED fixtures used diodes from the company CREE. Look at the difference; I think you'll see it. Or guess which aquariums have LEDs and which have T5s. I took the photos with a compact camera, so they're not great, but you'll get the idea.

Brent5588

This can be explained in more detail.

Nancy

I am starting a similar project. I am waiting for the components for the algae reactor.

Kimberly

I have had it for about a month now, as there are no corals, just some chaetomorpha. Another advantage of the tank is that since the light is installed on the edge of the tank, there is no growth of algae, overflows, or other equipment.

Jacqueline6670

Using a month or six months is very little for conclusions. Moreover, most manufacturers have no idea what a marine aquarium is, and they create fixtures by guesswork, experimenting on us, hoping that maybe they'll get it right and the fixture will turn out to be what is needed.

Emily3144

No, I'm talking about Pacific Sun. I've been observing their work and the aquariums underneath them for two years. It was these two years of observation that led me to the lamp. And, of course, the positive feedback from those who are not trying to sell you something unnecessary and make money off it. Definitely, the lamp was purchased thoughtfully, not on a whim.

Tracy4603

I agree. For the same reason, I do it. It's difficult to focus light in the right area with a savings lamp. What diodes do you use for the growth of heteromorphs (color, temperature, power/lumens per area)?

Helen

Cree diodes, three red and seven white, S=350x500, the rest is a mystery to me. White - Cool White XTEAWT-00-0000-000000G53 - 4 pcs White (3000K) XTEAWT-00-0000-00000LBE7 - 3 pcs, red - Red XPERED-L1-0000-00301 - 3 pcs, manufacturer - Digi-Key/Cree

Bryan1851

Without waiting for a response, I will say what I have planned. The algae tank has a size of 25x12 cm. I want to use the HS-060-120 radiator (photo below). It has three XTE LEDs. The current is up to 750 mA (driver with adjustment). I haven't bothered with lenses yet. To protect the LEDs, I will glue a box with screws. I want to install one normal and two cool LEDs. What do you think?

Alexandra

I would add red for the Heta. p.s. But the discussion of the technical side should probably be in another thread.

Stacy6866

The red ones have a different voltage. They can't be connected in the same circuit with the white ones. But can two whites and one red be connected in parallel (with a resistor placed sequentially in each branch)?

Rodney7316

I really like T5 lamps, but it drives me crazy that they need to be changed at least once every 9 months. I'm very curious about how it is with LEDs in this regard. The first LED fixtures lost up to 30% in a year. What should be done about this? And when will I know that they need to be replaced, when the aquarium starts to decline?

Gary6376

Don't say that, my dear... If you don't use collimators on the LEDs, the light spread angle is about 120 degrees, which is quite significant in itself. By using collimators, people achieve the illumination of a particular object, as well as light loss outside the aquarium... So it's not all that straightforward...

Kendra2262

120 degrees are emitted from a single point.

Veronica

The number of diodes you are commenting on is not for the aquarium, but for the sump of this aquarium... And as for even lighting, there is nothing to say, it is just as it is! The light is absolutely even and uniform. I am naturally talking about my lamp.

Rodney3101

To clearly understand what I mean, turn on one group and look at the picture in the aquarium; about 30% will be in the shadow.

Troy8808

You are mistaken.

Lauren

I have 22 WBR stars on the aquarium with a length of 1250.

William5838

Well, what can I say, it's cool. But this is a branded lamp, and all the LEDs are almost next to each other. What will happen if there is a distance between them?

Brandon9634

Four months ago, I set up a frag tank with 3 white, 3 blue, and 3 royal blue LEDs. There are photos in my thread. In it, I had white and pink Ksenia, Gorgonia, Rodactis, Lobo, and Euphyllia. In the main aquarium, I use T5 lighting (Fauna Marin) plus a 14000K metal halide. As soon as the corals were moved to the frag tank, the next day I noticed they became fuller and brighter compared to the corals in the display. The growth of the soft corals was similar, but the Euphyllia grew noticeably faster. I will definitely switch to LEDs.

Tracey

I will say that LED is already the present day, all of Europe is switching to this lighting, and those manufacturers or suppliers who switch to this product earlier will benefit, while incandescent bulbs will probably soon no longer be produced due to the high cost of disposal. This is my opinion.

Jeremy

The thing is that there are "few" diodes there. When I first saw how it lights up, I thought there was a battery of diodes, but no... The homemade models place diodes all over the area, so it's even "cooler" there.

Cynthia

Show me some successful aquariums, preferably with SPS. Also, no one has mentioned the lifespan of these LEDs.

Chad9037

If we are to believe the company CREE, then 10 years...

Darrell7542

does not change anything radically each of the spectra is emitted from a total surface not exceeding one square centimeter, you shine on 7000 sq. cm

Kayla7655

It's clear that you are a supporter of LED! But those who have tried LED lights won't go back to traditional ones... P.S. It's time to start developing and launching LED fixtures into production... Traditional lamps will disappear very quickly, in a couple of years.

Wanda666

But can four red, eight green, etc. evenly cover the entire surface?????

Catherine6534

As I wrote above, I was surprised by the number of diodes!!! But practice shows that they can. You can even see it in the video, and it's even better in person.

Wendy

You are mistaken, I hate them, but I can't do without them for now. You are mistaken again, we are doing and developing.

Julie4738

This is right!!! Otherwise, we are feeding the Poles.....

Jeffery7866

Approach any physicist specializing in optics with this question, and they will vividly outline the harsh reality: the human eye is not capable of fully capturing the spectral traffic light at each illuminated point, unlike corals.

Antonio

I'm all for it! Make a proper LED lamp and I will gladly buy it! Right now, as they say, we are using what the market offers, and there are few alternatives. P.S. Your lamp on LL served me faithfully for a long time, I was very satisfied, your pen is still pushing foam as it should, etc. Make an LED and everyone will be happy. The only downside at the moment of the LED lamp is its price.

Tracy4603

I don't understand how to do this yet. Currently, all manufacturers of lighting fixtures are increasing the power of LEDs and reducing their quantity. In my opinion, we should do the opposite, but then the price will skyrocket.

Sheila1322

A correct thought. At least from my experience, it's better to have more LEDs - the overlap area is larger, the uniformity of lighting is better, and there's the possibility to operate the diodes in a gentle mode. It has also become fashionable to make assemblies. For example, if one LED fails, you replace the entire assembly.

Marie5348

Well, still, show me some successful aquariums, preferably with SPS. I have already looked at the aquariums on LEDs on Aifree. The result is still negative.

Amy5070

Good link. BUT! Apparently, a good LED is quite expensive... If we compare the economics, it turns out that an LED fixture compared to T5 will start to pay for itself in 5 years... But will the diodes last that long?

Mariah

One of the authors of the article suggests placing 14 fixtures per square meter. I have a question that no one is trying to answer: is it possible to illuminate such a complex surface as Acropora evenly from 14 points?????? In my opinion - NEVER. For this, the area of radiation should be close to the area of the aquarium (as it is with MH + T5, T5, and the sun), but LEDs do not provide that.

Sherri1320

For example, here is an amazing mixed reef, including SPS, and the owner has been using LEDs for quite some time, showing development from 2009 to 2012. Here is the growth over 6 months under LEDs: If you dig a little deeper, there have been quite a few decent SPS found under the LEDs.

Stephen

Where is the amazing rhyme in these links? This looks more like an advertisement for a lamp.

Jerry

It seems like you don't want to, but we are forcing you to buy an LED light. This is the beginning of the technology; if you manage to get on the last train, that's good, if not, you'll have to catch up, but you will come to this anyway.

David7773

To make a change, you need to know what to change to. I know it's cool and that's the future, but so far no one has convinced me. We are discussing all the pros and cons here. People say that Chinese lamps are great; I've tried them myself and can definitely say they're a rare piece of junk. I don't want to step on another rake, especially an expensive one.

Jessica8898

I completely agree, the topic takes on a slightly different angle. It all comes down to finding as many negative aspects of LED lighting as possible. This is evident from the number of thanks to those who criticize LEDs, saying the angle is wrong or that the longevity is unclear, and so on. I suggest we close the topic, otherwise it will turn into a banal squabble and measuring with a ruler.

Susan

I really want to invite myself over and see it in person; I also suggest that you join the Donetsk sailors who want to come visit me.

Christopher1252

Here is another interesting lighting option: PANDORA R2 (Hiperion 8 ch) 4x150w, 4x80w T5. The manufacturer combined LED and fluorescent lighting. P.S. Possibly specifically for those who do not believe in LED technology. Link:

Michelle9986

They don't ask me to come, they just arrive; I love cakes. What about you, who wants to come there? I passed by Alchevsk a couple of times, but snowdrifts wouldn't let me into the city.

Laura7633

Indeed, the price is quite steep.

Diana7891

The road is clear now, welcome.

Jacob4800

For example, I have already scheduled the audience in the spring, booked the hotel... (I have already sent a messenger to Crimea for a canister of cognac).

Robert1845

Similarly. And if I also solve the issue with cooling the aquarium...

Kimberly4253

If it is not possible to illuminate from 14 points (14x36=504 W of LEDs), then how can it be illuminated from 3 points (150x3=450 W of metal halide)? Considering the size of the metal halide lamp (without the spotlight), it is an EVEN MORE point-like source than the LED assembly. In the combination of metal halide + T5 fluorescent lamps, the basis is metal halide.

Kayla7655

Growth of the seritapora over two months. Received it in early December.

Matthew1280

If you use MH without a reflector, it will be exactly that, but I don't consider these options and don't understand why you are considering them. We only use them with reflectors, the minimum size of which is 25x30 cm, and this is not a point. MH and T5 complement each other, and the combinations can be different; there are models in which T5 can be considered the main one.

Zoe7451

add the area of T5 .... now calculate the area of the LEDs of each type and estimate the difference I have two 12x assemblies on supplemental light, when the main light (MH, T5) is turned off, there is an immediate desire to turn them off, whereas both MH and T5 turned on separately do not create such an unpleasant picture...

Gary6376

rather this is for those who have figured it out try adding T5 to the LEDs, you won't want to turn it off

John5528

Max set up a DIY project from Rea; I can't say much yet—I haven't seen the aquarium for a month and a half... And the parameters were fluctuating. But purely visually: I really like the light, and the softness was also impressive... The Acro was much fluffier than under MH... As for growth, I can't say yet—I will compare it with Montiporas and Zoanthids when I get back; I have them in the display under ice and in the sump, in the frag tank, under T5...

Christina9947

I have already written about durability; the company Cree provides a 10-year warranty on their LEDs, during which the "performance" of the diodes will not drop more than 30% (there's no reason to doubt this). Regarding savings, I previously had a 6 T5 54W fluorescent lamp, roughly 300W, and now the LED also consumes 300W. If I believe my wife (I don't get involved in these matters), the electricity bill has decreased by 50 UAH per month. I haven't changed anything in the apartment except for the light fixture.

Gene1948

admit it, you skipped physics classes??

Brenda

This is very controversial. To date, in terms of power consumption/light output ratio, high-pressure gas discharge lamps such as MH, HPS, and SON hold the first place and, unfortunately, will continue to do so for now. Regarding compactness, controllability of LEDs, and maintenance time - they are undoubtedly the leaders! However, the price is unjustifiably high.

Wendy2244

Warranty and post-warranty service is provided on-site, that is, in Lviv. This includes the replacement of all boards, power supplies, and firmware restoration. The only case where a malfunction of the LED occurs is when this work is carried out in Poland. I inquired about these details before purchasing my lamp. So this is not a problem at all. Plus, there is constant firmware updating, meaning ongoing software support. Soon, there should be a firmware update with the simulation of various weather conditions, such as cloudy skies, fog, thunderstorms with lightning, and so on. It will be interesting to see how it looks in the aquarium...

Brian6895

Believe me, writing some kind of untruth and praising super-duper LED light indicators makes no sense at all. To be honest, I don't care at all who and what illuminates their aquariums; I am absolutely not interested in the financial benefit from selling a particular light fixture, as I neither make nor sell them. Everything I write is based on my personal (albeit limited) experience with LED lighting. The difference of 50 UAH in light, mentioned by my wife this morning, I see no reason to doubt her, but I will check the receipts in the evening.

Brooke3987

I calculated the DNA assemblies considering that I would do it myself. It came out to $1200 for a 1.6 m aquarium. MH - 50-60 Lm/W T5 - 45-55 Lm/W LED (at nominal current) - 50-70 Lm/W. I didn't look at HPS or MH, as they are not for marine aquariums.

Joseph6461

Max, think about the DIY project, and you can combine the ice with the maximum amount... I have 1.6 meters - 340 watts, the price turned out to be much lower for the large batch...

David4089

and about 90 watts per liter? They exist too. I only trust the ammeter.

Andrew9246

Can you provide more details from this point? I'm curious about the types, quantity, and price.

Joseph2576

Here I am sitting and thinking, why? I will most likely not see all these beauties, as I observe the aquarium for at most two hours a day. The corals we keep don't care about this, as they are mostly artificially grown already in our aquariums. At one point, I tried to turn on the lights separately, but for the last couple of years, I just gave up and turned them all on at once. I didn't notice any difference for the animals...

Angela6489

This is more of an option than a necessity, but a nice option. With your approach to lighting, the corals simply have no chance; they should grow.

Jason9385

Yes, it has grown. I will be launching a new SPS in a month, so we will check it once again... ICE is great, but not now and not for that money. In a couple of years, all of this will cost several times less, and then we will see. You have to be very wealthy to install lighting for 1500 bucks (while saving 50). It's like one of my friends bragging that he is very happy with his new car; it consumes not 23 liters of fuel but 18. However, he paid an additional 30 thousand dollars for the new one.

Randall7906

You know, I ordered an LED light fixture here on the forum - in my opinion, all the living creatures look much more beautiful and vibrant than with T5 lamps. But there are three caveats: 1) I'm still a newbie 2) I only had two T5 lamps before - one white and one blue 3) I only have three rodactis, one tubastrea, two colonies of zoanthids, a small euphyllia, a small blastomussa, and three or four discoactinia But the contrast (visual) when turning on the LED light was striking. I will observe the behavior of the living creatures and report back. But for now, for the first three days, everything is open and shining with colors.

Tasha

Don't be offended. The first advertising words in any LED manufacturer's brochure are savings and durability. While we can calculate the first, we can only take the second on faith for now, as the product is new. And if these parameters are of little concern to us (I have the same life principle as you, but I still make large purchases thoughtfully), for other forum members, these two parameters are quite important.

Lindsay

There are, but in marine aquariums they are not used, unless someone has a thin one or more.

Andrew4194

The same phenomenon happens at my home. It's like a UFO. In the freshwater tank, there were 150MG + 2x24 LL. In the evening, I was walking home from work and saw a full illumination in the window of my room. Now the LED light fixture consumes 60-70 watts. The feature of LEDs is that they shine where you need them to (with the correct selection of lenses and placement of LEDs on the heatsink).

Laura3615

But who prevents us from making a lamp for T5 ourselves?

Stacey4437

I don't get it... well, okay, 2 lamps shine for 12 hours, 2 for 10, and 2 for 8. I calculated the light at 0.366 per kW (that's what I pay). My monthly total came out to 35.58 kopecks. Where's the savings of 50???

Jessica5016

Forum members! We are engaged in marine aquaristics, an incredibly expensive hobby! Of course, if done correctly! I don't even think about calculating how much my lights, pumps, and similar devices consume electricity in a month. I consider it a small price compared to the pleasure of seeing the underwater scene in my home. As for the LED light, even if it consumes five times more electricity compared to the traditional one, if the effect is better, let me think, YES, I am ready to accept that...

Aaron

I'm not talking about savings, but about mathematics. Accuracy is important in everything, especially in a damn expensive hobby. In LED lights, stability and longevity are of interest (and for businessmen with quotas, of course, energy savings) and the average annual investment compared to incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Lamps, no matter how you look at it, need to be replaced often (relative to LEDs). But without quality LEDs and a controller, there will be no durability or stability. Of course, many of us are not interested in the aspect of savings in principle. We don't go on deep-sea fishing trips abroad just to eat fish. But not everyone.

Christopher4125

You either don't understand the technical side of the issue or I don't understand you. I use lights both with and without a controller, and I assembled them myself. I don't care about the controller for the diodes; they can be controlled or not. The main thing is not to use them at maximum power. Without a controller, they can be connected to 0.35A, and they will last longer than with a current of 0.7A or 1A, which is what I was trying to say in my post.

William5838

What difference does it make who uses what? The main thing is the result! I remember five years ago there was a heated debate about whether T5 or MH was better. The opponents of T5 shouted that it was all nonsense, that there were no pretty "bunnies," and so on and so forth... And now everything is quiet and calm. Those who can use LED, thank God! We will happily watch how everything develops. Meanwhile, the others will continue to use what they have and think about whether to change their lighting or not.

Alexander

I may not understand. Why bring 1A down to 0.35? You need to install many more diodes, which will be more expensive than using a controller. That's one. Moreover, the light is uniform. That's two. And how can you play with the light if you guessed wrong with the power or spectrum? Desolder one and solder on another??? That's three. Please explain. I observe the aquarium in the office across from my desk all day. The LEDs of different spectrums are dimmed to 4 channels. (9 programs alternate with each other). Throughout the day, I see my corals always looking different because of this. There is no question of acclimatization at all. Every time feels like the first grade!

Charles

here's a link from my topic for the price - better in private messages

Ryan

I absolutely and unequivocally support these words! As for me, this topic should be concluded here, as there is currently no substantial evidence that LED light is better than LLL; not enough time has passed. Otherwise, we will really start to break spears, and as someone said, we will start measuring with rulers... This will not end well, and the moderators will start putting people in the corner...

Ashley5975

Yes, there seems to be no debate about whether MH or LED is better. We are already discussing the LED fixtures. Is that the topic? We mention MH and T5 for comparison. Many have already made their choice. Others are interested. So everything is fine.

Tanner

Correctly, manufacturers simply indicate the maximum allowable current and the current with maximum efficiency; for example, for HML, it is 3A and 0.7A, respectively. How to select the luminaire is up to the manufacturer; both options are correct. The difference is in price. For dimming, not only a controller is needed but also special drivers; regular ones will not work. Moreover, the controller and drivers must be compatible with each other (same control).

James4342

The controller does not reduce costs, it only increases them, and "lighting" LEDs should be done with the nominal current, both with and without the controller. The controller is for smooth/gradual ignition and fading, simulating dawn and dusk; there will be no significant difference in the number of LEDs. ... Max, you have a bunch of cans and corals, it would be easier for you to take the same DIY solution for a small aquarium and see for yourself "whether you should switch to LEDs or not." ... T5 + LEDs - I didn't like it; with approximately the same power, the LEDs drown out the lamps, and after a month, I rewired everything to LEDs.

Lindsay

It's just words.

Joseph2576

Guys, this is probably the only thread in the maritime section where after 124 posts no one has resorted to personal attacks. Congratulations to everyone on that. Max, thank you for the relevant topic.

Kenneth7210

A primitive controller is a three-socket timer; the number of LEDs depends heavily on it.

Rodney7316

I do not consider LED lights without a controller at all (the best part is lost). A light with a controller cannot be made cheaper (the controller itself is more expensive than the driver). For example, XMLAWT-00-0000-0000U2051 Cool White 8300 K U2: at a current of 750 mA, it gives 300 lumens, and at 2A - 742 lumens, respectively, which is 2.5 times more light. At 2.7A, the energy consumption is almost linearly dependent, and further performance deteriorates, so it is optimal to power the LED at 2A and calculate the quantity and cooling from there. The same applies to other LEDs.

Jeffery7866

What to say now? It's time to go to bed! If the controller can be replaced with a timer...

Rodney3101

I agree here. As for the linear dependence mentioned above, I will think it over and calculate. I had an idea to add 1.5, but I was dissuaded.

Brian6895

A three-socket can be upgraded to an RGB controller, giving us 3 channels and a bunch of color sets, including smooth regulation. Check the LED specifications and decide for yourself; there are several pages of specifications for each normal one.

Daniel9952

Aha, and how much faster do the lamps burn out with dimming? Are we going to argue about the price of the electronic ballast with dimming function or..?

Brent5588

Exactly as much as the 10-year warranty on LEDs without loss of quality. About 1000. Together with a computer to control the entire lighting system, including cooling. We won't argue.

Dana6523

Yes, I am familiar with these datasheets. So what to decide? I already have LEDs everywhere. It all started with this and this: That's why it's said that when setting to 0.35A, it's cheaper to install a controller for a hundred bucks.

Richard

It's true, all the most beautiful corals I know in aquariums shine. The rest is debatable. Is the aquarium more beautiful or are the corals in better condition? It depends on what is more important to someone. I really like a living aquarium with little bunnies; it absolutely doesn't irritate me. What's wrong with the fact that the aquarium is a very beautiful living display?

Yvette209

If illumination is more important than the condition and appearance of the corals, then there is no doubt that LEDs are better...

Kayla7655

I completely forgot, LED lights penetrate a depth of 1 meter very well. I have personally made aquariums where mixed reefs and SPS (small-polyped corals) grow and are beautifully colored almost at the bottom. So the myth that aquariums with LEDs should not be deeper than 60 cm is complete nonsense.

Patricia

Well, that's right, we are here to discuss the topic of LED lights, which is a little-studied innovation in the world. I am personally glad that there are people who install good equipment and conduct experiments in their aquariums; progress does not stand still, and we need to try. The main thing is not to regress to the past.

Jeffrey6189

lumens

Brooke3987

This is what Pacific San considers the correct set of LEDs. The panel power is 150 watts; if more power is needed, I add another panel, and so on. There are 30 diodes, of which 6 are 10-watt. Half of the Pacific San diodes are not available for purchase, but there are analogs. Why reinvent the wheel! 30 diodes for a 150-watt light will cost around 1000. The controller, well, that depends on individual capabilities.

Rachael

Cool... I'll try to take a picture of the aquarium with a homemade lamp.

Vincent

What is there to write? If you have an extra bag of money lying around, you can buy a Pacific, but if you don't have a bag, there's no point in spreading your fingers. Our people are unlikely to have that bag lying around. You really have to be crazy about the sea to allow yourself to buy it now. Maybe in a couple of years, this Pacific will cost five times less, and then we'll think about it. The aquarium is beautiful, the condition of the corals is a 5, but the colors are average, and it seems the light fixture isn't helping.

Sarah7284

The fact that the photographer is not very good, the colors in the photo are weak, in real life it's much better. People who can afford it bought 90% after the demonstration, and in five years there will be something new, so who needs the old one even if it's cheap.

Rachel9060

So what do you, I ask you, sir.

Melissa

You haven't revealed anything new to us about it; below on our forum, there are sellers and their threads. I believe that about 60% of registered users on our forum have marine aquariums. I only know two people who have Pacific; one is the seller of these lights and the other is his student.

Christopher7213

Also, the Pacific has 450 Watts..... and Plus, I think there are at least 5 people for whom our forum is not interesting....

Nicholas

AAAAaa... Now everything is clear, why homemade ones are bad, but FACTORY ones!!! are just right. Personally, I don't see the need for green, red, yellow, and some other colors. Right now, I'm using 4 spectrums. Before, I used 2. There was an opinion here on the forum a year ago that anemones under LEDs for a couple of months would be done for... Please welcome, a bottle from Zhenya. More precisely, his other half. It has been living under CREE LEDs for exactly 1 year and 2 months. In this aquarium, there is also the first, "raw" lamp with White Cool and Royal Blue diodes, on a controller. However, it is already starting to go to sleep.

Kimberly4253

But I know just as many people with aquariums without Pacific, and they truly deserve attention, it's just amazing. And you still haven't shown me a single really beautiful and successful aquarium under LEDs. Now we will measure with rulers.

Brian6895

In a couple of years, there will be a new lamp from Pacific that will cost five times more than today's price of Hyperion (of course, considering inflation), while today's lamp Super New will be worth exactly nothing, as a morally outdated model. Approximately yes!

Randy

Let's wait!

Hannah

If my aquarium is worth 3000 euros now, it will be 15000. Cool. For that kind of money, you could buy a small island in Indonesia. And the sun shines there for free.

Helen

Let's not measure ourselves with rulers! I have nothing to share with you... and no reason to. I have read your aquarium topic twice, sincerely bravo! And your montipora in the center of the tank still doesn't let me rest... Do you think that's why I bought the same one? Because it really looks beautiful in your tank, I want one just like it! There’s something to strive for! Regarding the ice: It's just that not much time has passed to show anything. Let's revisit this topic in a year... Although I'm almost sure you will be on the ice by then.

Maria

It will always be like this. I agree with Max, we can wait. I also want an Audi A5, but I can't afford it new from the dealership. I'm waiting for the next model to come out so that this one will drop in price. What can I do?? What if I want exactly that one??? For now, I've been driving a much cheaper car for several years and just waiting. Everything comes in time for those who know how to wait.

Ryan

We can exchange a Monti with a diameter of 60 cm for a stone weighing 25 kg, for a lamp. Only self-pickup.

Nicholas5194

I'm not Max; I fundamentally grow 80 centimeters from my 20 cm. I'm a resourceful guy; if needed, I'll set up a montipora and a shaman's lamp with a tambourine.

Danielle9144

Well, originally this aquarium was set up with T5 and metal halide. I agree on one thing: if you have money and no brains, you won't be able to create such a reef. Finding the balance between equipment and biology is difficult; it all comes with experience. Some people succeed on the first try, while others will struggle their whole lives. You have to try, and everything will work out; it's not just about the lighting. However, if the lighting is done incorrectly, it will also lead to problems.

Brent5588

So thoughts out loud... Renault is launching a car next year priced at 3000 euros... It's not logical that one LED assembly costs as much as a good processor...

Shane

Is this its real color? I have about the same amount from the same seller (maybe even from the same batch and he shared it too) kept under Chinese PL lamps and it looks completely different; I'll try to take a photo in the evening if I can...

Lee425

Yes, but here is what Karen himself writes:

Steven

I feel the same way. Switching from LL to LEDs will change the balance, and it will need to be adjusted again. Personally, I will still switch to the assemblies from DNK. If you want, we can collaborate. I will make the light myself, but if I order everything necessary from Dima and the controller from Karen, the assembly itself is quite simple. It's expensive, of course, but cheaper than Pacifica (not to offend anyone).

Michael826

Well, I can save up money for the lamp. It's harder with brains - they take longer to accumulate.

Michele9664

No problem, let's discuss it. Our hands are not tied, we can do it. I'm ready for the experiment.

Chelsea

Here is a fresh topic: a bourgeois aquarium of 1600 liters, under LEDs.

Danny

Well, more or less. I used a flash. Of course, it's not the same in person. These are LEDs, you can only shoot when there's maximum white light. And this is an evening shoot, even a filter doesn't help. I got not only this color from him. He had several shipments of actinides and colors during that short period - it was overwhelming, my eyes were wandering.

Collin

Well, probably this Prices in M.A. (marine aquarium) are better not to compare with anything, it can damage your psyche.

Alan273

In my opinion, she has been with all of us for a long time...

Robert5335

You must be joking. 96 watts for 300 liters, that's clearly ridiculous - it's three times less than required. And what were you planning to illuminate there?

Jacqueline6670

I confirm: 1. Taking photos is VERY difficult. I don't even understand why. 2. You need to be very careful with the translation of living creatures under the ice; you can easily burn them. 3. The biorhythms change colors: A fragment of brown polyps arrived, and after some time, it turned green and fluoresces beautifully. 4. I also have small frags for testing; the digitata grows not by days but by hours... P.S. By the way, your zoanthids are doing wonderfully under the ice and are simply amazing in their fluorescence.

Kimberly

I can't see any photos or videos on two of my computers.

Jeremy3637

It's clear that it's not much, but still! By the way, regarding help for beginners, I'll find the thread where I asked about the light; they told me that it would be enough for softness. But it wasn't enough for my eyes. And if I add two more of those lamps, it would fill the entire area! The video is being uploaded.

Carrie1606

That's how it should be. The lamp should occupy the entire area.

Jennifer5371

I don't want to engage in a debate, but if there's a choice between a 20 cm beam at the top or the entire area with the same effect, which would be better for aesthetics and maintenance (cleaning the windows...)?

Raven7170

With the right optics, you can use 30% fewer diodes and raise it significantly above the water, which looks stunning and is very convenient for getting in to swim. It's just a pity that the price of the optics almost negates its effectiveness, leaving only convenience.

Sarah5423

I was constrained by the budget, so I chose LEDs that are not the best in terms of light output (I wasn't willing to overpay by one and a half times for a few extra lumens). The same goes for the optics... I can install them over time, but I don't see the need. Also, I power them with a small current (750 mA), which can be increased to 1.5 A. I like it as it is, just need to remove the T5.

Samuel6138

a nice little lamp we are all constrained by budget and have to save optics and lamps on suspensions almost to the ceiling are only for large cans with a sufficiently large size and weight; in other cases, it's a pointless waste of money (although I plan to get something similar for myself)

Michelle9986

You can place optics and a lamp on the aquarium. What about weight and volume?

Destiny

to make it easier to climb, to service, and not to interfere why put a light fixture if you can hang it I already have the optics only for many reasons I haven't gotten around to making it although I've been planning for a year and a half who can suggest where to get purple diodes 400-440 nm and other spectra?

Janet5447

Are there any that would fit (not for me)? EDEV-SLC1-03 LED 3W, S series, 150 degrees, ultraviolet 400nm, 400mW, 4Vx0.7A Price is around 50 each. EDEV-1LS1 LED 1W, S series, 120 degrees, ultraviolet 400nm, 180mW, 3.4Vx0.35A Price is 41 each. If you're interested, message me privately.

Chad231

Is there anyone here who is engaged in the assembly of LED lights more or less professionally?

Monique1236

ray "" ?

James5103

A thought was born in my mind. Although I am not a supporter of LED lights, I still want to conduct an experiment. I have a cube at work measuring 30x30x30 cm, and I want to convert it into a marine setup mainly for keeping ricordeas. I ask those who understand the technical side to help. No matter how much I tried to figure it out, I still didn't understand where to put what. We will also analyze a practical example...

Diana3118

I installed a homemade LED lamp in the same cube over the weekend. The unpleasant detail is that I have a hanging filter that creates a lot of small waves on the surface. It's scary to look at the aquarium; there are constant bunnies jumping around. However, I really like the light in terms of spectrum and brightness.

Helen

Of course, one can do it oneself, but there isn't much desire... 1. In which case should all this be placed to be in accordance with feng shui? 2. How much will it cost in total? 3. What is the price difference with adjustments and without? Maybe I'm wrong, but if doing it oneself and without fanaticism, around 700?

Joseph8592

I got a lamp without a housing made of 6 LEDs (2 stars White-Blue-Royal Blue) and without adjustments for about 350. I soldered it myself. In general, the seller provides very good advice.

Julie4738

Where is that?

Joseph1346

It's not necessary to keep them in a loop; the main thing is that the conditions and animals are the same. It won't be budget-friendly for an enthusiast; this can be done at a breeding facility, but there's not much space at home. Also, T5 starts at 60 cm.

Jasmine

Off-topic. I ordered here where I indicated.

Alec9378

The thing is about NM and lumens, and visually - yes...

Joe

With the wavelengths, of course, it's a complete mess, there is no data (the manufacturer doesn't provide it, and it's impossible to buy the necessary spectrum), there's nothing to measure with. The lumens are also a complete mess; they can even be slightly reduced. Maybe for purposes where precise wavelengths are not important, it can be used, but the price comes up; without the wavelengths, it's significantly cheaper to provide in another way. I'll try to keep the starting aquarium running for a while and see.

Chad9037

Today I observed an aquarium under the ice... I concluded that I will only use it where T5 cannot be installed. It is uncomfortable for the eyes, there are a lot of "bunnies," and it feels like I was looking at electric welding...

Earl

Leading question, what about aquariums under MH? There are also bunnies and just as many reflections, right?

Stephanie9175

Hares between m and ice are different, and there are more of them than ice. But in any case, it all depends on the surface agitation of the water; the more waves on the water's surface, the more hares there are.

Jeffery

In a couple of days, the eyes get used to the hares.

Diana8604

Well, I'm not one of those who are fond of MG. MG has more highlights, I guess... I don't know how to describe it, but ice has more of them in quantity and they are smaller...

Kevin3579

I was in Kyiv with several aquarists, observed the condition of corals under LEDs, and concluded that I definitely won't be using them in the near future. Umbrellas, disco anemones, and acanthuriums are simply bleaching to white; if they affect soft corals like this, then SPS corals will have a really hard time.

Breanna9982

After the bottle of cognac was consumed with the aquarists, did color blindness not occur?

Ronald5720

We finished the cognac last time.

Jeffrey

Then the diagnosis is reliable...

Joshua448

Well, it depends on how you use it. I also burned a couple of corals, and some slowed their growth because I didn't notice in time that my settings were changed, increasing the power of some channels to 90%. At first, I also pushed some to 80%, but then I concluded that softies and LPS don't need that much, so now I've reduced the white and royal blue to a maximum of 60% during the brightest hours of the day, and everything is quite fine. There are plenty of mushrooms and soft corals under the ice, and nothing else is getting bleached.

Joshua9340

Yes!!! Homemade models rock! More diodes and to victories...

Caroline1599

The whole trick is to smoothly transition from any other surface to the ice. You can easily burn out even up to Carolina.

Holly

I saw how an acquaintance exposed the softness even of T5s by simply replacing all the old bulbs with new ones at once, so the rules are the same for any light.

Christopher8654

As I understand, the Pacific has a protection system that turns off the light when the corals scream "I'm burning." With a dimmer, you have to try really hard to burn it out, but without the algae flash... that's more complicated.

Amber6362

No....!!! Pacific has a special adaptation program for LED light. The program includes the maximum possible set of lamps, including combinations of MH and T5.... And the corals are not screaming but are happy!!!!

Bethany

If desired, "craftsmen" will burn it with adaptation, it no longer depends on "homemade or factory-made with adaptation."

Patricia1746

So I lead to the point that the basis of the LED lamp is the proper selection of LEDs, not just how many can fit in.

James5032

The correct selection of ice is a relative concept; for example, I won't put either red or green in my display. It's the same as saying that the T5 must be "charged" with specific lamps in a specific sequence and no other way.

Gary6376

Max, I would somewhat disagree... this is still not about the ice... I’m hearing about bleaching for the first time... it’s true that the umbrellas stretch the legs - that happens, but usually in the first month when the ice is working at a minimum, for the adaptation of the living creatures... I have both umbrellas and akana in a nice pleasant color... it’s not the peak color, as the parameters are somewhat unstable... especially KH. For clarity, the umbrellas are under the ice.

Dana6523

That's right! Don't put up the white and blue ones either... Who knows what will happen??? P.S. I won't try to convince anyone, it's a thankless task; we'll meet in six months when there will be facts in hand.

Christopher

I found an LED replacement for Osram fluorescent online. In my opinion, it will replace it wonderfully in terms of spectrum. But the price...

Heather2018

I am currently actively studying, as I have had an LED for three months... I can't say that I like everything, I'm trying different modes of intensity and spectrum, and for this, time is needed, plus the aquarium is still quite young and maturing... Here are a few more links: (By the way, this aquarium has a homemade LED light, only with white and royal colors, 60-degree optics, and channels without dimming set to 100%) Yes, in fact, there are indeed many LED aquariums abroad, and they started using them much earlier than we did, so if anyone is really interested in this topic - just Google it and you'll find...

Selena4467

I downloaded the photos from the links, and where are the colors? Here, the color is achieved only through the beautiful glow of the diodes, and there are so many dissatisfied people after installing LEDs. Go to Airif or whoever is closer to me, and see the real colors of the corals, not just their backlighting. The technology just hasn't advanced enough yet, unless we're talking about branded ones that cost as much as half a car.

Danielle9144

When it comes to photos, several points need to be considered: all photographers say that it is very difficult to convey the colors that are visible in real life under the ice. The second point is that when adding KZ, corals enhance their colors (in combination with all other parameters). It is important to remember that coral reefs do not have very bright colors.

Gregory

It is clear to the naked eye that the colors are brown, and the authors in the link mention this, so I am just stating the facts.

Tasha

So I said that light is just one of the factors affecting coral color... I think I mentioned a link above to a very bright aquarium with LEDs... And not new ones at that... You can also get brown corals with super-duper MH or T5 lighting... P.S. Personally, I can just see the poor color reproduction... I looked at my Hepatus - it has a more saturated color in real life...

Chad231

The same goes for me. Under MG+T5 it was paler, but now it has a very rich color. Holmon's stripes have become a bit more orange, whereas before they were just yellow.

Diana3118

Who better than you knows that any mega-bright aquarium needs to be professionally photographed, meaning with the appropriate level of camera equipment, not just a point-and-shoot + steady hands, which I don't see at all in these photos... You rightly pointed out that even the haplochromis looks pale... Well, in Airife, I didn't see any decent LED lighting at all; it looked like a Christmas garland, like in a cellar... Added after 48 minutes Despite the fact that I downloaded some of the not-so-great photos from the links, I largely agree with him that not everything is straightforward with LED lighting...

Michelle

I have a good eye for recognizing colors in corals, even if they are poorly photographed. In these photos, it is clear that the corals are more brown than colorful; the only color present is green, which is hard to eliminate by any means. Therefore, please insert the aquarium photo that you liked the most, and we will evaluate it, as I didn't find anything better there. I'm not against LED, but so far there are not enough arguments.

Larry9400

Just put the Ice, and arguments won't be needed, and a photo is not an indicator.

Jessica

I will be in Donetsk next week, I can stop by to take a look at the arguments.

Dana6523

Sure, come over, I’ll be glad to see you, but honestly, I have nothing to show, the aquarium is 4 months old, I’d be happy to hear your advice. White is good, but light gray is preferable.