LED Fuge light?

[cpreefguy]

My fuge will be ~20" and I am considering using a LED light like this:
http://www.nanotuners.com/images/PowerLEDBar_x2-vert_LR.jpg
http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=466&osCsid=e8a69a9cd526051eb7c6dbce6e35de4a

Has anyone used these? I wonder how well LEDs can grow macro...

[engwife36]

I saw something simular to this at Ikea and was wondering the same way.

[Bill S]

Probably not well. These use 50-60 lumen LEDs. That's about 200 lumens. A 24w PC bulb puts out about 2000 lumens.

I'm doing a LOT of LED work replacing lighting on our boat. I'm buying LEDs that are a lot better/more efficient (and WAY more expensive) than these, and I'm still only getting a power saving of 45% over common fluorescents. Even CF are comparable to the best LEDs for efficiency!

I'd look at HO, but I'm working with 12v systems, and there is a significant advantage as LED systems don't lose as much efficiency as common fluorescents at 12v AND most importantly, they last MUCH longer. It is a total pain in the tail to replace the recessed lighting.

In any case, one WILL find that LEDs provide no "magic" efficiency that can't be found with VHO, HO T5, or MH. NONE.

[Bill S]

Oh yeah. In my latest LED order, I've ordered some of the blues to see how they do as moonlights. I have some on my 215, but they are a few years old and much older technology. It will be a while, since I have to get the LEDs in from the distributor, and then send them to Thailand to be mounted on circuit boards.

[cpreefguy]

Im thinking about just using a 18" 2 bulb 10k T5 fixture

[apedroza]

I got the 2700K bulb melev recommended (still trying to find the 5100K) and so far it has worked great. The algae in the fuge has really taken off after a few weeks.
http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

[Bill S]

Wow. That's pretty cool. Better than the pita strip light I have now, which is always in my way!

[Texreefer]

Hey Sean,, why don't you just tape a couple of hundred dollar bills to a home depot fixture:lmao2: JK

I like that fixture but too much money

[cpreefguy]

Supposedly it grows chaeto OK, but I know there are better/cheaper alternatives. If anything, it gives me ideas form under cabinet lighting :D

[crossxfire2]

LEDs are very very hot. I burned my hand BAD on one the other day. Then again, it probably wont affect your water temperature, though.

[Bill S]

If an LED gets hot enough to burn you, it probably isn't correctly heat-sinked. Running them hot severely reduces their lifespan, and will also alter the wavelength of light they put out.

I run Luxeon (Philips) Rebels (the state-of-the art in LEDs) at their rated current, properly mounted and heat sinked, and they are barely warm to the touch.

[cpreefguy]

Im also thinking about buying one of these and mounting it top center of the stand that I can turn on/off when Im messing around in the sump