On the light, how is the heat from it? Is it like you don't want to touch it when it is on?

it's negligible. the PCs I've had in the past are hotter.

So a group of these bulbs could be built into a canopy without much concern for heat build up, of course with some fans in the canopy also?

From my understanding, LED's emit heat from the back of the fixture, not the front, so they just need to have ample venting/cooling on the top/back portion of the fixture or bulb in this case.
The way Dhaut has his mounted, it looks like it will be fine without any additional cooling.

Thanx weets. I do understand this, I was just wondering how they would be inside a canopy and what additional heat evacuation you would need. My thought are to some of the Japanese style tanks with the multiple spotlights on them. Could this be done the the Par 38 bulbs, multiples of them, inside a canopy on a larger tank.

you're going to need some kind of ventilation - the bulbs will last longer if you have them in the open, plus I think the spotlight looks is really cool. As far as a canopy goes, with good ventilation, sure, I don't see why not. the issue would be how far the bulbs are from the tank. if you want them close (10" or so from the water) you might have to get higher optics (60 or even 80 degree).

Henry - After talking to Clive yesterday, they are planning on coming out with higher degree optics in the coming weeks. I've been mulling over the idea of getting rid of my T5s and going with 3-4 Par38 bulbs hung from track lighting with the wider optics so that I can hang them closer to the tank. Just not sure if I'm ready for a change or not

Here's evil's rig:

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...t&p=2443695

My thoughts are of course in the spotlight scheme of things but also in the get rid of the MH-T5. Get rid of the MH-T5 fixture costs, bulb replacement costs. Get rid of the MH-T5 heat issues. On the bulb replacement aren't the LED's supposed to last for many years? Do they experience spectrum, PAR loss over time at all?

That's pretty much what I'd be shooting for if I went in the LED direction...maybe with a lil' more polished look

Just kind of waiting to see what, if any, positive or negative effects people are getting with LEDs and SPS-dominant tanks. That's the only thing that's holding me back....well that and selling my current lighting to get these.

Henry, that's why I got the LEDs. That bulb should last me 10 years without needing any changes.



stay tuned and I'll let you know on the SPS.

i was looking at that light fixture last week for my future Par38 bulb. Do you like it?

The one I got? Yeah, I like it a lot. I just spliced a common extension cord onto the light's cord and plugged it in. Works great!

LED=win.

can you grow sps under that ?

yes.

The whole 10 year thing makes it worth it. What other type of fixture can you buy that costs <$20 a year?

also, no other fixture looks as cool. so there's that.

You forgot to mention that it's dead silent as well

Ohh1!!! YES! It's dead silent. And for real, that's awesome. Plus the power draw is negligible. Also, I don't need cooling fans.

Stop making me feel bad!!




I wish I could afford to set up LEDs for my tank. They are amazing: look great, minimal heat, minimal power draw, last for years...

If I ever try my hand at a smaller tank, I wouldn't hesitate to go for LEDs.

this is key. the initial cost is prohibitive on larger tanks

you'd need 4 PAR38 bulbs on your tank, A. That's about $500.

That's true but you have to figure a top notch T5 setup will easily set you back a good chunk of change. Its always the initial cost that is the killer with reefing. Once you ha some good equipment, you can usually make it back reselling. I bought my first aquatinics fixture 4 years ago and by selling it and subsequent lights I haven't spent a dime except on bulbs.

I think the long bulb life of the LEDs is a major selling point.

True - no bulb costs for 10 years? That is huge.

I'm not making that 10 year number up am I? I thought I read that somewhere but now I don't know.

Sure seem happy under those LEDs buddy!

Sweet!

d-
ur snails are on their way

Awesome man! Looking forward to them.

Stunning! And just the nudge I needed to be sure to add dipping the acro to my to-do list today.




*and in keeping with the lighting conversation, I hear they're using LEDs to light "the tree" at Rockefeller center this year.

Great pictures. Both frags look incredibly happy and healthy.

thanks guys! and that's cool about the tree at the rock - bet that's some pricey lighting!

I got a surprise!



Package just arrived from Bible Sue, bags are temp acclimating in my tank right now!

I'm running out to walk a dog, I'll PM you when I get back--about an hour.

Too bad you won't be home next week. I guess the frag'll just have to chill.

just gives it more time to grow big and strong

Ooooooooh



Aaaaaaaah

Looks great!!

One question though...what's the robot looking thing hanging on the back of your tank? Overflow and return to the bottom tank?

lol...it DOES look like a robot!

it's the BRS single reactor. it's part of the return from the bottom tank - has carbon and chemi-pure elite in it.

I'm not going to win this flatworm battle by sucking them out. They are too good at hiding in the rocks.

I'm going to black the tank out when I go home for Thanksgiving - 5 days without light should do them in.

Rut-roh!

Are the FW mutating and now sucking your brain?

no, they're coming.

Oh no!

I didn't know they were even breathing hard!!!!

LOL...awesome.

No no no Henry. Here ya go:

One of a pair of eviota gobies!


Acro crab!

Sexy!

They are not coming, they are here, and they are da bomb!!!!!!!!!!

Woot!