Cheap E27/E26 LED for frags

[holy carp]

I've been thinking of converting my center sump section from a chaeto chamber (which has been abandoned) to a small frag compartment to get those frags out of the display.

 

I currently have an E27 light socket above it, and the compartment is 8" deep x 9" x 6"

 

If I lay my marinepure block down, it would be 4" deep x 9" x 10"

 

For such a small area, I was wondering if one of these cheap 9W ebay led's (marine version) would suffice, or do I need a tide?

 

 

[Marc.The.Shark]

I've tried multiple bulbs like that & the color temps are horrible. Was doing the same as you with some frags in sump. Not a good idea. I'm going to order a Coral Compulsion par30, which I should have done in the first place. Just deciding if I want the 18 or 22k. Leaning towards the 22k. Those el cheapo par bulbs are ok for macro or cheato, but my frags didn't do well. I've tried the par30 & 38's, same difference, horrible. For $16 you could try it, mine were more in the $20-25 range, but could have had the $60 Coral Compulsion bulb for what I wasted on those trying to find a decent one. Plus 3 year warranty from Coral Compulsion.

[Tamberav]

Even if it kept frags alive, wouldn't they look like poop? I figure if you plan to sell the frags you want them to stay vibrant.

[holy carp]

Good points. Yes, I would want to make them healthy and prioritize color over growth.

 

I looked at the coral compulsion. They looked good, but I was afraid they might be overkill wattage for such a small space, and they aren't dimmable unless you get the $100 ones.

 

Do you think they'd be right power-wise and I can just adjust hours per day?

[Marc.The.Shark]

The 14w par30 would be ok I'd think. How high off the waterline will it be mounted? I'm shooting for 8-10" for the par30 bulb

[holy carp]

My sump isn't too roomy. I haven't measured exactly, but estimate that when hanging from the socket, the LEDs world be about 4 inches above the water... Snug.

[Tamberav]

use some sort of light diffuser if it is an issue?

[Marc.The.Shark]

^+1

 

I have some self stick stuff that I use on my led builds. If you go that route, let me know & I'll send u a 12"x12" piece

[holy carp]

OK, you guys sold me on trying the coral compulsion. I think I'll give it a shot with the 14W Superblu. Or Vibrance? I'm guessing the superblu may bring out color and be a little less prone to growing algae.

[Marc.The.Shark]

Yeah, I'm gonna buy the SuperBlu, been trying to find a used one. Oh well, gonna have to unload the cash for new. If it's too bright at the height you're gonna run it at, just remove the optics or PM me & I'll send u some diffuser.

[holy carp]

Well, I ended up buying the Coral Compulsion Superblu. I experimented with the optics (I picked up their 90° and 120°) and ended up going with the 120° lenses. The spread and intensity seem OK for now (I've only had frags in there a couple days, and for acclimation purposes only have the lights on 6hrs/day right now).

 

Still, I think it might do better with a little diffusing. The center white led makes a distinct ring, so it's missing the center and the outer perimeter. I hadn't really expected this. I assume the blues are doing the same, but are harder to see and overlap, as there are 6 of those

 

It's hard to see from this photo, but you can see that light ring if you're looking for it. I'm not sure yet how much this impacts the frags.

(in case you're wondering, there's an 8x8x4 MarinePure block under the eggcrate)

[Marc.The.Shark]

Yeah, I bought one too. Looks good on tests, but no water yet. Keep an eye on that Marine Pure block, was doing some research on them for possible purchase & there's a thread on R2R where some people were putting them in & running triton tests & 30/60/90 day intervals & getting elevated levels of aluminum. I guess soft corals don't like that, but people with stick tanks report no visual effects. Just keep an eye on your frags

[holy carp]

I read that about marinepure as well, but I'm really not worried. I've had it in there for over a year, so even if it does leach soluble aluminum somehow, I assume that it must not be more than can be handled by other filtration and water changes.

 

I haven't done any test without the optics installed - maybe I'll get around to that. Did you experiment with it that way?

[Marc.The.Shark]

No, I have it about 10-12" above waterline with stock optics. No water yet, but will be this weekend. I have that self stick stuff, offer still stands if you want some. It'll stick to the individual optics. PM your address if you want me to stick a small piece in the mail to u.