[pgaron]

I'm getting about 20 of these for free but I don't know their efficacy, they claim a lot but i'm new to the world of LED lighting. I'm starting a 20g long planted tank in a month once the substrates all set and I'm planning to build a hood out of these

Is this possible, how many are required, is there anyway someone can estimate the equiv to a CFL? my hood schematics thus far plan for eight lights, four of these and four CFL's

I have done some research and have a decent newbie understanding of LED lighting. I was very much into planted aquariums in high school but when I left for college all my stuff was thrown out now that i'm on my own I'm starting up again.

 

[Matsnork]

Link is not working...

 

[acitydweller]

Are these the ones you are referring to? I just googled and found these.

If it is, they are likely going to shine purple in which case you may want to stagger and mix these with 6500 white bulbs... something like this:

You may also want to consider wiring them up separately so the white and purples can be switched on separately.

 

[pgaron]

Sorry about the broken link these seem to be the lights I am talking about they came in a white box. I built a hood and lighting over the weekend. There's room for 8 bulbs. and the light is more neon pink than purple, I'm assuming its because of the 2:1 red to blue. Like I said im wondering how these stack up to cfl as I plan on making some plant selections soon and I'm not quite sure about what I have for lighting. they are over a 20g long.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2red-1blue-6w-E27-LED-Grow-light-for-flowering-pl ant-and-hydroponics-system-Cheapest-led-grow/720414419.html

 

[acitydweller]

What is the bulb mixture you intend to use? Will there be 8 of these bulbs or do you intend to mix some 26w 6500 cfl?

 

[pgaron]

Right now its just those led, I ordered some 6w warm white LEDs to mix in. I may build an extension to the lighting fixture for those or I might not

 

[mach_six]

The heatsink on these bulbs are not really meant for anything bigger than 3x1W and is too inefficient for it IMO.

If you plan on running it 5+ hours I'd try to add some cooling or you may end up with some burnt out bulbs. Running a 3W for over 5 hour is hot to the touch.

 

[pgaron]

Quote:The heatsink on these bulbs are not really meant for anything bigger than 3x1W and is too inefficient for it IMO

So far so good, they are doing 12hrs on and it doesn't get to hot, its about about as warm to the touch as a comfortable shower, or a cable box left on all the time. Its cooler than the CFL's which is making me think I need a killawatt to check these. Someone on reddit has agreed to test the LED PAR for me so I will be able to report back on them soon. No one on these forums seems to want to try testing them I opened a thread asking for it in return they can keep the bulb but no takers