Switching from MH to Par38 (now rapidled diy)

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 6
  1. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2009
    Messages:
    2,557
    Location:
    Detroit, MI
    so im sick of the heat and the cost of my 2-175w metal halides.
    really looking into the par38 route.
    question is how many?
    i have a standard 65g

    and which ones?
    nanotuners evil?
    Boost LED?
    Rapid LED?

    ahhh its all confusing!!!
    im thinking prob 5 of them would be sufficient with maybe 60 degree optics?
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2011
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    DBOSHIBBY, Jun 17, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Messages:
    2,326
    Location:
    denver
    you could do that easily with 4-5, and boostled does not have jpar38 they do have par30's however.
     
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    #2
  3. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2011
    Messages:
    3,471
    I'd probably go with 5 par 30s or maybe 4 38s. 60 deg optics should be good. I have some boost and some from rapid. Seem to be similar. I've heard a rumor the rapids have slightly more output, but not sure.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    m2434, Jun 17, 2011
    m2434, Jun 17, 2011
    #3
  4. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Messages:
    2,326
    Location:
    denver
    i was on boostled's site and they just seemed to have par30's
     
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    #4
  5. M-Ocean Man

    M-Ocean Man Flame Angel

    Joined:
    May 4, 2010
    Messages:
    1,545
    Location:
    Dirty Jerz
    I am a user/fan of BoostLED's from October 2010. They have really proven themselves IMHO.

    They might not have the output of some of the bulkier Par38s out there - but you can make up for it with multiple units - and because the BoostLEDs are at a lower price point, the overall price is going to be very competitive.

    Also, with more lamps, you can further customize your colors. I currently have one all RB, and two of the 2CW/3RB LEDs PAR30s - they are all 60degree optics. My next add will be probably a 1RB/4CW for a whiter look. But I have options due to the small sizes of these lamps. Three lamps from other manuf (esp. PAR38s) would not likely fit and certainly cannot be held by most goosneck lamps as they are too heavy.
     
    M-Ocean Man, Jun 17, 2011
    M-Ocean Man, Jun 17, 2011
    #5
  6. quonnie

    quonnie Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2007
    Messages:
    72
    Location:
    Syracuse,NY
    You should look at LED's the option are really unlimited, 2x120w LEDs would replace your MH lights wiyh a problem no heat the lights will last 5 years min., with the 450nm blue lights you corals will just pop, smaller foot print, less $$ to run
     
    quonnie, Jun 17, 2011
    quonnie, Jun 17, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Messages:
    2,326
    Location:
    denver
    par38's are led's
     
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    #7
  8. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,827
    Location:
    Akron Ohio
    He never said they aren't.
     
    civiccars2003, Jun 17, 2011
    civiccars2003, Jun 17, 2011
    #8
  9. duoc9119

    duoc9119 Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2011
    Messages:
    381
    I would suggest going with Boostled. They are great and have more color options compared to the others, let alone the different optics you can get (60,40, 60 honey comb, 40 honey comb, maybe 70 or 80 but I think it might just be for the whites) The honey comb is just a little more focused but I like the idea.
     
    duoc9119, Jun 17, 2011
    duoc9119, Jun 17, 2011
    #9
  10. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Messages:
    2,326
    Location:
    denver
    he wais he was considering switching from halides to par38's, then he said that the op should consider led's, and par38's are led's
     
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, Jun 17, 2011
    #10
Page 1 of 6