Aquarium lights - how many watts does your light use at 100% settings?

Stefaan F

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Hi, BRStv investigates did a really interesting study about price per PAR.
But there is one more parameter that is really important: the wattage drawn at the socket.
As price per par is a good indicator of the initial cost, PAR per watt is a good indicator of long term electricity costs.

So my question to you all: How many watts does your aquarium light draw at 100% all channels?
Also relevant: voltage (for example 110V for USA, 230V for Europe) + age of the fixture.


Below the result of BRStv, I would love to make a second graph, with PAR per watt.
brs price per par.jpg


My contribution:
I am living in Europe, 230V
I have 4 maxspect RSX 200, and 3 maxspect RSX 300. 2 years old now. At 100% the 300 uses 460 Watts, compared to the 300 watts claimed. The 200 version is around 305 watts. No real difference when they were new.
My ATI T5 fixtures, around 1 to 1,5 years old, with 10x 80 Watt bulbs uses 851 Watts or 85 Watts average over 10 bulbs. I notice no real difference with age.
 

oreo54

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That certainly is quite the difference from their stated wattage:
Power Specifications Consumption
310w from the wall

When " kill-a-watt" measurements were done most led lights tested lower ( maybe slightly higher, certainly not 50% higher) than spec " if" my memory is correct.
Believe @telegraham routinely measure wall wattage of light units.

It would be nice to get a collection of diode/system efficiencies. There is some.
 
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oreo54

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Hi, BRStv investigates did a really interesting study about price per PAR.
But there is one more parameter that is really important: the wattage drawn at the socket.
As price per par is a good indicator of the initial cost, PAR per watt is a good indicator of long term electricity costs.

So my question to you all: How many watts does your aquarium light draw at 100% all channels?
Also relevant: voltage (for example 110V for USA, 230V for Europe) + age of the fixture.


Below the result of BRStv, I would love to make a second graph, with PAR per watt.
brs price per par.jpg


My contribution:
I am living in Europe, 230V
I have 4 maxspect RSX 200, and 3 maxspect RSX 300. 2 years old now. At 100% the 300 uses 460 Watts, compared to the 300 watts claimed. The 200 version is around 305 watts. No real difference when they were new.
My ATI T5 fixtures, around 1 to 1,5 years old, with 10x 80 Watt bulbs uses 851 Watts or 85 Watts average over 10 bulbs. I notice no real difference with age.

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