JohnTheReefer
Active Member
Recently, I setup a 50 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank grow out system which has become the perfect opportunity to create custom lighting tailored to the optimal spectrum for coral growth. After a little research leading to BRStv stating: Chlorophyll A collects light most efficiently at 410-430nm, Chlorophyll C2 collects light most efficiently at 450nm, and Peridinin collects light most efficiently at 484nm, I got to work. Chlorophyll A being the dominant chlorophyll found in coral I installed more 420nm LEDs than others.
The only original LEDs are the 3000k and 10000k. The 484nm range was not included in this build since this was the first project I have done of this type. I will definitely add some later.
Here is the LED configuration (I ignored the channels while considering LED placement):
I did also remove the lenses for better spectrum blending and that has worked quite well without the need for a diffuser. One thing I will eventually build for the fixture is a shade to prevent light spillage. It has to be mounted about 6" above the surface in order to not flood the room with light.
Testing before putting it back together:
In conclusion, this was a successful project. The softies I currently have under this light have responded way better than I could have hoped. The total cost was $153 and total wattage is 100 (not 165 as the listing states). With Black Friday around the corner another light build is immanent since one fixture is not enough for this grow out system and hopefully, a PAR meter on sale. Here is the Amazon link to the fixture:
Cheers,
JtR
The only original LEDs are the 3000k and 10000k. The 484nm range was not included in this build since this was the first project I have done of this type. I will definitely add some later.
Here is the LED configuration (I ignored the channels while considering LED placement):
I did also remove the lenses for better spectrum blending and that has worked quite well without the need for a diffuser. One thing I will eventually build for the fixture is a shade to prevent light spillage. It has to be mounted about 6" above the surface in order to not flood the room with light.
Testing before putting it back together:
In conclusion, this was a successful project. The softies I currently have under this light have responded way better than I could have hoped. The total cost was $153 and total wattage is 100 (not 165 as the listing states). With Black Friday around the corner another light build is immanent since one fixture is not enough for this grow out system and hopefully, a PAR meter on sale. Here is the Amazon link to the fixture:
Cheers,
JtR
