driver question... 550mA enough to push 3w??

[Pete polyp]

I have been out of the hobby for a while now and I don't know much about LED. Will a 550mA driver push 3w LED enough?

 

[byronious]

Not sure if this helps. Volts x amps = watts. Is this what you are asking?

 

[Pete polyp]

I should have been more specific, sorry. What I should have asked is, will a 550mA driver push the LED enough to get enough PAR to grow coral.

 

[byronious]

In that case........I have no idea. Sorry. Hope someone can help you out.

 

[CJO]

Is it a constant voltage or constant current source? It sounds like a constant current one. If so, it will drive one or more (depending on the driver's rating), but they will be dim. It's better to drive most of the better LEDs at 700mA or more (depending on the LED).

CJ

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Is it a constant voltage or constant current source? It sounds like a constant current one. If so, it will drive one or more (depending on the driver's rating), but they will be dim. It's better to drive most of the better LEDs at 700mA or more (depending on the LED).

CJ

Totally agree the 3 watt Cree offer the best bang for the buck at 700mA. The 3 watt Bridgelux tend to generate a lot more heat and not much more light when driven past 500mA

For the most efficient setup I like using the 5 watt Cree XT-E and XP-G at 700mA

Bill