Opinions welcome!

[domination2580]

From what I have been taught about led lights on reef systems I have understood that in order to keep coral you need 3 watt leds or higher....but there are other brands out there with only 1 watt leds. Recently I had the thought, maybe you can grow a reef with 1 watt led systems but have to make sure the calcium and trace elements are always maintained. So for more fluctuation which isn't wanted when it comes to trace elements, 3 watt leds producing more photosynthesis to keep coral alive and growing is necessary....what do you guys think?

 

[redfishbluefish]

The issue with one watt LED's is that they don't have the penetration. If you have a very shallow tank, you're fine, but otherwise, you'll want the three-plus watt LED's. Use a PAR meter when in doubt.

 

[domination2580]

And what kind of pars am I looking for at what depth?

 

[Waters]

That is entirely dependent upon what you plan on keeping. Different coral require different par values.

 

[domination2580]

Well what about most coral

 

[nervousmonkey]

Well what about most coral

No way to tell you without knowing the coral. Some SPS like high PAR, some don't (birdsnest). Most LPS will do better with lower PAR (150-250) but that also isn't set in stone. You have to know what coral you have or are buying.
I think I know where you are going, in terms of buying an LED light fixture. The answer to that is buy a good one that you can adjust the intensity of. Then you can adjust it based on the corals you have or buy. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[domination2580]

Thank you. The Mars aqua is adjustable and two channels

 

[Reefing Madness]

You don't have to get units with 3 watt leds, there are way to many tanks out there using 1watt leds with absolutely so problems what so ever. Not to worry as they are able to keep any coral their heart desires. The 3watt LED is a myth, and most advise it just to be on the safe side.
Everyone hates the Orbits LED unit, but yes, it can be used on a full blown reef tank without any issues.

 

[domination2580]

Really?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Im pretty sure that @ritter6788 runs 1w leds on his reef tank. There are many more also.

 

[ritter6788]

Im pretty sure that @ritter6788 runs 1w leds on his reef tank. There are many more also.

I used to. Worked perfect for my 75. I have the newer Mars aqua now with the 3w LEDs but from what I've read they are only driven at 2w and I removed the optics.

 

[domination2580]

Hmm.I'm guessing it depends on the intensity

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

A one watt with a lens can be more intense than a 3 watt with out. A 3 watt Chinese with lenses can be less intense than a good one watt without.
One of my pet peeves in this hobby. How much light do I need? A lot the expert say a lot or not much. What the he'll is a lot. Does nobody own a meter? Test my Params to death but can't give me an actual quantified number when it comes to lighting??????? I own 23 light meters and your looking at me like I'm the idiot?
Sorry.
The advice above is correct get something that is adjustable. Spectrum rember is as or more important than amount. Many corals will adjust as they grow in MANY different lighting environments.
Some though few , manufacturers give par specs with their lighting gear. I did at one time bookmark a scientific article on par requirements for a broad list of corals. Par can be converted to lux and lux meters are easier to acquire. Par is a combination lux , intensity, and color. Lux is intensity. If you know the spectrum of the light measure the intensity. Calculated guess.
That being said depending on your budget yes you can get a $150 name rand reef ready led and grow coral fine. If it's not enough ( failing corals) I reccomend adding a t5. ( retrofit or fixture, Craigslist) Even for four hours. It's more intensity and a better spectrum. Boom. Your 175 investment outperforms a $500 led.

I'm hanging a $10 150 w metal halide tomorrow to augment my awesome $400 jbj no spec anywhere led.

 

[domination2580]

Thank you for the info!