Par38's for frag tank?

HighlandReef · Mar 24, 2011

Hi guys
Does anyone use these par38 led lights for a frag tank.
I have a 30 breeder (same as 40 breeder just not as tall)
and was wondering if I get 2 of these par38's would they work for my frag tank?
I am also installing a 40 breeder onto the system soon so might try them on the 40?
would 2 par38's be enuf for the 30
It's 36x18x14 tall or something like that lol!

swannyson7 · Mar 24, 2011

For the price of the PAR38s, I think you'd be better off with a DIY kit from ReefLEDLights. I think two PAR38s will give too much of a spotlight effect on a tank that size regardless of the optics

Akwarius · Mar 24, 2011

2 might work for lps/zoas, but three with 60 degree optics would be ideal.

HighlandReef · Mar 24, 2011

Well,
A diy led build would run me about 450 or so
Par 38's seem to run about 75 ea. So 225 for 3
Decisions... Decisions lol!

swannyson7 · Mar 24, 2011

A par38 is only 21 watts, so 63 total watts with three of them. I think you could get a DIY kit with more wattage and space them out for a better spread and spend the same amount or less.

johnanddawn · Mar 24, 2011

i don't think 2 would be enough for that footprint - i would say 3 would do it but with the center brace that is not practical, so you are going to need 4
as far as optics that strictly depends on height you mount them. I personally have found that i like the 80* optics better then the tighter 60 and the 20K over the 12K
so i would get a light rail with 4 sockets run the outer two straight down and the center two slightly angled to reach under the center brace and then play with the height to get the most front to back spread you need

wld1783 · Mar 25, 2011

The PAR38s are great for a small nano using a desk lamp as a holder.

There are many types of PAR38, all Cool White for growing Macro Algae or The Nano Customs with the Royal Blue.

For a tank your size you would need about 36 LEDs or 3-4 Nano Customs PAR38 for SPS. You might get by with 24. Just remember the Cool White have a lot more PAR than the Royal Blue
We have a pair of our Dimmable PAR38s on a 110 Gal Refuge which may work but this is more of a 7-8K

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Bill

iReefer · Mar 25, 2011

yup its too focus unless you're getting 60" optic. and dont underestimated the power of the par38

I got two of those and mean while i was using one of them as moon light at night for viewing pleasure but darn it, that thing cause one of my acro to bleached and it was probably about 30" away lol

so becareful when you first install them