LED Refugium Light

[Shep]

Was wondering if anyone uses an LED for their refugium, I current have a CF light that is built for hydroponics. The problem is that the light pumps out a lot of heat and I do not like that so I was thinking of changing over to an LED light but wanted opinions first. Thanks!

 

[TJ's Reef]

Lots of people these days are using Par 20 & 30 LED Flood Lights or LED Security Lights. I am still using a DIY unit I built 4 years ago or using CPU fan/heatsinks with Red, White and Blue 3w Cree emitters. I would just buy a 3-5K Par 30 if starting from scratch now.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Dcmatranga]

I use a BuildMyLED 12" green algae spectrum refugium light - I cannot say enough good things about it. The growth in my chaeto from this light is ridiculous, has a remote driver and runs cool, I highly recommend. They are a little more expensive than the PAR lamps, but from my experience - you get what you pay for and these are well worth it.

 

[Shep]

Lots of people these days are using Par 20 & 30 LED Flood Lights or LED Security Lights. I am still using a DIY unit I built 4 years ago or using CPU fan/heatsinks with Red, White and Blue 3w Cree emitters. I would just buy a 3-5K Par 30 if starting from scratch now.

Cheers, Todd

If I was going to do a DIY, where would you suggest I get my LEDs from?

 

[Shep]

I use a BuildMyLED 12" green algae spectrum refugium light - I cannot say enough good things about it. The growth in my chaeto from this light is ridiculous, has a remote driver and runs cool, I highly recommend. They are a little more expensive than the PAR lamps, but from my experience - you get what you pay for and these are well worth it.

I have never heard of them before, i'll have to check them out

 

[Pirates.Reef]

I use the 120w equivalent Phillips LED light bulb from home depot and its growth is incredible. At one point my chaeto grew so fast it died from lack of nutrients and to much light. I had to dial back the time the light was on.

 

[Zippy]

I use the 120w equivalent Phillips LED light bulb from home depot and its growth is incredible. At one point my chaeto grew so fast it died from lack of nutrients and to much light. I had to dial back the time the light was on.

+1 but mine is a 60 watt

 

[TJ's Reef]

If I were dead set on building my own would go through Rapid LED more than likely but, easier and cheaper nowadays to just buy 8-14w LED Floods in 3000-5000 Kelvin and simply screw into a clamp on fixture or standard plastic medium base also available at the Big Blue or Orange Box Stores.

Cheers, Todd

 

[joekool]

If I were dead set on building my own would go through Rapid LED more than likely but, easier and cheaper nowadays to just buy 8-14w LED Floods in 3000-5000 Kelvin and simply screw into a clamp on fixture or standard plastic medium base also available at the Big Blue or Orange Box Stores.

Cheers, Todd

I agree with Todd. That's what I did had cfl and this is much better. You can buy it at Wally World too.