Question on LED Lighting

[slschuga]

I am looking for recommendations on lighting options for my 100 gal tank.
Tank measures 56" long x 18" tall x 18" deep.

Would like to keep SPS corals possibly LPS but presently have none. Current tank occupants include 2 clown fish, 1 blue tank and 3 damels but a few CUC members. I am leaning towards an LED system but not sure which companies/manufacturers to consider.

Your suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Shari
:ranger:

 

[Dave A]

Not sure exactly what you have in mind. Are you looking for a manufactured fixture or info to help you DIY? I did some quick math and figured that a DIY fixture with 3w LEDs would need about 65-70 emitters. Then I did a little more math and realized that something wasn't right. The measurements in your post work out to 78 gal, a 100 gal tank might be 72x18x18 but there could be other dimensions that work out to 100 gal as well.
Please verify the dimensions and include some info about what you are looking for (DIY/manufactured, canopy/hanging/sit-on-tank/etc, single unit/pendants, budget, etc). The more info, the better we can help.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

slschuga

I would go with 45 5 watt LEDs driven at 700mA for every 24-30" of tank length. If you choose a Quality LED like the Xree XT-E or Rebel ES and optics this will give you the same PAR as a 250-400 watt mH.

If your inside a canopy DIY is a better option. If you choose the factory route there is a vast difference in quality. I would avoid Chinese EBay Fixtures or fixtures that advertise watts. I've measured the PAR of one 120 watt Chinese fixture at 200PAR using 139 Watts and another Domestic Fixture at 460PAR using only 118 Watts. There really is a difference between the latest generation of 5 watt LEDs and the dated 2 and 3 watt LEDs.

Bill