Red and Green LEDs: Opinion?

typicalwhiteazn · Jun 8, 2013

As a LED guys for too many years now. I've always stuck to basic Blues and Whites because it has worked well. Just trying to get some opinions about this whole full spectrum debate on Green and Red LEDs.

What are the opinions of those on this forum who have switched from basic two colors or other types of lighting to these 'full spectrum-almost.' I want to weigh the out before making the switch.

Colors better? Growth?

Obviously these topic as been brought up before, if there is a link feel free to post.

jasonrodreef · Jun 8, 2013

Yes it has, I see that the greens help bring out a tad extra color "Oranges and Reds" for your eye. Ive heard as well the reds are more for the human eye to see more colors from the corals and make the overall look of tank more appealing. Talking about normal red Not UV they have added to some fixtures. Jake Adams did a led talk at world wide corals. tried to listen but my 2 kids where killing me. Check on his led talks on reef builders or you tube.

dknuckles · Jun 8, 2013

I just switched to Vega colors a couple months agao and I love them!
The SPS had some subtle improvement in color but my acans LOVE the color!!! I was beginning to think LEDs were not adequate for my acans as they all colored down under SOL Blues, the change has convinced me.
IMO the best improvement I have made!

KoleTang · Jun 8, 2013

Red and green are necesarry colors. You can get these colors with a good warm white though (shy away from cool whites).

You could also add a few red/green leds and then dim them down as too much can be detrimental.

A good thing to do is to replicate a spectrum that you, or others have been succesful with in other lighting (T5, MH, etc.)

"Build my LED" creates a spectrum graph of your light as you build. Even if you don't buy from them, it can be a useful tool to see what you are choosing.

1.0reef · Jun 8, 2013

Plenty of green in white leds, cyan is much more important. Also, if using NW or WW red leds aren't very useful, deep red (680nm) would make more sense to me.

ReefLEDLights · Jun 8, 2013

1.0reef said:
Plenty of green in white leds, cyan is much more important. Also, if using NW or WW red leds aren't very useful, deep red (680nm) would make more sense to me.

Yup well said.

Given the intensity of the XT-E Royal Blue they will do little for growth.

I look at them as make up. Some corals look better with them others do not.

Totally personal preference. My preference is a Reef Spectrum at about 10-20 meters.

Bill