Number LEDS for Actinic Supplementation

[Bryan]

Well, my IceCap 660 died for the second time. I only use it to run 2 140 watt VHO actinics.

Rather than replace the ballast I am pondering using 2 strips of Leds to provide the actinic supplementation for the tank. Can anybody give me a guidline for how many LEDS I can get by with. Tank is 60"x 20". Not really looking for PAR as I just want some actinic supplementation for the existing 10K MH.

Was thinking of 2 strips with 16 LEds (Royal Blue/Satistronics Blue) on each strip using 60 degree optics. Think this would be enough?

Cheers

[TheFishMan65]

I have read that 1 watt of LED is 3 watts of T5 so you need roughly 50 watts or 16 3 watt LEDs. An inefficient brand may need more.

You are probably ok with your plan. How high up are you mounting them?

[Bryan]

Thanks, will probbaly be mounting them around 8-10" from the surface of the water. I think with the 60 degree optics I should get even coverage throughout the tank?

[Catastrophi]

If it's just an actinic supplement, I dont think optics are even necessary.

[Bryan]

Yes, wondring that as well, it would help to scatter the light all over the place keeping it even.

[TheFishMan65]

That gives about 3.5 inches between LEDs. In an ideal world 60 degree lenses would work. It will depends on how the lenses spread the light. You will probably be fine, but I can't guarantee it.