wanting to use submerged LED's in my nano for macro

[rsteagall]

I'm wanting to use submerged LED's in one of the compartments of my jbj nano cube to grow cheato. Anyone have an example of this being done? If not, what kind of LED's are best for macro growth. I did find a small reference:

http://searchwarp.com/swa7630.htm

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The researchers found our that blue and red light is essential for plant growth and, in general, a percentage of 8% blue LEDs and 92% red LEDs, both with the same frequency and relative intensity per LED, are enough for a harmonious evolution. Blue has a smaller influence than red however a percentage between 1% and 20% of blue light can be selected, depending on the plants and their growth requirements.
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"What we've found basically is that we are able to limit the amount of colour we give to the plants and still have them grow as well as with white light."
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For smaller applications, such as indoor gardens, LEDs seem to be the right choice.
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Can someone please expound on this and give me some specific ideas/design?

Thanks,
Ryan

[Fish'InMN]

I have a few links to share…

http://www.growwithleds.com/index.htm
Fairly self-explanatory products, but you can see what sort of money these products SELL for. That being said, if you have the resources (mostly time and patience) to find the components yourself, you can do it for less.

http://forums.linear1.org/index.php/topic,419.0.html
This is a forum topic in an electronics forum about LED growing, with tons of links to studies and articles. I think this would be an interesting, albeit lengthy, read for anyone interested.

The bottom line:
- You’ll need either a few high-powered LEDs (3-5W) or many lower-powered LEDs (3-5mm). They don’t necessarily measure small LEDs by power, but by size.
- You can either run the LEDs at their rated full current or pulse them at a very high current. Both options have pros and cons.
- Mounting will be a problem, but there are a couple ways I can think of to accomplish the waterproofing and heat conducting. If they’re small LEDs, like 3-10mm, then arrange the array on a breadboard with two wires running off as leads. Encase the entire thing in two-part clear epoxy, leaving only the tips of the LEDs bare. This would electrically isolate the circuit, and the plastic would provide some heat transfer, if there is any.

Anyways, that’s all just my humble opinion. I’m not an electrical engineer, nor do I have any experience with hydroponics and/or other plants under LEDs. But I’ve made my fair share of aquarium moonlights, mood lighting and other little projects.


Cheers,
Marty