Yet another PAR38 question

moze229 · 07/23/2012, 08:23 PM

I'm thinking of becoming a modern convert and changing over to LED. I've been considering taking the PAR38 path because I simply do not have the time to commit to another DIY project right now - I've got way too many other things going on.

If you were looking at a model of the water column in my tank, it would be 15" deep, 19" wide, and 15" high. So, will one PAR38 do for low-end coral or am I going to need two? I have an island in the center of the tank so I'm thinking one 60 degree should do it but I want to be sure. If I'm going to need two of these I'm going to look at going other routes as well. I no longer keep SPS and the only LPS I have is frogspawn. All other corals for this setup in the future will be softies. Thanks!

BTW - I'm currently running 150W MH which is WAY overkill for what I have right now. I was thinking of changing to T5 but I thought I would check this out first.

Rapid LED · 07/24/2012, 12:59 PM

I think one PAR38 is enough for just softies, for SPS you'd definitely need 2 but if you don't ever plan on having that then you're okay.

moze229 · 07/29/2012, 07:40 PM

Thanks RapidLED. I appreciate the information.

07/23/2012, 08:23 PM	#1
moze229 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Triangle Area, NC Posts: 651	Yet another PAR38 question I'm thinking of becoming a modern convert and changing over to LED. I've been considering taking the PAR38 path because I simply do not have the time to commit to another DIY project right now - I've got way too many other things going on. If you were looking at a model of the water column in my tank, it would be 15" deep, 19" wide, and 15" high. So, will one PAR38 do for low-end coral or am I going to need two? I have an island in the center of the tank so I'm thinking one 60 degree should do it but I want to be sure. If I'm going to need two of these I'm going to look at going other routes as well. I no longer keep SPS and the only LPS I have is frogspawn. All other corals for this setup in the future will be softies. Thanks! BTW - I'm currently running 150W MH which is WAY overkill for what I have right now. I was thinking of changing to T5 but I thought I would check this out first. __________________ The best things in life are free....except for reef tanks :( "What don't kill you - make you more strong." - James Hetfield Visit me and other hard core BMW motorcycle fans at http://www.groupr1100s.com Current Tank Info: 24 Aquapod w/120w LED Bridgelux 55 X 3 - Softies and LPS

07/29/2012, 07:40 PM	#3
moze229 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Triangle Area, NC Posts: 651	Thanks RapidLED. I appreciate the information. __________________ The best things in life are free....except for reef tanks :( "What don't kill you - make you more strong." - James Hetfield Visit me and other hard core BMW motorcycle fans at http://www.groupr1100s.com Current Tank Info: 24 Aquapod w/120w LED Bridgelux 55 X 3 - Softies and LPS

07/24/2012, 12:59 PM	#2
Rapid LED RC Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,610	I think one PAR38 is enough for just softies, for SPS you'd definitely need 2 but if you don't ever plan on having that then you're okay.