fishyjoe24

who is in hold of the par meter because I never got to pick it up and use it.

Tugg

I'm sorry all, I've been swamped and haven't been on over here much. I'm hoping to go out to gonzoman's on Friday, but worst case I'll drop it off with Michael so it's in a central area and available to the other club members.

gonzoman

Fishyjoe,

Message me your phone number and I will give you a shout as soon as I have the meter. I wont need it long as I am just testing 1 aquarium, and 1 additional type of light.

Where do you live?

Michael

Everyone, I'm glad the PAR meter is back in circulation. Gonzoman, whether you get the meter from me or Tugg, one of us will show you how to use it--it's easy.

fishyjoe24

Plano close to 190 and 75 area. I just need to test lights to see where I need to hang a light on some like hangers. then test some different bulbs to see if even the same kelvin, if different brands will effect par, and how different spectrums play a role.

gonzoman

Tugg dropped off the meter with me just now. I have the meter and will do my readings tonight.

If anyone wants me to do any specific readings they would like me to take please let me know.

gonzoman

My cheap lighting experiment.

Par meter report on cheapo Ebay 50 watt led 6500k spot lights.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6X-50W-High-...3D831265008303


Directly under the light 1250-1300 par depending on proximity to center of spot light.

6" under water- 345-550 par depending on proximity to center of spot light.

16"-17" under water at substrate 101-103 par

16"-17" underwater at substrate in shaded areas 75-82 par

Darkest corner in tank 16"-17" at substrate 62 par roughly a 6" area.


Notes: By using the meter I was able to identify 1 underperforming LED spotlight, I am assuming it is defective. It metered at 600 par under the light, which is nearly half the output of all the others. Surprisingly the par rating at the substrate is unaffected. I imagine this is due to the other spots spreading light and covering for the weaker spotlight.

All in all I am pleased. I am running a total of 10 of these spots on a surface area of 84'x 36', coverage is excellent. Visually the lighting is very appealing and natural looking. Beautiful ripple from the surface.

I used a meter to see how much these lights were actually drawing. While they say 50 watt, they only draw 25 watts a piece. From what I hear this is typical of Chinese lights. They will half the advertised watts. Why? I do not know.

Total advertised watts covering the 84"x36" tank 500w.
Total actual watts drawn to power lights for 84"x36" tank 250w
TOTAL SPENT ON ALL LIGHTING UNDER 250.00

Michael

Thanks for posting your results. This much light definitely puts you in the "CO2 required" category.

I am curious about the spread characteristics of the lights. About how far apart is each spot light mounted? Also, how far above the water surface? This will help others (like me!) decide how many are needed over different sized tanks.

gonzoman

Spread is deceptively good. I found one of my lights was only putting out about 1/2 of what the others were. But the Par rating under that light was mostly unaffected.

I would space the lights 2-3 inches apart. Mine are 4 inches from the water. I am going to place them a bit closer than that. I would suggest placing them 2.5 inches from the water for the best results.