Led bulb choices need input.
 

Hi,

I'm ordering a custom LED fixture from China for my 30 gallon mixed reef tank. I need a light to have the full spectrum needed for good coral growth and over all look of the light. I've been looking out there for info on the best combination and most of it is outdated (or I'm looking on the wrong spots). I'm in need of a little advice on my combination and what's the newest on led bulbs for the best coral growth and look.

Here's what I got so far.

Channel1: 12 Royal blue 455nm+10 blue 430-440nm+2 blue violet 420nm+2UV400nm+1 red 660nm
Channel2: 8white 6500k+10 white 10000k+6white 3000k+2 red 660nm+2 green 525nm

Tell me what you think and how I can improve it. Should I be going with higher then 10000k on the top end of the spectrum or do I have enough of my bases covered? Also is the blue range 430nm-440nm needed for better visable color or is all royal blue 455nm enough.I found that just royal blue LEDs at night time don't show any of the reds or oranges in the corals, that's why I added a red in the blue channel to bring that back. I'm trying to cover all my bases. Also I have a cyan 495nm bulb available, haven't heard much about it but would it add to the spectrum needed?

Thanks,
Matt

I would say ditch the red, and add more TV and UV

If it were me I would;
lose the 3000k,
double (even tripple) the UV,
and only have 1 red per 18" of tank.

I have tried many different combinations and this is what i have ended up with that keeps most people happy.

Channel 1 is as follows: 11 7500K cool whites, 4 4500k neutral whites, 2 520nm green, 4 480nm blue, 4 420nm violet, and 2 660nm deep reds.

Channel 2 is: 28 450nm royal blues


i do warn that any more then 2 reds in a unit this size makes for a pinky look that is not all that attractive.

Honestly everything I have read says stay away from red, if you have neutral whites, then you should have enough of the red spectrum covered.

I do agree that UV is not utilized nearly enough.

I am upgrading my DIY LED build right now, and I'm adding more UV and TV LED's.

So this is what im thinking after your input.

Channel 1 is: 11 7500K cool whites, 4 4500k neutral whites, 2 520nm green, 4 480nm blue, 4 420nm violet.

Channel 2 is: 26 450nm royal blues, 2 660nm deep reds, 2 400nm UV.

I really want to have red on the second channel to bring out the reds and oranges when channel one is off. Do you think I need just one red and another uv or violet on that channel, Will just one red look like a spot light? I am planning on getting 90 degree lenses.

The idea of having the UV with the blue might be nice for night viewing and give a bit of extra pop. I can't say that i think the red in there will be a good look with just blues on(but ya never know).


With the above layout it looks very similar to a unit that we sell like crazy. So your color should be just fine and if you end up getting the reds on the wrong channel, it is pretty easy to switch LEDs around(depending on what brand you are getting).

Good luck

So this is what I'm thinking for the final combination.

Channel 1 is: 12 7500K cool whites, 4 4500k neutral whites, 2 520nm green, 4 480nm blue, 4 420nm violet.

Channel 2 is: 22 450nm royal blues, 4 430-440nm deep blues, 1 660nm deep reds, 2 400nm UV.

Here is the layout I'm thinking.

Updated picture.

Messed up last post. It didn't attach the picture.