Boost led par 30 12k

[Hefe-Weizen]

A quick review of the Boost LEDs.

I received the PAR 30 LEDs today. I do not have the Hood ready for them yet, but I do have the track lighting. I tested them with 3 over each 2' area over the 125 gallon.


First I did three of the 12K PAR 30's over each and the color looks very similar to my 20K XM halides. Obviously, not as scattered, but seemingly as bright to the eye. The color was great IMO . I am very pleased with the color rendition.

Then I used 1x12K PAR 30 + 1x6500K PAR 38 + 1x12K PAR 30 per 2' and the color was OK. The white was a little overpowering IMO. The 3x12K's looked much better, but it was obvious that the 6500k bulb(36 watts=12x3watt cool white CREE) are going to be PAR blasting bulbs. The PAR from these may be necessary to carry the light requirements of my SPS corals. The spotlighting is also noticable this way, as it wasn't with the other combo.

I am very impressed with BOOST LED. I am so glad I did not go 20K, they would be far too blue and the color would not blend as well(as you can see in their pictures).

I want to add photos, but Image Shack was infected with a virus and I cannot post the limited photos I have there. If someone would like me to email them to them I will. I will borrow a PAR meter soon and will post my readings once they are available.

 

[Hefe-Weizen]

12K/6500K:

 

[Hefe-Weizen]

12K only:

 

[Hefe-Weizen]

The 3x12K looks the best to the eye and I may go that route and use the 6500K's on a refugium on my next tank. You can clearly see the spotlighting with the 6500K bulb in the center, however, it is not as noticable in person. They were so bright my zooanthids started closing up.

 

[steve614]

nice! appreciate if you update your review to show the coral growth over time.do you think one of the 65k bulbs would be good for my 18 x 12 fuge section with chaeto? that looks real bright for only 10 watts! i have a 96 watt fuge light now and im trying to cut back on the electric bill with 3 tanks.

 

[Hefe-Weizen]

One would not cover the entire fuge. It would if you mounted the bulb 20" above the tank, but who has that kind of space. You could try using two smaller 6500K with 80 degree optics.

 

[steve614]

thanks

 

[Hefe-Weizen]

I decided that the 6500K are too white and purchased 3 of the 14 watters from Rapid LED( http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-101 ... ulb/Detail ). I received them and they are very bright, much brighter than the BoostLEDs. Unfortunately, as I was unscrewing them after I tested them, one of the bulbs left their metal screw part in the socket. I got it removed, but the bulb was damaged. They are replacing the bulb without issue or cost. Good CS and prompt replies from Rapid LED IMO. Even though the bulb was a dud, they still appear to be made well and the others work great. The hood will be built soon, and when it is done I will borrow that PAR meter and post PAR measurements.