Par38 bulbs at lowes cheap

[batt600]

I was at lowes the other day and notice the par38 bulb that every one is selling for $100 and its only $44.98 check it out here the link. There only white not the mixed blue and white

http://www.lowes.com/pd_314145-75774-PAR38/HP/LED_0__?zipCode=11691&firstReferURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowes.com%2Fpd_314145-75774-PAR38%2FHP%2FLED_0__%3FproductId%3D3197187%26Ntt%3Dpar38%26pl%3D1%26currentURL%3D%252Fpl__0__s%253FNtt%253Dpar38&catalogId=10051&productId=3197187&pl=1&findStoreErrorURL=StoreLocatorDisplayView&selectedLocalStoreBeanArray=%5Bcom.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%4053b14af3%2C+com.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%405393caf3%2C+com.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%40536c4af3%2C+com.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%40534c4af3%2C+com.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%4070fa083b%5D&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpar38&Ntt=par38&URL=TopCategoriesDisplayView&langId=-1&storeId=10151

 

[strgazr27]

That's not the same bulb....

It's the same size (The 38 number next to the PAR) Divide that number by 8 for it's rough size in inches (38/8) or a 4.75" diameter bulb
It's rated for use outdoors (PAR) R bulbs are rated indoor use only
But the LED's are not the same...

 

[batt600]

There all white not the mix same company thay will be good for a fuge

 

[MIKE NY]

I wouldn't use it because it a soft white spectrum.... a day bulb would be better in the 5500 to 6500K range..JMO

 

[Imbarrie]

You would need daylight plus to get the right color temp

 

[batt600]

The color temp was a cool white it sayed on the box 6500 to 8800k. thay have both cool white and warm white

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Not the same bulb. May cause more problems than it is worth. But do what you want to do. Happy reefing.

 

[batt600]

I wasnt going to use it just thought a few people here could us it on there fuge

 

[albano]

I switched to a small 'household' compact fluorescent bulb over my sump about 6 months ago, and for the first time in past 7 years, my mangroves are not only surviving, but growing like crazy! strong roots and multiple leaves on every plant...with less that 20 watts!

 

[jcurry]

Not the same bulb. May cause more problems than it is worth. But do what you want to do. Happy reefing.

What problems could it cause?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

It may cause unnecessary algae.

May, not will.

 

[jr973]

I switched to a small 'household' compact fluorescent bulb over my sump about 6 months ago, and for the first time in past 7 years, my mangroves are not only surviving, but growing like crazy! strong roots and multiple leaves on every plant...with less that 20 watts!

Hey albano who knows maybe u might get those mangroves to grow 6ft tall like the guy on rc :wink1:

 

[jcurry]

It may cause unnecessary algae.

May, not will.

The spectrum of light may cause more algae growth? I always thought it was excess nutrients that caused nusiance algae to grow.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Light, nutrients, and water are all necessary for plants to grow. Even epiphytic plants. Like everything else in this hobby, as long as you maintain a balance you shouldn't have an issue with excess algae growth.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

The basics of spectrum with growth can be found by a simple search in RC even though everyone may have different opinion and experience with them. Therefore, I am not going to comment on that.

However, since I am electrical engineer and works with LED since a kid, I can tell you that 7x2W is not equal to 14x1W in terms of light output- a general misconception that many members here keep on equating them when considering about LEDs. The light output of LEDs is not linear to their power rating. 2 x1W is brighter than 1 x 2W of the the same chip. There is a reef PAR bulb on sale by a vendor running somewhat 2W each LED chip, but that brand is CREE which is already praised as god in reefing community and there are also mixing of colors in the single bulb, so higher price is probably justified.

Notice the model you highlighted is made with LED chip of only 30,000 hrs-much shorter life span than most other brand.

 

[MIKE NY]

I switched to a small 'household' compact fluorescent bulb over my sump about 6 months ago, and for the first time in past 7 years, my mangroves are not only surviving, but growing like crazy! strong roots and multiple leaves on every plant...with less that 20 watts!

I've used those in the past as well and if you look at the side of the bulb many are a 5500K rating with some having a 6500k both of which are great fuge bulbs.....my problem or not is my fuge is a 90gal so I'm using T5s or I would still be using those....