Lighting height recommendation.

[justin85]

Hi all,

How can I work out the correct height to have my led lighting from my tank?

Here's my tank journal ( Click here )

my lighting specs are: 10x 3w Cree LEDs (6,500k) - they are hanging 33cm from the water surface and 64cm from the lowest plant which is Eleocharis sp. 'mini'

I have about 2.5w per gallon, and im using ada ferts and pressurized Co2 @ 2 bps.

 

[LancsRick]

The scientific way would be a PAR meter if you have access to one. Other than that, your next best option is comparing similar setups to yours and seeing how they fare. Final call would be to just give it a go and see how the plants do.

 

[justin85]

Thanks I have not got a PAR meter, but will check to see how much they cost now.

 

[pepedopolous]

You can get a Seneye Reef for much less than a normal PAR meter. Measures PAR, lumens and colour temperature (kelvin). The chemical readings (pH, ammonia) use a disposable slide which lasts a month. However, you can use the light meter functions whether you have a slide or not.

Seneye Reef | Swell UK

 

[zanguli-ya-zamba]

Hella ré

Here is a link that can help you a bit.
It's a thread where dutchy from Barr report have made a chart about different light and height to determine the power of your light. I know you will not see LED in the chart. But have a read it could help

PAR vs Distance, T5, T12, PC - New Chart

 

[justin85]

Hella ré

Here is a link that can help you a bit.
It's a thread where dutchy from Barr report have made a chart about different light and height to determine the power of your light. I know you will not see LED in the chart. But have a read it could help

PAR vs Distance, T5, T12, PC - New Chart

Thank you very much.

 

[zanguli-ya-zamba]

Hope it will help.
You have also nice explanation of Tom Barr (plantbrain)

Are you Greek ?

Cheers

 

[Team Steve]

I would personally start at the highest height and slowly bring it down until you get the growth rate which you desire.

as long as the CO2 and ferts match the intensity, plants will still grow.

 

[Samjpikey]

Hey did you ever find out any par reading or anything ,
I currently have LEDs set up to a similar wattage and it would be nice to compare any findings you've found .
Cheers

 

[Troglodyte]

Hi Folks,
Might be of use to use what is available and gauge from equivalent lighting that uses 10w LEDs. ie See the technical datasheets of other manufacturers that are currently using 10w LEDs in their mix and use this as a starting point. No outlay involved.🙂