LED's for dusk/dawn

[Rabidgoose]

A couple questions regarding LED's but a few basics on my set up first. My tank is 72x18 and 24" deep. I upgraded the reflectors on my MH and only have room for 4x24 watt T5's in the middle of the tank which leaves the ends quite dark with the main lights off. So, with no real concern about PAR and only considering visual light(luminous flux) on to the questions...

How many lights should I consider on each end of the tank? I have about 16"(front to back) in a DIY canopy to work with.

What sort of array would you recommend? What optics(reflectors) to reach the depth of my tank without a "spotlight effect"?

I will try to get a picture up of my current dusk/dawn lighting to give you some idea of what I'm talking about. I am also interested in RED LED's to monitor my tank late at night when all the creepy crawlers are out and about. Depending on cost I might integrate those in around the tank at the same time. More about that later.


thanks........chuck

[evilc66]

Considering you are wanting to use these for supplimental lights when the halides are off, you could easily use something commercial and off the shelf. The Ecoxotic Stunners come to mind as a simple solution. They are more powerful than just moonlights, and have better coverage and less spotlighting like the Current USA Powerbrites.

[Rabidgoose]

Thank you evil, the Ecoxotic Stunners look like an almost ideal solution.

Considering you are wanting to use these for supplimental lights when the halides are off, you could easily use something commercial and off the shelf. The Ecoxotic Stunners come to mind as a simple solution. They are more powerful than just moonlights, and have better coverage and less spotlighting like the Current USA Powerbrites.