LED Light vs Flourescent Lights

[Merlyn]

If what you say is right about LEDs not putting out enough lumens, keeping them at that distance will just add to the lack because lumens deteriorate exponentially the farther away you get from the source. That's why 2.5 to 3 feet away from the foliage is ludicrous ! That's the distance suitable for HID lights because they DO put out a massive amount of lumens !

[alpha_betta]

Originally Posted by Merlyn

If what you say is right about LEDs not putting out enough lumens, keeping them at that distance will just add to the lack because lumens deteriorate exponentially the farther away you get from the source.

Yes, that is exactly right. Which reminds me, I need to stress that is the reason why aquarium hobbyists don't use LED's. If you have a 50 gallon tank, it is at least 2 1/2 feet deep, and lumens fall off in water quicker.

However, mini-panted tank hobbyist claim that this is not true for tanks less then 30 gallons, it is actually the opposite, you need higher light output then what you think you should.... don't ask me about this, this is what a lot of them claim and I don't see where there logic comes from. I need to read up on it because it just doesn't sound right.

If you could stick LED's under water I think things might be different, but land growers have the advantage of choosing the distance form the plants the light will be so this changes their usefulness.