The Ecoxotic PAR38 bulbs open up many possibilities for home aquarists. Often limited to linear strip lights and therefore rectangular based aquariums, the imagination of hobbyists is frequently stifled. But look out, here comes something great. Like other pendant lights the Ecoxotic PAR38 allows for a spotlight set up for the cube shaped tanks, the every popular nano aquariums, custom made shapes and designs, and artistic open top systems. But unlike other pendant lights these high power led bulbs do this with very little heat, low energy usage, multiple color options, customized lenses, and unbelievable efficiency.
The actinic/blue bulbs produce a whopping amount of light. In fact they produce nearly the same amount of PAR as their super bright white led counterparts. This is far different from most lighting systems where the white light is used to produce the photosynthetic light, while the blue light is often supplemental for color, and often far-far less intense. Our laboratory tests show that these bulbs can produce PAR levels well over 800 even at over 12 inches depth. In fact the bulbs produced 380 PAR in 24 inches of water in our reef aquariums. This is a level nearly double what we normally have from our 250 watt halide fixture. In order to cut that light down to a more desirable 150 PAR the hobbyist has two main options. One- the bulb can be raised up allowing the spotlight to spread out or Two- the wide angle lenses can be used to spread the light. Without using optics the bulb is well suited to produce desired par levels when mounted 24 inches above the substrate, for an area 16 inches by 16 inches.
Effects of lenses, and bulb overlap are currently being tested. For now we can safely proclaim that a single spotlight Ecoxotic PAR38 bub is a great bulb for nano aquariums, cube shaped aquariums, pinnacle type of reef systems. These bulbs allow for a beautiful color, shimmering effects, and high aesthetics.
Adam Blundell
Aquatic & Terrestrial
Research Team
Learn more about our PAR38 lamps here.
Below is an updated video showing corals under the PAR38 LED lights. It’s available in HD, simply change the video settings from 360p to 720p.
