Are 2 smaller lights better than 1 big light?

HAAAAAAAA

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 15, 2022
Messages
574
Reaction score
227
Location
Karnataka
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I had a thought, is one big light better than 2 smaller spread out lights? For example
Is one big 40 watt bulb better than two spread out 20 watt bulbs or is it the opposite?
 

Spare time

10K Club member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
13,208
Reaction score
10,672
Location
Here
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
One bigger light (such as a hydra 32) packs more punch per a given area but the smaller lights (such as one AI prime / half of the hydra 32) will spread the power to a wider area though with less intensity per a given area as a tradeoff. Which is better depends on the size of tank and your budget.
 

Olefreebe

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 19, 2020
Messages
554
Reaction score
2,258
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Given it produces same intensity and just general output I would think 2 is better. Same light produced with better spread and less shadow. Just my opinion tho.
 

twentyleagues

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 27, 2023
Messages
3,408
Reaction score
3,630
Location
Flint
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Obviously 2 lights spread the light more but usually at the cost of total output as @Spare time has said. Take Radions for example one xr30 puts out more par than 2 xr15s in the same area but the 2 xr15s will cover a larger area.
 
OP
OP
HAAAAAAAA

HAAAAAAAA

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 15, 2022
Messages
574
Reaction score
227
Location
Karnataka
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I currently have some macro algae in my display and wanted to move it down to a 60 gallon sump which is about 14 inch height compared to my display which is 30 inches high so instead of the 40 watt bulb I have on my display i wanted to use about 2 15 or 20 watt bulbs spread out
 

twentyleagues

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 27, 2023
Messages
3,408
Reaction score
3,630
Location
Flint
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I currently have some macro algae in my display and wanted to move it down to a 60 gallon sump which is about 14 inch height compared to my display which is 30 inches high so instead of the 40 watt bulb I have on my display i wanted to use about 2 15 or 20 watt bulbs spread out
Lower output better spread. But with the difference in how much closer the lights will be I am sure it will be fine.
 

HAVE YOU EVER KEPT A RARE/UNCOMMON FISH, CORAL, OR INVERT? SHOW IT OFF IN THE THREAD!

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
Back
Top