PopularGrow LED Thread

[PeterErc]

Hey there, is there a big PopularGrow LED thread somewhere? I did a search and could not find anything.

I ordered
2-24” 54w 470nm bars
2-24” 54w 470/420nm bars alternating diodes.

The 54w 470nm were shipped UPS second day air from California

The 470/420 were shipped from China on 01/02 and were delivered today 01/04 by UPS (unbelievable)

The two custom 470/420 bars were ordered on 12/28/23 for an additional $48.80. The extra charge and delivered in two days no complaint from me.They came from China quicker than Cali from holiday delay.

The contact person on the other end at AliExpress has been very helpful and easy to communicate with.

The build quality is good. LED driver is replaceable if goes bad. I haven’t opened one up yet but I bet the chips can be replaced.

I asked about making custom 15” bars and it would be a 300 piece minimum to make them. If enough people are interested, who knows.

I need to work on a mounting bracket so the bars can be installed hung next to metal halide pendants. The 15” bars would be perfect but not available. I plan to mess around with the 24” to see how they do, which I expect to be fine.

I will post some pictures once installed.

Anyone else with these please show how you mounted and pictures of the spectrum.

Thanks

 

[zoasaholic]

Let us know how you like 470nm. I'm up for 2 24" bars, my reefbrite, some of the HXO LED burnout.

 

[PeterErc]

Lights bars mounted over a 36g 470/420 in front 470 in rear.

First impression is yup, that’s what I wanted. The 420nm violets remind me in a way of the super actinic bulbs. The 470nm to me is just blue.

My wife came home and said what the heck is that. Lights were not powered on yet and I had the power cords over the top of pendant hanging down.
Once I got both lights on and said look at that her attitude changed. Even got kinda of a lame high five.

Then came the question, what’s better. Stand alone she likes 470 and I prefer 470/420. I look more at the coral than the hue of the tank. We both agree tank looks best with the two strips on.

I have apple phone, blue pictures look like… Didn’t take any.

Here’s a few with all lights on, 175w 10k Venture bulb in pendant. Not as blue as in pics. Don’t mind the tank.

 

[mrpontiac80]

I’m interested in some as I’ve kinda been looking. Glad you like them.

 

[PeterErc]

Thanks, yup, like them enough. Product is nothing out of the ordinary and does what they are meant to do. As for longevity, time will tell.
Jebao.. lol

Got another tank to do but expecting same results, only difference is the halide bulb.

top down

 

[Reefing102]

Here’s a thread I had with some basic par readings:

PopularGrow Par Readings

Hey guys, So I’ve been researching LEDs just to get more info if I decide to switch later on. I see a lot of people recommending the PopularGrow LED bars as a supplement light. I have a set of their blue bars but no one local has a par meter and I can’t afford the “rental” of one. I did a...

www.reef2reef.com

There’s also this comparison thread to T5s

AliE LED bar vs. T5

So i have 2 hydra 32s over my 40b. I want to add some more lighting at the back of the tank are the top of the rock work for some acros. (I don't wanna mess with my current set up bc everything else is pretty happy). I'm debating between the AliE led bar (telegraham and inappropriate reefer...

www.reef2reef.com

I have the standard (I think 470 bars?) and customized 24” bars (400-410, 410-420, and 420-430, alternating every 3 bulbs)

 

[Reefing102]

Not the prettiest but here’s how the two 24 inch are mounted

The mounts are SUNSUN ADT Series Tube Shape Light T1 mounts. The chains to the wall I used as they’re a bit unsturdy.

In another thread a user posted these which I’m tempted to try. I forget which thread it was.

https://a.co/d/2OU7WS0

 

[PeterErc]

Not the prettiest but here’s how the two 24 inch are mounted

That’s the thread I was looking for, figured there was one somewhere. I will read through it. Thank you . The PAR doesn’t really matter to me. See how it goes but 3 hours MH on one and 4hr MH on other. One is for the Mrs. she likes the blue and other is just a frag tank. Fifteen inch bars would be better than the 24” but for the price , I’m in

 

[Reefing102]

That’s the thread I was looking for, figured there was one somewhere. I will read through it. Thank you . The PAR doesn’t really matter to me. See how it goes but 3 hours MH on one and 4hr MH on other. One is for the Mrs. she likes the blue and other is just a frag tank. Fifteen inch bars would be better than the 24” but for the price , I’m in

Agreed. The 24s hang over a tad on a 32 Biocube (what they’re on right now) but still cheaper than full custom and less frustrating than DIY lol

 

[PeterErc]

Agreed. The 24s hang over a tad on a 32 Biocube (what they’re on right now) but still cheaper than full custom and less frustrating than DIY lol

Yea, I have no problem slapping up some DIY. My wife on the other hand. These bars barely passed lol. Even if the driver and diodes burn up can DIY repairs for less than a big boy strip. Would cut them down to fit better as well.