Here is what you guys been waiting for. The par measurements.
With the meter 1"-2" from the T5 daylight bulb I get a reading around 700 par.
With the meter 1"-2" from a single LED pure white I get a reading around 625 par.
With the meter 1"-2" from the tri-LED pure white I get a peak reading from the meter.
With the meter 1"-2" from the royal blue LED I get 570 par.
Just right under the water surface I get a reading of 300 for T5.
Just right under the water surface I get a reading of 400 for LED (bright area).
2" under the surface I get 250 par for T5.
2" under the surface I get 350 par for LEDs.
I wasn't able to go straight down since my rock was in the way so I can't really get a good accurate reading. But at about 6" (a bit outside of the bright area) I get 150 par.
At the sandbed, not in direct bean of the LEDs, I get about 50 par which is about 9" deep.
My conclusion is that it appears that the LEDs are equal if not better than T5 in light penetration. However without being able to get readings directly underneath the LEDs I can't say 100% for sure. I think if the LEDs were evenly space on top that it will be much better. My next DIY LED light will be evenly distributed out.