_shorty_
New member
First, I started thinking about supplementing 2x250w MH lights with LEDs (actinic replacement) like a year ago. I THINK I'm finally going to pull the trigger.
My original post is here and I'm thankful for the help I received then. I re-reviewed all of this as I develop new plans for my build.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2262789&highlight=diy+supplemental+lighting
Initially, I was planning to retrofit LEDs into a 48" fixture and replace the 4x 65w PC bulbs currently in there. Instead, I think I've decided to sell my 48" fixture, get 2x 250w magnetic ballasts/pendants, and add the LEDs as 'actinics' as nice and neat as I can.
New LED selections are available also since last looking into this, and I'm no longer planning to run these enclosed so that changes things a bit.
Here is my plan so far, please review and provide corrections or advise where you see I need it. I've only done simple LED build in the past with no dimming capabilities. I will also add cost is a big factor in my build and I'm trying to save costs where possible.
2 x 250w DE magnetic metal halide lighting.
Add 2 x C channel (1.25" x 1.25") 36" long bars connected to the pendants somehow with the following combination of LEDs.
Looking at Steve's Luxeon LEDs:
12 x hyper violet version 1 @ 700 mA - assuming 3.6V
8 x royal blue @ 700mA - assuming 3.0V
4 x true blue @ 700mA - assuming 3.3V
Dimmable drivers: meanwell LDD-700L
I have two options for power supplies in setting these up.
Option 1) buy a EPS-65-24 which provides 24V @ 2.71 A
- 4 drivers
- 2 x 6 hyper V channels
- 1 x 8 royal blue channel
- 1 x 4 true blue channel
The problem with this setup is it gets very close to not providing enough amperage. Jumping up to a higher supply bumps up cost fairly significantly. When running @ 700mA, is that really usually running at 680mA? If so, will this setup work?
Option 2) I already have a sony laptop power supply that I could use. It's nice and enclosed and provides 19.5 V @ 4.7A
- 5 drivers
- 2 x 5 Hyper V channels
- 1 x 6 royal blue channel
- 1 x 4 true blue channel
- 1 x mixed channel: 2 Hyper Vs + 2 royal blues
Obviously, I don't like combining multiple colors into a single channel, but I assume ill still have plenty of flexibility to adjust my overall color mix with only 2 of each of the violets and royal blues on that single mixed channel. This option only saves me about 10 bucks (plus cost of shipping from another supplier), but it does give me some room for expansion if needed based on the extra power available.
I'm leaning towards option 2.
Is total color combo good?
Is total number of LEDs and drive currents good?
Do you think I'll be able to have plenty of blue and fluorescent available to supplement the MHs on magnetic ballasts? I currently run 14,000Ks on electronic ballasts, and expect the light from these to whiten with the new style ballasts.
Any other thoughts, corrections, or suggestions?
My original post is here and I'm thankful for the help I received then. I re-reviewed all of this as I develop new plans for my build.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2262789&highlight=diy+supplemental+lighting
Initially, I was planning to retrofit LEDs into a 48" fixture and replace the 4x 65w PC bulbs currently in there. Instead, I think I've decided to sell my 48" fixture, get 2x 250w magnetic ballasts/pendants, and add the LEDs as 'actinics' as nice and neat as I can.
New LED selections are available also since last looking into this, and I'm no longer planning to run these enclosed so that changes things a bit.
Here is my plan so far, please review and provide corrections or advise where you see I need it. I've only done simple LED build in the past with no dimming capabilities. I will also add cost is a big factor in my build and I'm trying to save costs where possible.
2 x 250w DE magnetic metal halide lighting.
Add 2 x C channel (1.25" x 1.25") 36" long bars connected to the pendants somehow with the following combination of LEDs.
Looking at Steve's Luxeon LEDs:
12 x hyper violet version 1 @ 700 mA - assuming 3.6V
8 x royal blue @ 700mA - assuming 3.0V
4 x true blue @ 700mA - assuming 3.3V
Dimmable drivers: meanwell LDD-700L
I have two options for power supplies in setting these up.
Option 1) buy a EPS-65-24 which provides 24V @ 2.71 A
- 4 drivers
- 2 x 6 hyper V channels
- 1 x 8 royal blue channel
- 1 x 4 true blue channel
The problem with this setup is it gets very close to not providing enough amperage. Jumping up to a higher supply bumps up cost fairly significantly. When running @ 700mA, is that really usually running at 680mA? If so, will this setup work?
Option 2) I already have a sony laptop power supply that I could use. It's nice and enclosed and provides 19.5 V @ 4.7A
- 5 drivers
- 2 x 5 Hyper V channels
- 1 x 6 royal blue channel
- 1 x 4 true blue channel
- 1 x mixed channel: 2 Hyper Vs + 2 royal blues
Obviously, I don't like combining multiple colors into a single channel, but I assume ill still have plenty of flexibility to adjust my overall color mix with only 2 of each of the violets and royal blues on that single mixed channel. This option only saves me about 10 bucks (plus cost of shipping from another supplier), but it does give me some room for expansion if needed based on the extra power available.
I'm leaning towards option 2.
Is total color combo good?
Is total number of LEDs and drive currents good?
Do you think I'll be able to have plenty of blue and fluorescent available to supplement the MHs on magnetic ballasts? I currently run 14,000Ks on electronic ballasts, and expect the light from these to whiten with the new style ballasts.
Any other thoughts, corrections, or suggestions?