(Another) DIY LED Build - Linear Design

Hi Ceaser!
a question about the wires...
is it better a #20 gauge or a #18 gauge?
already have the # 20 at home from a previous DIY is it good?
thanks
 
Kcress pointed out the reason for smaller wire. The LEDs heat up and cool down. This causes some expansion/contraction/thermal stress which is more easily handled by the thinner wire. Or something close to this. 24 is actually enough for a string (maybe not XM-Ls). Larger would be needed for the common line if paralleling LEDs.
 
Cesar!!! I finished up my soldering (excited): http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18771332#post18771332

I finished up the soldering but wanted to ask you about wiring the 10K pot, 9V batter or charger and the multimeter to everything. I looked at Rickets Reef video but it seems as if no- one really shows the 10K pot or wiring the multimeter in detail.

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10K-pot.jpg

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On your POT image, the one on the left will be the wire from the 10v (+). The middle is the (+) of the driver. The right side is the (-) of both the driver and the 10V adaptor.

Hope this helps.
 
Here is my diagram that should help you....

Thanks for all the input everyone has put into this thread it makes my understanding of how to go about making my own LED fixture so much easier.

There is only one thing that i dont understand and i am not sure if anyone else has already asked this.

What is the 1ohm 5watt resistor for? Thanks in advance Murphy s law. I found my answer on page 11 just after posting here. Sorry
 
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So I have a few questions and would like some coaching as well.


I am about to upgrade to a custom tank.

60L x 24W x 18H

I have 2 ideas in my head for design. but not sure which one will be best for these dimensions due to the difference in length.

design 1: I was thinking about doing a layout/design like the AI sol blue. And have someone fabricate me the box.

OR

design 2: I go linear like katchupoy then I will have to redo the setup correct?

5ft per rail with 12 bulbs would be a considerable space between leds. 5"?
Or would I wanted to try an fit 24 on a rail? is that too close together?


Cesar do you have time to make me a mockup of what the best way to do this would be for my dimensions? I plan to keep a mixed reef with only a few sps and since 18"H should be very easy to get high PAR on the bottom I should have no issue with where I put them right?
 
So here is my design so far. Any suggestions on what i might be missing/doing wrong

It will be run on 4 x Mean Well ELN-60-48D dimmable drivers run off 2 dimmers. 1 for white and 1 for the rest. I am probably going overkill with the number of LED`s but i figured rather have more and run them at a lower intensity then have to little and run them at full. LED numbers 18 Cool White, 18 Royal Blue ,2 Blue, 2Green

Sorry for metric dimension
The Tank is just over 21.5 inches square and 23.5 inches height
Thanks
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Reefer-in-Jax - not sure what you are looking to get answered either will work. Suggested spacing is 2-3 inches between LEDs so 24 should be OK.

Jonathankru - IMO more RB less white maybe 12:24. Watch for heat where you put the Red and green.

chadfarmer - I think most using channel run with fans.
 
Reefer-in-Jax - not sure what you are looking to get answered either will work. Suggested spacing is 2-3 inches between LEDs so 24 should be OK.

Jonathankru - IMO more RB less white maybe 12:24. Watch for heat where you put the Red and green.

chadfarmer - I think most using channel run with fans.

Cool, Thanks for your help.

In regard to heat are you referring to what they create because of the kelvin temperature?

If so would it be wiser to go with a this sort of ratio?
12 Cool Whites (With optics), 4 Blues (no optics) and 20 Royal Blues(with Optics)? Will 12 be enough to keep SPS`s?
 
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