swenholz
New member
Not yet. I have been trying to track one down, but I haven't had much luck yet. I finally ordered the green LEDs so i am going to wait until I get the greens and reds running before I take measurements.
(Another) DIY LED Build - Linear Design
- Thread starter katchupoy
- Start date
Not yet. I have been trying to track one down, but I haven't had much luck yet. I finally ordered the green LEDs so i am going to wait until I get the greens and reds running before I take measurements.
I have a 90gal bow front that I'm going to go all LEDs for the lighting. The tank is 48"L and the ends of the tank is 12" bows to 17"Ctr, X 28"H. I'll be using the canopy (same size as tank), but hanging it instead. Would this kit have enough bulbs for a mixed reef with a few SPS's? I do have 2 BTAs that sits 3-7" from the sand bed in the corner of my tank. To get down deep on that corner without having the light hitting the floor. Would you recommend the 40 lenses or would the 60 be okay? I will be running this with a 2 color dimming kit, 2:1 - 12 Cool White Cree XP-G R5 LEDs, 36Royal Blue Cree XR-E LEDs. Any help would be awesome as I need to get this order in by the 15th and this is what I'm looking at...
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-50/48-Ultra-Premium-LED/Detail
This thread is awesome and I'am pleased to learn that I can run the LEDs with the RKL. I'am sure l'll be reading this again for "How To" as I start this build along with more questions for you all.
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-50/48-Ultra-Premium-LED/Detail
This thread is awesome and I'am pleased to learn that I can run the LEDs with the RKL. I'am sure l'll be reading this again for "How To" as I start this build along with more questions for you all.
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TheFishMan65
New member
DZ I would recommend 40s. Unless you are really close to the surface. I have 48 on a 75 and it could use more. So you might consider 60 or least plan in case you need to add more.
Thanks for the reply. The light strips will be around 7-9 from the top of the tank. I was just made aware that the numbers I posted is not 2:1, but 3:1 sorry. I like the look of Phoenix's 14Ks, so I'm open to any advice. Would it help if I go with a few more whites to prevent the spotlight affects of 2:1 with the 40 lenses or by having the light that far up will stop this, but yet still reach the bottom enough?
I need to go back and search to see what the 1:1 to 2:1 differences are. Each color will be dimmer controlled by themself and I beleive for dawn to dusk I'll let the RKL (need to add the RKL ALC) turn off the whites. At least that's the way my MH's & PCs are set up now...
Am I understanding this correctly?
I need to go back and search to see what the 1:1 to 2:1 differences are. Each color will be dimmer controlled by themself and I beleive for dawn to dusk I'll let the RKL (need to add the RKL ALC) turn off the whites. At least that's the way my MH's & PCs are set up now...
Am I understanding this correctly?
TheFishMan65
New member
Wiht 7-9 inches I think I would recommend 60 LEDs with 60 degree optics.
grinder143
New member
wow that is a wealth of info . So much that i forget what i was trying to remember. So excuse me if i ask a question that has been asked before. This concept is genius. So if i may ask for a 75 standard tank. what would be the recommended number at a 2:1 ratio of led and the optics used if say 8" off the water. The c channel what size would you use if you can pick. i have a friend with a sheet metal shop said he would give me what i wanted but need the size and thickness i believe he had up to 1/4" thick . any help to get it started is fantabulose.
TheFishMan65
New member
IMHO 75 is probably good with 48 LEDs. Optics of 60 degrees. Guess on the U channel 1/8 inch 1x1.
katchupoy
New member
Bam, the issue is, is the person looking at it... its how they define bright.. Some people they want 400 watt halide, some want 250. its very deceiving. To be honest, in my 36 led setup on a 14" off the water, I still have my candy canes closed up because its still too much for them??? it really depends also on the creatures.
RamJr can attest, he has a very good setup plus access to PAR meter... amazing reading even at 40" under water.
If only I can borrow one and see how many par per rail... so i can just easily multiply it on how many rails i have....
But right now, Im running 100% on my intensity but 14" off the water. I might go down to 9" but will need to adjust my pot also to less intensity.
But I agree with you.... there is no definite numbers... just guideline...
RamJr can attest, he has a very good setup plus access to PAR meter... amazing reading even at 40" under water.
If only I can borrow one and see how many par per rail... so i can just easily multiply it on how many rails i have....
But right now, Im running 100% on my intensity but 14" off the water. I might go down to 9" but will need to adjust my pot also to less intensity.
But I agree with you.... there is no definite numbers... just guideline...
i am leaning to doing the 72. Think it should be all the light I would ever need.
I was told to use 96 but it depends on the ratio you are using as I went 1:1 cw/blues. I see a lot of people doing 2:1 but I didn't want it that blue so I said to the guy if I'm going to use the 1:1 then I would need less leds all together and he agreed. These things are super bright compared to the 250w MH I had with 12k bulbs.
katchupoy
New member
@DZs.
I have time to take a picture of my tank... so here is the latest. So far so good. Not loosing any colors... Also, DZ, this 2:1... RB:CW
2:1 latest pic. 14" off water
1:1 old picture last December/ 9" off water
More here...
.
I have time to take a picture of my tank... so here is the latest. So far so good. Not loosing any colors... Also, DZ, this 2:1... RB:CW
2:1 latest pic. 14" off water
1:1 old picture last December/ 9" off water
More here...
.
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The thing with LED is the tech is evolving. I would agree from what I have read that the 96 would be right with the XR-E's, but as most people have migrated to the XP's which put out 30% or so more light, I am not sure you need that many. Now with people starting to play with the XL's, which are 20% or so above the XP's, I am sure you would not need 96.
The other problem it has created is the ratio is a moving target as the whites par output seems to be outpacing the colors. 1:1 was great 1 1/2 years ago. Now I am convinced 2:1 or even 3:1 may be better.
Nice tank pics Katchupoy, do you have optics on them? They look good like that, the only things I think I messed up was the spacing on mine (a little to close, about 1 1/4" between each color or 2 1/2" between same color )and the optics (40 degree) so I have a slight spotlight effect. I may change them to 60 degree to get better spread because are tanks are the same footprint mine is only 6" deeper if I'm correct?
This is great and I have read about 3/4 of the posts. I have one issue that maybe you can help with. My 75 g tank is in the wall and the front 6 inch's I only have a clearence of about 4 inch's so I cannot put my lights all the way to the front causing a shadow on the front of the tank. Is there a way to replace my t-5's with led's and only have them 3 inch's off of the top of the tank.
