(Another) DIY LED Build - Linear Design

[katchupoy]

Biggar

1. I may only run my white LEDs when im mostly at work. 11-5pm So i dont see them much
2. Unhook a few to dim down white/yellow look
3. Buy a dimmer set up- more expensive than unhooking(jumper style)
4. Add another 12 blues to total 24 blue to 12 white
5. Play with my t-5's to get color I want.
6. Just use the Blue strip and remove the optics for the white?

 

[Biggar]

Update on the 75 gallon 48 x 18 foot print.

Just installed the two strips CW/RB without disconnecting any Cw's. Im using 65 degrees and 80 degrees optics that are scattered.

Since I incorporated the 2 strips onto (and into) my 4 bulb T5 fixture, I was able to achieve nice color using the 2 strips and two T5 54 watt Blue+'s. Running under 200 watts total. Yea, electric bill. Cost me more to run my return pump lol

LED's are running full power: So bright Im hoping im not cooking my zoas. Only put CW's on 3 hours just in case, also too acclimate the softies.

Conclusion: For me, I want another strip of blues. Thinking 8 RB's and 6 regular blue. But im happy, so i think ill wait until the next generation XPG RB comes into play running on the 1050 driver. ( :

Katchupoy- thanks for the last suggestion about taking off the optics, I didnt think of that one
Mike

 

[ChillingBoy]

thank you

 

[Biggar]

Completed T-5 / LED Rig (for now)

Completed T-5 / LED Rig (for now)

Just thought I would share my creation thanks to this board. As im not ready to totally jump into the LED world, but I have supplemented my T-5's which future intentions of adding to this rig. The T-5 fixture can easily house 3 strips inside, but I think I will only go with two. And two outside. The inside does have a acrylic shield, however.

In about 6 months, instead of buying another T-5, I will add another strip.

Do you think there is too much heat inside with the acrylic cover? The strips are warm to touch, but nothing I cant constantly hold my hand onto. Wondering if I need a fan.

Sorry about the i-phone camera quality. How do I get a pic to show up already enlarged in the thread?

 

[Biggar]

O yea, A huge help to the LED build. I attached the out Royal Blue strip to the T-5 fixture with small hinges, therefore, im able to angle the lights towards the rear of the tank. This not only helps get the nice color where you want it, also gets light off the front glass to prevent rapid algae growth.

 

[heathsanders]

Cesar, I sent you a PM.

 

[katchupoy]

Heat. I got it, I will reply as soon as I can. Sorry, really swamped right now...

 

[heathsanders]

I understand. And scratch the orientation I pm'd you about and keep it linear like yours. Much appreciated for any help you can provide.

 

[96p993]

Hoping someone can help me with my build...Ive finished the tank, building stand, just finished building my skimmer and now time for lights, here are my thoughts...

Tank is 39x25.5x19 Eurobraced

I want to do all Leds and really like using alum channeling.
I am wanting to run them with my Apex so dimming is needed.
I am wanting a 14K-16K look on the tank.
I will keep mainly zoos and some acans...No SPS
From reading I think 36 Leds will be enough for my needs.
Im not sure if a 2 to 1 blue to white will get me to the 14-16K look

Hopefully someone can help me out...Do I need optics? If so what degree is recommended? I suck at sketch up but Im trying to draw something up...

Thanks

 

[trueblackpercula]

I have decided to change my mind. If I wanted to keep one gigantea and zoanthis in a 30 x 30 x 30 deep tank what would be your recommendations.
Many thanks

 

[TheFishMan65]

Hoping someone can help me with my build...Ive finished the tank, building stand, just finished building my skimmer and now time for lights, here are my thoughts...

Tank is 39x25.5x19 Eurobraced

I want to do all Leds and really like using alum channeling.
I am wanting to run them with my Apex so dimming is needed.
I am wanting a 14K-16K look on the tank.
I will keep mainly zoos and some acans...No SPS
From reading I think 36 Leds will be enough for my needs.
Im not sure if a 2 to 1 blue to white will get me to the 14-16K look

Hopefully someone can help me out...Do I need optics? If so what degree is recommended? I suck at sketch up but Im trying to draw something up...

Thanks

The general recommendation is one LED for every 10-20 square inches of tank depending on what you want to keep. IMHO 36 will not be enough. I would start with 60-72 that is about mid range and keep what you want.

2:1 is probably a good mix

How high above the tank will the LEDs be?

 

[TheFishMan65]

true, Well i don't think you can keep giant tortoises. Every thing else I found for gigantea seemed to be a plant. So what is a gigantea? I cam guessing clam?

So you need to be at the higher end, and you have a deep tank. You will probably need at least 96 LEDs and some fairly tight optics if the clam is 30 inches down. You might consider spotlighting rather than lighting the whole tank.

PS I forgot to mention there is a summary link on my home page that may help some.

 

[Biggar]

If you have softies high up in the tank, I believe they will make it, on bottom, hmmmm. Try it out, you can always add more. Just make the rig with the ability to upgrade.

I would go at least 2:1. Then maybe add more regular blue in future

From reefledlights.com

A ratio of one Cool White to Royal Blue is approximately 10-12K, 2 Royal Blue for every Cool White is between 12-15K 3Royal Blue for every Cool White is between 17-20K.
Colour Temp Ratio With High Noon Kit
10-12K 1 Royal Blue – 1 Cool White
12-15K 2 Royal Blue – 1 Cool White
17-20K 3 Royal Blue – 1 Cool White

 

[96p993]

The general recommendation is one LED for every 10-20 square inches of tank depending on what you want to keep. IMHO 36 will not be enough. I would start with 60-72 that is about mid range and keep what you want.

2:1 is probably a good mix

How high above the tank will the LEDs be?

I actually meant to say 48, but 60 is doable...Not sure where the 36 came from

Im not really limited on height. I am building the "canopy" so I can go as high or as low as I want.

 

[trueblackpercula]

S.GIGANTEA is an anemone that is light hungry ;-)

 

[TheFishMan65]

true, no expert, but I still think what I suggested above wlll work.

 

[trueblackpercula]

true, Well i don't think you can keep giant tortoises. Every thing else I found for gigantea seemed to be a plant. So what is a gigantea? I cam guessing clam?

So you need to be at the higher end, and you have a deep tank. You will probably need at least 96 LEDs and some fairly tight optics if the clam is 30 inches down. You might consider spotlighting rather than lighting the whole tank.

PS I forgot to mention there is a summary link on my home page that may help some.

96 LEDS ? how is this cost effective?

 

[TheFishMan65]

Well what do you have now (Or would buy) for your S.GIGANTEA?

 

[trueblackpercula]

I have a few zoanthdis and looking to buy a gigantea soon.

 

[TheFishMan65]

I meant for lighting.