DIY LED build

[NanoDrummer09]

Putting together a list of LEDs to get for my 40gal breeder. Using Rapid LED but this is my first time so some input would be great! My order from Rapid LED goes as follows.
8 CREE XP-G2 5W Cool White LED
16 CREE XT-E Royal Blue LED
4 SemiLEDs True Violet UV LED (400-410nm)
DDC-02 PWM Controller
3 Mean Well ELN-60-48D dimmable driver (do they need to be dimmable?)
3-Prong Power Cord (6')

am i missing anything? I plan on getting my Red/Black wire and heatsink from Home Depot

 

[letoan]

You need thermal compound/paste, something like a fan to cool the led/heatsink and power supply for it.

Yes, you need a dimmable driver to use with that controller, the one you posted are analog, you'll need the pwm version (P).

 

[NanoDrummer09]

You need thermal compound/paste, something like a fan to cool the led/heatsink and power supply for it.

Yes, you need a dimmable driver to use with that controller, the one you posted are analog, you'll need the pwm version (P).

thanks for the feedback, how many fans do you think i will need?

 

[CrazyEyes]

As mentioned, the D is an analog driver that uses POTS. If you want to go the PWM route I highly recommend it, PWM is much smoother than analog. If you decide to go with PWM drivers I'd highly recommend a different controller i.e a Typhon or Storm. I'd honestly highly recommend using Luxeons instead of CREEs, nothing wrong with CREEs, just Luxeons tend to be higher quality. I'd also highly recommend ordering the LEDs from somewhere that list what BIN the LEDs are, somewhere like Steves LEDs. Regarding how many fans, it's hard to tell. Not sure how much heat dissipation anything Home depot will offer while be passively cooled.

 

[letoan]

I don't know what heatsink you're getting at HD or the length of it so it's hard to say.

How high are you going to mount this fixture?

 

[NanoDrummer09]

oh jeez my brain is melting. but i was thinking 8" above the tank and 12"long? anyone willing to do a sit down help me fill up my cart so i can figure out what exactly i need?

 

[letoan]

oh jeez my brain is melting. but i was thinking 8" above the tank and 12"long? anyone willing to do a sit down help me fill up my cart so i can figure out what exactly i need?

8" is pretty close to the water, might be a good idea to protect the fixture from long term exposure to the moisture. Check out maker's led heatsink.

 

[biecacka]

How much cheaper is the heatsink @ HD?

Corey

 

[slowwrx137]

Have you considered buying a kit from RapidLED like this one:

http://www.rapidled.com/standard-40g-breeder-dimmable-kit/

You may end up spending a little more but don't have to worry about anything other than soldering/connecting the wires.

 

[NanoDrummer09]

Have you considered buying a kit from RapidLED like this one:

http://www.rapidled.com/standard-40g-breeder-dimmable-kit/

You may end up spending a little more but don't have to worry about anything other than soldering/connecting the wires.

Do you think this would be good for having SPS about 6" under the water line? I have a nice shelf piece that have an awesome surface that i was thinking about setting some sps on.

 

[AngelandNathan]

Did you buy your hardware yet? I just upgraded my rapid kit and have some of the stuff you're looking for.