DIY LED Lighting for reef?? NEED HELP!!

[thefat1]

:fun5:I am working with a group that makes architectural LED fixtures. I have a couple LED strips that are HO 5500K LEDs. My question is does the kelvin rating work with corals SPS, LPS and softies? The strip is 12 LEDS at 2200 lumens driven at 700ma. Can I add blue LEDS in the actinic rnge to get the desired results or are the 5500 Ks nat at all what I need. I am trying to save $$ by using the stock fixture and supplementing, but I want soemthing that will be good for the reef and corals. BTW the light will be going over a 40G cube that I am going to DIY! Depth will be about 14-16" and the light will be about 8" from the water surface as I have drawn it to date.

Any help would be greatly appricitated, I often go off half cocked and want to avoid beng known as the coral killer!! Thanks.

 

[hllywd]

Here is a lot of information which I could pick apart and repeat... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1678127&page=171

My first reaction is that you'll want to add in the neighborhood of 36 royal blue Cree XR-Es to get a "reef light" mix. Being able to dim both colors allows you to get just the right mix, and to adjust intensity... which you'll have plenty! Another consideration is how the colors will combine. If you can come up with an arrangement of what you have, in combination with the RBs that mix and don't give you little mini color spot lights, you may be in business.

 

[thefat1]

Thanks for the advice!

Thanks for the advice!

:thumbsup:THanks hllywd!! Sounds like good advice. Wow thats a lot of blues though, I may be better off going with the DIY kit that has 12-18 of the new cree ultra whites and equal number of x-re royal blues in even pairs for better mix. sometimes a trying to save a couple bucks ends up costing you more in the end!!
Thanks again, I guess I am back at the beginning. I may be able to save the strip for future upgrade??

Jeff