Help with DIY Algae Scrubber

[Chris155hp]

Hey guys,
So for a while Ive really wanted to make a diy up upflow algae scrubber to help reduce inorganic phosphate instead of using gfo, to help reduce calcification inhibition in my sps and to out compete the bubble algae in my DT. But i have a few unknown in respect to amount of leds, colors, ratios drivers power etc.
My tank is a 36x20x20 60 gallon rimless tank with total water volume of 63 gallons. My dream/goal is to have an Acro/sps heavy tank, hence why nutrient export is of great importance. i also would like the unit to be functional while still be astetically pleasing to look at.

So far this is what I Have come up with to date. My plastic enclosures are roughly 10"x7"by 1.5" deep and the mesh screen is 8.5"x5.75". On the dry side I have two 3.5" by 0.25" deep circular heat sink with lots of surface area for cooling, since I know they will be running anywhere from 9-18 hours a day.

So first off, I originally was going to just use 2 LUXEON Rebel 655nm Deep Red LEDs and call it a day. But after doing some digging i see that a lot of people use/recommend using mostly deep reds with a few royal blues. My question being how many and at what ratio? (fyi i would like to run the less at 700ma on 1 dimmable driver if possible)

So when searching for places to get the deep red LEDs, I came across one who offers custom "stars" offer single LED stars, 3 LED Stars ,4 LED Stars and 7 LED Stars. So with that being said I'm Leaning to do either two 3 LED stars with 2 deep Reds and and 1 Royal Blue or two 4 LED stars with 3 Deep Reds and 1 Royal Blue. Which ratio is best or what other combo is recommended? I Know royal blues are much brighter then the reds and blues can cause hot spots on the screen and burn the algae on the screen, so guidance would be appreciated.

As far as driver/power supply I'm kinda lost. I know it really depends on whats the total number of LEDS but regardless Ide like to run leds at 700ma (to give good output but not pushing them to max to maximize lifespan) and have them manually dimmable so I can ramp them down/or up if their too bright or dim. Also eyeing a small type of driver Like a buck puck thats small enough to fit in the enclosure and light enough to be held up by the strong magnets I have. as for the power supply I need help as for that I am completely lost. Thanks in advanced

 

[Chris155hp]

anyone please help. I really just need to know the electrical aspect of wiring leds / drivers i would need etc

 

[silentscream]

Find the stickied thread in the advanced topics forum called "algae scrubber basics", that's where the ATS gurus hang out.

 

[Chris155hp]

heres a link to the led supplyer for info if its needed! http://www.luxeonstar.com/custom-led-assemblies

 

[silentscream]

How far away from the mesh screen will you plan to have the led's?

I think the general consensus is 1 royal blue for every 6-7 deep reds

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

The first question I have is: is there a reason you can't do a waterfall scrubber?

But to answer your questions on the LEDs, the way I calculate what you need is based on the coverage.

8.5 x 5.75 is about 48 sq in. For high intensity, you want 1 DR for every 4 sq in of area, in this case, 12 of them, but that assumes even spacing (2" on center). Low intensity would be every 1 for every 8 sq in or 6 of them, again, evenly spaced.

Then on the blues, you need very little and it's really not a requirement. One for every 6 or 8 is good, and if you can run them at half power, better.

But with the heat sinks you have, you're kinda stuck with using a multichip type of source. That can lead to photosaturation right in front of the chip but it might eventually fill in over time so you might be OK - hard to say.

My gut tells me that you should go with more LEDs, get 2 identical chips, and run them in parallel. This would cut back on the photosaturation factor, and get you better coverage.

So here is what I would consider. Just think about it, don't pull the trigger on this yet...I gotta sleep on it

Get two of the 7-up chips with 6 DRs (660nm) and one RB in the middle. Wire them in parallel by connecting two of the (+) pad together and two of the (-) pads together. Then (+) driver to the first chip and (-) driver to the second chip. This will act as a current divider. Get a Meanwell LPC-35-700 for $15, or another constant current 700mA driver and you will have 350mA going through each chip. This also assumes that you are getting quality bins - all the same bin, same reel, etc.

This will effectively be like having 6 DR at full power, which is on the low end of the light level, but it's better than being too intense and concentrated.

once you get the screen very mature, you can re-wire the chips in series and go to full power really easily.

 

[Chris155hp]

Wow thanks for the info. If you think ide be better served going with singles stars or try and find a board that's better spaced out I am not opposed to doing so? So in that case what ratio do you recommend 8:1 or get 4 tri led deep red chips and stick one royal blue in the middle ? or if you know anywhere else I can get boards that are more space let me know I'm up to any options

 

[SantaMonica]

Might be easier to just use reds; they work great, and eliminate the mixing/ratio hassle.