Minimalistic multichip DIY LED build

[katchupoy]

Is anyone running these on dimmable Meanwell power supplies?

How well do they dim?

if you are referring to the dimmable ELN-60-48P, they dim down at around 15-20 percent and then off. Google their specs. While ELN-60-48D will go down as much as 10%.

while these are low, 10-20% intensity is still bright. Not even dim enough for moonlighting.

Cesar

 

[kttran_2005]

Hmmm.... some how i can't see Lesse's tank picture. Anyway, i have a recommendation question for you guys. Thanks in advance for your big help. my tanks dimension is 48L-18D-16H. i ordered 6 10watts super actinic blue (http://www.ebay.com/itm/270927199097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649). I posted this link and driver link before but i changed my mind for the driver. Do you think 6 of this 10Watts is too much for my tank size? As far as the driver, would you recommend the meanwell 60-48D(0-10v dim) or 60-48P (pmv dim)? Again, thank you so much for the posts, I am very exciting about this multichip LEDs.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[007Bond]

What about the HLG series?

 

[Lassef]

Hmmm.... some how i can't see Lesse's tank picture. Anyway, i have a recommendation question for you guys. Thanks in advance for your big help. my tanks dimension is 48L-18D-16H. i ordered 6 10watts super actinic blue (http://www.ebay.com/itm/270927199097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649). I posted this link and driver link before but i changed my mind for the driver. Do you think 6 of this 10Watts is too much for my tank size? As far as the driver, would you recommend the meanwell 60-48D(0-10v dim) or 60-48P (pmv dim)? Again, thank you so much for the posts, I am very exciting about this multichip LEDs.

Thanks,
Ken

Anyone more that can`t se my pictures?

Sincerely Lasse

 

[kttran_2005]

beautiful tank! i can see it now. thanks for sharing.

 

[katchupoy]

What about the HLG series?

Im not 100% sure, but from their specs here. They can be dimmed 3 ways and all of them goes as low as 10%.

Let me correct my previous statement, the meanwell ELN series based on their specs here, will go down 5% for the -48D and 15% for the -48P

 

[kriv4o]

Very interesting thread going on here that I've been following since it's started. Anyway I am about to start a small(standard 10 gal 12'' deep) frag /grow out tank and I am tempted to try those multichip leds.
Now here is my question to the gurus maglofster and lesse(and anybody that has any advise): I am posting a link to a 20w multichip with a driver and a heatsink. Please tell me if you think that would be enough for my application. I don't plan on having any SPS in that small tank. Not for a long time at least. May be a week at the longest so I can observe them before placing those frags in my DT.

Here are the links:

Multichip led
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20W-Super-A...=270887022492&ps=63&clkid=7238563749255701373

Driver
http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-265V-45m...193?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0ed0dae1

Heatsink
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminium-H...950?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33671ccd76

in addition to the heatsink I plan on using a 90mm PC fan for added cooling.

One more thing the tank I am setting up is only 20'' long. Do you think I should use 2 10w chips for better light spread and coverage or the 20w should be adequate for a tank with that size?

Thanks for all your help and advise!

 

[Lvb034]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a cheaper alternative for the heat sinks and found these http://www.amazon.com/EVERCOOL-Mini-Universal-Cooler-Blue/dp/B001N0SGZM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1332652837&sr=1-2, do you think this heat sink would work for a single 50w LED multichip, or is it too small? Thanks for the advice!

 

[Lassef]

@ Kriv4o

I have a 10 watt of that type of Chip over a 7 gallon tank. I´m running it at 700 mA so IRL its arround 7 watt. the deep is arround 12" It works but just works. I think that a 20 watt chip should be good (but I have not tested). Probably so good that you have to rise the source a bit over the surface - but on the other hand - you will have coverage over the whole tank. I think it works - but you have to test. However, I think you need the fan also.

@ lvb034

If the cooler is able to manage 50 watt of heat (or arround that) - it will work.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[sunny03]

lassef

i have a 2.5*2.5*2 ft tank... how many of the mutichip you think i need?
i am keeping mostly SPS..

Using the formula, i need at least 160W of multichip to cover my tank...

should i use 8*20w or 2*50w + 4*20w

 

[Lassef]

@ Sunny03

I´m not a SPS freak so i really do not know. I put the question further to Maglofster. Personally I prefer lower wattage because its more easy to get drivers that are dimmable to that types of Chip, and you can manage the light in more ways. If you have a deeper part which is free of stones maybe 1 pc of 50 watts over that aera should be good.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[007Bond]

Lassef, Hello
In your testing, is the wattage choice of chips in relation to the depth of the tank? My tank water is 102cm/40" deep, can I use 50W with optics or would you say I should use 100W with optics? I would like penetration to the sand bed.(not sure on par) The lights will be 10" above the water.











'

 

[Lassef]

@ 007Bond

This means you will have about 110 - 120 cm to the sand bed (42 - 47 "). My measurements in air shows around 200 PAR at 80 cm - it usually means, surprisingly,a little bit higher in the water at the same depth . Water acts a bit like a lens. Between thumb and forefinger usually it be said that corals from the genus Acropora need just about 200 PAR. I would in that situation might choose "100" watt chip of the type that it is possible to raise the power on. Maybe run them at 150 watts (4 - 5 A). I will order the drivers that can provide 150 watts for testing but that will take a few weeks before I have get them..

I made my measurements with a 60 degree lens

I have not tested or measured 50 Watt.

Maglofster may be able to fill up with more facts here

Sincerely Lasse

 

[007Bond]

Lassef, thanks you for the information. I see what you are saying to push the 100W to 150W for deeper penetration. Now how do you figure coverage? Do you figure the 60 degree optics for spread? My tank is 98L X 34W. Do I run 1 row down the middle, if so how far apart? Is there a formula for this? Thanks---Rick

 

[Lassef]

The optics has a 60 ° beam. If I remember my school math (it was 50 years ago ) then the circle after 1 meter (about 40 ") will have a diameter of about 1.1 m (approx. 43") at a beam angle of about 60 degrees. You may need 3-4 chip evenly spread along the aquarium's length or more. Depending on how bright light you need.

I have no experience of this because I have not tested it so you must use your common sense when determining the number and placement.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[007Bond]

Lassef,
Thanks, I'll try to Google some math and put my thinking cap on. I think I might have seen some threads on led optics coverage. I'll do some searching.---Rick

 

[maglofster]

lassef

i have a 2.5*2.5*2 ft tank... how many of the mutichip you think i need?
i am keeping mostly SPS..

Using the formula, i need at least 160W of multichip to cover my tank...

should i use 8*20w or 2*50w + 4*20w

I would probably go with 2*50W 10K white and then 4x20W Royal Blue. Put them on different drivers, that way you can use the blue ones for dusk/dawn.

 

[fsugmoney]

I have a 90 gal 48x18x24 with mostly sps. The tank has the center brace. which watt chips do you recommend?

 

[Landsailor]

What do you think I would need for a 125 gallon tank? It's not up and running yet, but I have a two 250W halide system to use until I get the LEDs figured out. Tank dimensions are 72"L x 18"D x 24"H (182cm x 45cm x 61cm)

I haven't yet ventured into SPS, but will do so once it's dialed in. Right now, I have all softies.

I was leaning more towards multiple 10W or 20W chips, but prices and specs are changing so quickly that it may be cheaper to go with 50s or 100s.

 

[GY2202]

First of All...this is an awesome thread... I was in the middle of designing my DIY LED using 3Watters but after seing this thread im pursuaded to use the 10W or 20W chips.

I have notice that no one is using the UV chip? any particular reason??

Regards

George