RapidLED with VDM?

C

ciphros

New member
Anyone know if it would be possible to run the Rapidled.com DIY kit with the Apex/VDM setu-up? They are 0-10V dimmable, so would assume they could be run, and I know they have separate controllers for the different colors, so in theory, it sounds plausible. I would need to upgrade form the AC3 to an apex as well as the LED's so just wondering if anyone had done it before starting to think about the investment too much.
 
If they're 0-10V dimmable, then the VDM wouldn't be required, as the Apex base unit already has 4 variable speed ports.
 
Awesome. Thanks guys.

So - with having 4 ports, I would be able to control 2 colors via 2 control ports/drivers and tailor the color spectrum via changing the dimming on white/blue separately?

How much less functionality would I have going this way VS. using the AI and VDM? Enough to justify the difference in cost to light my 8' long tank?
 
Yes in regards to controlling blue banks with one port and white with the other. Think I have seen people running 5+ ballasts per output. Can't speak to the other part of your question though.
 
jeffhaag said:
Yes in regards to controlling blue banks with one port and white with the other. Think I have seen people running 5+ ballasts per output. Can't speak to the other part of your question though.
Click to expand...

Very cool, so I could actually get away with running multiple white drivers on the same port...and same for the blues. Then, if needed I could even add additional bank of Actinic (royal blue) supplements if so desired. Hmmm...got me thinking now! May have to make the investement and move up to an apex sometime in the future...and maybe sooner than I had originally thought.
 
PS- I believe most people are simply using royal blue and 10k led's. No "blues".

I'm not positive though since I only use the royal blues 24 (2 ballasts on one variable output port) to supplement my actinic vho's and handle sunrise/sunset. My primary lighting is mh.
 
Indeed, and much cheaper (although somewhat more labor intensive I suppose) than the AI systems.

I am thinking of building a small set-up for the 29g tank first (will probably run off timers for that tank still rather than upgrade the 2nd AC3 to an Apex). If things go well there, I'll look at going up to the full meal deal for the 270g.
 
jeffhaag said:
PS- I believe most people are simply using royal blue and 10k led's. No "blues".

I'm not positive though since I only use the royal blues 24 (2 ballasts on one variable output port) to supplement my actinic vho's and handle sunrise/sunset. My primary lighting is mh.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's what I've heard too for the most common set-up.
 
Should be fine to do it with timers too. Go with the variable drivers then just get the 10v power supply with resistor. That will still allow you to set the color to your liking. Then if/when you upgrade, you're all set to plug and play.
 
I'll look for the power supply you suggest, not sure how the resistor would allow color to be set, but I'm sure if I locate it, I'll figure it out. I was thinking of going with their controller that allows dimming of the two channels, but this sounds like a cheaper option if I don't need to dim significantly.
 
Actually you need a variable linear potentiometer (sorry, didnt mean confuse with resistor statement) and a 10v power supply for the white ballast(s) and one for the blue ballas(s). Check under dimming accessories on the rapidled site and you'll find what you need. It also appears they offer a 2 color dimming setup. It's really easy to setup.
 
I have 8 drivers (5 for white and 3 for blue) on just 2 channels. It works for me because I can change the color of the tank and I ramp everything up and down for sunrise and sunset.
 
Cool. How big a tank are you running these on? Are you growing SPS? Just curious how well they will do on our 270g SPS dominant tank. We currently are running three 400w MH in the LumenBrite reflectors (roughly 2' above the water level).
 
Awesome, so I have an extra couple of feet to light, but the depth (24") should be the same. No problems with keeping corals or clams happy with your set-up?
 
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