What driver for actinic led build.

[walkerbrody]

I have a 84x24x32 265g tank with 3x 400w 14k halides. Overall I am happy with the color, but I would like to get a little more pop from the corals. I would also like some blue actinic light when the halides are off, and a dimmable driver for moonlight use.
I need help choosing a driver. I am planning on building a 72" aluminum light bar using 10x 5w cree royal blue leds.

Quantity: 10pcs
• Model Name: XT-E
• Power: 5W
• Emitted Color: Royal Blue
• Wavelength: 450nm~452nm
• DC Forward Voltage (VF): 3.0Vdc-3.3Vdc
•DC Forward Current (IF): 350mA~1500mA
•Diameter: 20mm
• Maximum Current: 1700mA
• Viewing Angle: 140 Degree

Would these leds be suitable and bright enough for my application?

What dimmable driver do I need to run these?

What optics if any do I need?

Thanks in advance for your help, Brody

 

[mcgyvr]

Quantity: 10pcs
• DC Forward Voltage (VF): 3.0Vdc-3.3Vdc
•DC Forward Current (IF): 350mA~1500mA

Would these leds be suitable and bright enough for my application?

What dimmable driver do I need to run these?

What optics if any do I need?

Thanks in advance for your help, Brody

Yes they will be suitable/bright enough..

With 10 in series you need a dimmable driver with a max dc output voltage of greater than 33volts (10 x 3.3V) and an output current of less than or equal to 1500mA. I would recommend the meanwell LPF-60D-42 driver and a 100k potentiometer (for manual dimming) or use a controller to automate dimming. That driver is rated 25-42V @ 1.43A.. (and accepts potentiometer dimming or 0-10V analog or 10V pwm signals)


Optics can be from using nothing to whatever you want..
Tighter optics will allow deeper penetration but less spread.. I find its best to just draw some "cones" and see if you are happy with that.. Frankly as this is just supplemental I'd run without optics..then add them if you want later. Its all about how you space them out.. With only 10 I'd run NO optics for the greatest spread.

 

[walkerbrody]

Thanks for your help. I have an apex controller and would like to use it to dim the leds. Would the driver you recommended work with an apex controller?

 

[mcgyvr]

Thanks for your help. I have an apex controller and would like to use it to dim the leds. Would the driver you recommended work with an apex controller?

Yes.. I think those are 0-10V analog.. (or maybe 10V pwm) but regardless thats why the LPF series drivers are nice.. 3 in 1 dimming to cover most dimming signals.

 

[walkerbrody]

thanks again

 

[zachts]

Personally I would maximize number of LEDs on the driver and use 12 on the LPF-60-42D or use 14 on the LPF-60-48D or use 16 on the LPF-60-54D. It will give you better spread and slightly more light.

I also prefer to run LEDs below their rated maximum at around 70% of max current. It gives the best balance between light output, efficiency, and heat generated. But with most of the newer generation Cree and Luxeon LEDs on a decent heatsink they will outlast our use for them even at maximum current.

Also you don't mention your heatsink choice but at 72" a simple 1" by 1" by 1/8" thick aluminum C channel would be plenty with the number of LEDs your planning.