Couple 150 gallon questions

Discussion in 'RapidLED' started by mic5486, Jan 28, 2012.

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  1. mic5486

    mic5486 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    May 6, 2009
    Messages:
    41
    Location:
    cleveland ohio
    Hello, I am looking to upgrade my lighting system to one of your led retro kits but have been unable to find answer to a couple of my questions. My tank is a standard 150 gallon, 72x18x24. My lighting is 4 PC bulbs, 2 are actinic blues and to are white 12K bulbs at 96 watts each, and I have one green ricordea. My questions are:

    1. How many leds will I need for doing Ricordeas, zoanthids and some anemones? Mainly just softies and anemones.

    2. The lights will only be about 11-12inches above the tank so what Par lens should I use?

    3. Does it matter what type of Aluminum channel I use?

    4. I plan on making them dimmiable so do I need a Potentiomiter for each driver or just one for the all the whites and blues? I think I only need to two but figured I throw that out there since I'm already asking some questions.

    5. What level should I start at so that I don't kill the ricordea I already have?

    Thanks in advance!
     
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  3. Rapid LED

    Rapid LED 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2010
    Messages:
    27
    Hello,

    1) For just softies I'd go with about 60-65 LEDs.
    2) I'd go with 60 degree lenses
    3) No, as long as it can keep the LEDs cool. If using thin C-channel type aluminum then you'll likely need to run a couple of fans.
    4) One for each color is perfectly okay.
    5) I'd start it at half power and ramp up from there.
     
  4. mic5486

    mic5486 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    May 6, 2009
    Messages:
    41
    Location:
    cleveland ohio
    Ok, thank you.

    I have 2 oscillating fans in the canopy already so I would imagine that will work just fine. I work at a steel factory so I didn't know if it mattered much with aluminum since I can get extra from work for free. I will be placing an order soon!