feedback for diy led system

Hello everyone,

I'm looking at building a led system that will consist of 2 heat sinks containing 55 leds per heat sinks. Each one will have dual dimmers, as well as dual power buttons. My ? is what is the best layout as per color of leds for the best results. I have read many posts on the subject and have become confused as to which leds to use in which way. All feedback will be highly appreciated. Attached is a sheet that I came up with as to led placement. Please pick this apart and be honest. I want to learn what it takes to do this right the first time.



Thanks

 

what sze tank? what do you want as far as SPS/LPS clams etc? what brand?

and also consider dimmable drivers and a controller so you can do sunrise ans sunset functions!

 

Sorry about that. Long day at work. I have a 75 gallon deep blue. Using the cree 3w leds. Yes we have the dimmable drivers and controller on order. My biggest dilemma is the placement of the leds I guess. I did a simple layout and was just wondering if this will work to the best advantage of leds. We plan on having mainly sps. Montis are the main portion of my corals. We do also have some hammer corals, 1 leather toadstool, and a few ricordia. These units will also be inside a 7 " canopy so I didn't plan on using any optics.

Thanks for the reply

 

WAY TOO MUCH LIGHT! for a 75g deep i'm thinking 72 ish is more than enough as far as Cree 3W go. On each heat sink I'd do something like 12 whites( 8 CW and 4 NW) 20 blues(12 RB and 8 blue) and then a string of violet and colors( 5 violets and, 2 reds, 2 cyans, and 2 something). Do that times 2. Also consider bridgelux for the colors, as they run at the same max current which is nice.

 

Thanks, would you put the bulbs in any kind of order in each sink?

 

Thanks for the info. Would you recommend any order of placement per sink?

 

theres diff theories out there on that, clusters v random for instance. personally I'd just stagger them as you can once you do the build! Make sure you do a dry run of wires before you start gluing or soldering to make sure everything fits right. FYI, I'd keep most colors(violet, red,green, cyan etc in the middle) WITH NO OPTICS. Sorry forgot that, but reds, cyan green orange etc prob shouldn't have optics

 

Thank you again for the feedback. You have helped tremendously. I'll keep posting my progress as it goes. Again THANKS

 

no worries, IMO though, really look at reefbreeders.com, unless you really want a DIY, which is fun but can be costly. Make sure you ask a TOn of questions before final purchase, because if you do it right, you wont have to mess with lights for a LONG time. Enjoy learning and READ up, its really easier than we make it out to be.

 

2:1: .5: .5: .5
NW RB HV OCW TV
Or
2:1: .75: .5: .25
NW RB HV OCW TV
Or
Evil Clusters, there's a large thread on them on NR
NW is neutral white 4-5k
RB is royal blue 450-460nm or so
HV is hyper violet 430nm
TV is true violet 405-420nm
OCW is a Tristar with a cyan 495 I think, cool blue 470-480 or so, and deep red 660-680nm