LED Help 120gal FOWLR

Yup, timers will work just fine, you just won't be able to adjust your intensity automatically. If that's not a problem then you won't even need dimmable drivers for that. What color temperature do you prefer?

 

color temperature hmmm I just like blue and white similar to metal halides I love how it gives the shimmering effect at the bottom of the tank deep blue and white
white. Simulate Actinics. 20k 14k something with a nice blue and a white white I do not want any yellow look.

If I did go with a dimmable controller and Reef controller I noticed they are pricey is there a less expensive one that will work and you recommend. I am exploring my options.

With your kits I still need heatsinks and fans 36 Premium LED Do-It-Yourself Retrofit Kit

I am also looking for the most cost effective way.

 

There's a pretty big difference between the 14k and 20k MH bulbs, so if you like the 14k and you're using XR-E LEDs go with a 1:1 ratio. If you like the 20k look (much more blue) then go with a 2 royal blue:1 cool white ratio, or at least 1.5 royal blue for every 1 cool white.

The cheapest way to dim is to use pots, there are kits on our site for $24 ($33 with a multimeter): 2 Color Dimming Kit

You can use pots to dim the lights to your liking, then use timers to determine how long you want each color on.

 

What cool white model would I purchase for a 20K look?

 

I think I put it together:
1Meanwell ELN-60-48D driver $34
Fan Kit $41
2 color dimming kit $24
24 Royal Blue CREE XP-E $162
12 White 3W Cool White CREE LED with ~6500K $69
2 23' heatsinks pre driller/tapped $100
TOTAL=$430

 

That looks good, but to drive 36 LEDs you would need 3 of the ELN-60-48D drivers.

 

What comes in your 36 LED retrofit kit?

 

It varies slightly depending on which kit you get, but essentially the following:

36 LEDs (color ratio can be changed for free)
36 Lenses (or 18 lenses if you get an ultra premium kit)
3 drivers
3 power cords
Thermal adhesive or grease
35 pieces of wire
6 wire nuts

 

I was doing more research and was thinking of this would work:

$300 for a 36 LED kit (still debating with or w/o lenses) I think lenses protect it.
$50 for 2 4.25x16 heat sink
$32 for the AC adapter and 2 120mm fans. (or the stealth fan kit)

 

Yup, that would work just fine. All you'd need is a soldering iron/solder and a way to mount the heatsinks over the tank.