Rapid DIY led questions

As far as the rapidled DIY kis whats the difference between the Ultra Premium LED DIY Kit with Dimmable Drivers and the Premium LED DIY Kit with Dimmable Drivers. I know they use different LEDs but whats the difference between thoes. thanks in advance

 

I think rapidLED could answer this so I moved your post to their board.

 

thanks matt

 

From a guy who went with Ultra kit:
Ultra includes XP LEDs (best) Max power of 1.5A capacity
Premium includes XR LEDs (better) Max power of 1.0A capacity
They are doing discount on the Ultra kits.

I dont know how often Mike from Rapid LED checks the 3reef, but when I emailed him he replied in the matter of minutes. [email protected] is his address. He is a great guy, I vouch for him without any hesitation.

 

and also do I need 3 potentiometers, one per driver, or can I solder all 3 drivers and 1 power supply to 1 potentiometer? since I dont plan on dimming the colors independently.

 

thanks for the info. I was planning on going with the ultra kit as well. I just wasnt sure what the difference was

 

I suppose you could but Id strongly recommend you to have one pot for each color. You have more flexibility and control this way. You get to change colors as you like ie:14K-ish ~16K-ish ~20K-ish

This is the build thread and this is the inspiration thread for me.

How big is your tank? How many LEDs you thinking, 36?

 

I have a 60 gallon (48x16x17) and rapid recommended I do 42 leds, so I want the 36 kit and then add 6 extra leds. and I want to put 14 leds each on 3 heat sinks. since it comes with 3 drivers I wouldnt be able to put each color on one driver unless I get an extra one

 

As exactly mentioned the ultra kits come with XP- series LEDs. Those will output about 20-30% more light than the XR-E's, though the lens selection isn't as good.

If you don't want independent color control then you can get away with just one pot total. Also, one 10V adapter will be enough (regardless of whether you use one or three potentiometers).

 

How are you planning on placing the heatsinks? Dont you have a brace in the middle of the tank on the top? Id do 2 x 23" heatsinks.

So you're thinking 21 Cool whites and 21 Royal blues right? Id try to hook up like this:
1st driver: all 14 cool whites
2nd driver: all 14 royal blues
3rd driver: 7 cws and 7 rbs
3 pots total, each driver has a pot.



Hey Mike!