Windex Prevention

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by WhiskyTango, Mar 19, 2014.

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  1. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    Hello Folks,

    I am building(trying to) a custom full spectrum LED fixture.

    Which diodes are to blame for a overly blue windex looking tank? I assume its the 450≤λ≤460 range.

    Of course, I realize the ratio and blend is the key.

    With 15 diodes, I am looking for nice colors out of my zoas/rics.

    2 - 405 Deep Violet
    2 - 420 Violet
    3 - 450 Royal Blue
    2 - 470 Blue

    1 - 505 Cyan or 525 Green (maybe, may omit this one)
    1 - 660 (Red)

    4 - 6500k (White) The whites range from 2700≤k≤6500.

    Any input is greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    68 views, crickets...

    So does anyone have an opinion of which diodes cause too much blue?

    Avoid 470's in favor of the 400-450 range?
     
  4. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    ha ha not a DIY guy when it comes to the leds.. someone must have an idea
     
  5. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    This is what build my led uses for their 20k fixture that is suppose to replicate a radium.

    LED Selections per 12" Board: (4) 6500K Cool White, (4) 470nm Blue, (3) 450nm Royal Blue, (2) 405nm UV, (1) 420nm Violet, (1) 3000K Warm White

    You could look at their other fixtures for different kelvins.
    Click product info tab:
    20000K Reef Spectrum - XB Series - Build My LED, LLC

    I'm going to have them build me a blue fixture and worried about the same thing.
     
  6. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    Right, I think I can do a better custom spectrum. My worry is it being over the top blue.
     
  7. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Omit the red. I had two in my 24 diode setup and it turned pink.

    After setting my tank up, i wish I did a 1:1 ratio of blue to white diodes. It would have been easier to dial in the color I want to see (which is whiter, not bluer).

    I have 4 violets, 3 cyan, 3 blue, 8 royal blue, 4 neutral white, 2 cool white
     
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  9. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    Thats interesting, so I should probably use a couple warm whites to introduce some red.
    The new fixtures coming soon are dimmable and controllable, so the red could be tuned down if need be.
    I really like the look of the magenta/454 stunner strips for zoos and rics.

    Because my nano is so small, I'm not too worried about growth. The goal of this fixture is to create amazing colors from the corals, without an overly blue or even pinkish final product.
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2014
  10. FaceOfDeceit

    FaceOfDeceit Hockey Beard

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    I like the look of some DIY I've seen locally. They have used Deep Red (660) and Amber (590). I would suggest 1 of each for your size. I don't like Blue as much as Royal Blue...that is what gives the look you are trying to avoid. Blend is the key, so tight clusters or no optics help.
     
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  11. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    Now we're getting somewhere, thanks
     
  12. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    I wouldn't say that the blue diode adds to the windex color. It's the amount and intensity relative to the white that does that.

    My advice is to run blues, whites and colors separately. I would also do a 1:1 blue/white ratio, despite what most people would advise. The blues in my tank (7:3) completely overpower my whites. Even with the blues at the lowest setting, I have to crank the whites up to balance it. Some people like the overly blue look, but I do not and it doesn't sound like you do either. On top of that, the color diodes will need to be run at a much lower amperage than the whites and blues (700 ma versus 1000+ ma).

    Also, be careful with the reds. They are extremely bright and overpowering. The two that I had in my setup turned it pink/purple. I can only imagine that adding 2 to a 12 diode (versus my 24) setup would only intensify it. Plus, I've read that the red diodes can contribute to algae.
     
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