Aquastyle LED Heatsink Size for a 20L

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by Jctse, Dec 30, 2011.

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  1. Jctse

    Jctse Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2011
    Messages:
    30

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    I have counter space for a 20 Gallon Long (30x12x12) that has an overhead cabinet. I've got 18 inches to work with from top to bottom and 12" of that is for the tank. I've done FW tanks all my life this is my first venture into SW. My plan is to start off with as a FOWLR with a couple of clowns, a shrimp, live sand, and bunch of live rock. I'm stuck on the lighting and what to do. I've got limited space: 6 inches to work with (for lighting) and I'm thinking from top of water to light will be about 3 inches. I'm inclined to go with aquastyle 24 LED (12x10k, 12xblue) but not sure about the heatsink size. I've asked Ray and he recommended 24 LEDs dimmable kit with 4.7"x15.8" heatsink. I don't think the heatsink he recommends will work since it would leave a gap of 3.75 inches at the front(and back) and 7.1 inches at the ends (my light to water distance is low).
    What I'd really like to use the single largest heatsink he carries is 7.7"X19.8". Even at that, the sides would have a gap of about 5 inches. Would the light cover that sufficiently if the distance from the top of water to light is about 3"?

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    My other alternative is to spend about $50 more and buy an additional heatsink from him (7.1x11.9)x2 that would give me a heatsink of 7.1x23.8. My front/back gaps would then become about 2.5 inches and then 3.1" for the ends.

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    How about using 80 degree optics for the ends and no optics for the others?
    Can anyone offer some advice to an eager ear?
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2011
    Jctse, Dec 30, 2011
    Jctse, Dec 30, 2011
    #1

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  2. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
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    6,166
    Location:
    southeast ohio O-H....
    I think you're on the right track with it, but being that close have a feeling you're gonna need optics on all the lights so they don't spotlight! Prob 60 on the inner ones and 80's on the end!

    And maybe leave a gap in the middle of the 2 heatsinks of about and 1" or so to cut down on the end gaps!

    i'd wait for some of the pro's on here to chime in!
     
    cosmo, Dec 30, 2011
    cosmo, Dec 30, 2011
    #2
  3. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2010
    Messages:
    1,869
    Location:
    Melbourne FL
    How about bigger font next time. Im 21, and wear corrective lenses and i found myself squinting 1/2 way thru this, and my eyes couldn't take anymore...

    Altough i have no input i am intereted in this project. I have a 20 long as well, and always love to see others rendition of the tank.
     
    SnooknRedz, Dec 30, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Dec 30, 2011
    #3