Cree LED design? (On the fence between halide lighting)

I am toying around with different lighting options right now. I have a 55 gallon aquarium that will be loaded with SPS from my 20 gallon. I was thinking about sticking with Metal Halide (could get two ballasts, pendants and bulbs for $175 total). However, I ran some numbers and figured that in one year, I would basically another $175 in bulb costs ($130) and the extra electricity versus LEDs ($20 a year).

So that got me thinking about buying two Reef Breeders for $350. It would essentially pay for itself in a year versus the halides.

Then I got thinking about Cree LEDs from Rapid LED. For another $50, I could put together an even better unit. Here's what I came up with. Give me your thoughts.

From my understanding, the dimmable units will only function with a controller and since I don't have wont (and won't be buying one), I would be going with non-dimmable drivers. raised 15" above the water surface in my canopy.





Do you see anywhere I can cut costs?

 

Use a 2:1 ratio using NW and RB, 4 CB and 4 TV, 2 cyan to replace the green and 2 Deep red

 

Same when using cool whites?

 

No, with CW use a 1:1 ratio, NW has a better spectrum and keeps red corals a vibrant red vs CW which makes them orange.

 

Are cool blue 465nm-485nm?

 

So it would be best to go with Neutral white then?

 

Also, since I won't be running dimmable ballasts, should I even bother with optics?

 

Yes, CB is around 470-480nm IIRC
Use NW
Yes, bother with optics lol

 

Thanks.

Will 2 6 x10" heat sinks work or are 2 6" x 20" necessary. With 21 LEDs on each, the 10" seems to fit better (up to 24 LEDs) than the 20" ( up to 35 LEDs).

Also, will the color LEDs get better spread without optics?