LED DIY stuff

Nevermind, I didnt realize you were looking at an aquastyle kit. That 36 kit should work fine for you

 

Should I get the one. With reds a nd UV lights? What about a heatsink and fan! What size will I need? I have so many questions.

 

Lol, I know how you feel. I was the same way when I was trying to figure out my LED build.

I would stay away from reds. I thought about it for my build, but I searched forever to find pics and could never find anyone who had used red and posted pics of it. The more I read the more I found out they are REALLY hard to get to blend, and they arent needed. Now the UV I would go with if you want. Alot of people are running them in their builds and they are supposed to make SPS pop.

As far as a heatsink and fan, thats really up to you. I feel like a fan isnt really NEEDED, depending on your situation. The heatsink size is probably up to you, but I would recommend something around 6 x 20 inches or maybe a little wider. I dont know what aquastyle has available.

 

Will the Bridgelux LEDs be alright? I know that Cree is the leader for LED lighting but, I'm not sure. I know that I will be able to upgrade this fixture as the technology develops and that's why I'm looking at the LEDs. Also, will I need some sort of controller to control when y lights dim, how fast, and to what level? I've been looking at heatsinks, would the 11.6 long by 7.1 wide be be enough with 60* optics? I've also been looking at fans and i think I'm going to get them off newegg.com because there's a larger selection at a better price, even though they are computer grade. Didn't think there'd be a problem.

Still very confused and trying to get everything figured. What do the rest of y'all think?

 

dimensions of tank?

i'd do the 18, 16, 2 combo
only i'd do 18 4500k whites, they'll give you red and will blend better.

the dimmers come with the kit.

get 80degree optics if possible.

hs should be wide enough.

 

11.6 is not a long enough heatsink for a 24 inch long tank. I wouldn't go shorter than 18 inches.

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The kit only comes with 60* optics. Wish it came with 80. I'm looking but I figured, I'll be putting a false wall in the tank cutting it down 4-5 inces...

 

I sent an email to aquastyle and they said the 7.1" by 15.8" would be enough.

 

IF you hang it high. Personally I went with a heatsink that only leaves a 3 inch gap at the ends of the tank. That way I will make sure I have good even coverage, without having to mount it to the ceiling.

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That many in a 20 Gallon is gonna be bright! Be careful not to burn your corals I have 54 (2 red 2 UV 28W 28 RB) from Aquastyle on a 57 gallon and its quite bright. I turned it down and moved my palys to the bottom. For UV you need a lot to see any difference. They are very very dim. Even on the website he says they are 10-20lm. Kind of like moon lights. I need to wire those separately somehow. E-mail them. They can probably change the lenses out to 80 degrees. I ordered custom kit the way I wanted. Good luck!