LED newbie

AI themselves recommend at least 12", but I'm not sure 7" will give you enough room for the light to spread.

 

You may want to also check out the vertex illumina line. The 200 series and 260 are probably some of the best fixtures on the market. Controllers, dimming, timers and a pc link so you can create very custom light patterns crüe other thing I like about the unit is how the LEDs are spaced. The build quality of the unit is top of the line and the unit is modular so you can upgrade components on it.

Also probably the most expensive lighting fixture I have seen in this hobby. But you get what you pay for so.

 

go to rapid led and build your own iam building mine now for my 72x20x27 with 48 3w leds30 rb 18 cw ledswill cost appox 550 when done next week

 

Sorry 96 LEDs which your saying cost alot more than 550. The kit is 420 for 48 LEDs w drivers. So two of those kits would be over 8 plus heatsinks and fans and extra probably closer to. 1000 off of rapidled. How did you get 96 LEDs and all for 550?

 

I don't think the Illumina is coming to the stats? He won't have tech support here like the AI.

Check this kit out, 3 of these with Inventronics Dimmable and 70* optics would work.
30 XR-E LED's Strip Kit « Catalog Products « Shop « « ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting
You'd only be saving about 500$ which seems like a lot but you just wouldn't get that level of control. They are dimmable so you would be able to control color temp and intensity.

 

Do you need a driver for each one? And will these ones work with my low clearance?

 

I hate to break it to you.. but with a tank that wide... You are going to need 6 AI to get enough spread.. but with 6 you can keep your canopy! Here is the link to how many you need at what height above the water line (awl) http://support.aquaillumination.com/entries/459049-tank-recommendations

I am going to try to run 3 over my 210gallon but I'm deeper and not as wide so i'm not fighting that spread... 72x24x29... I ordered 4 worried about the spread (I hope it's enough with 3 so my 30 gallon can get the extra module!

 

i only got 48 made my own heatsink out of channel alum ,thats 24 per side ,you can add later to your likeing

 

No....You could run 3 with 70* optics. I've seen them 10" above the water covering a 24"x24" area. Just switch out the stock 40* for 70*

 

It ome with 3 drivers, one for every 12 LEDs. The kit has everything you need. Here is what you would want:
3 Inventronics Dimmable 40 Watt (+$97.50)
Dia.20 Cree 70 Degree (+$25.00)
2 Royal Blue/2 Royal Blue Cool White Mix
Here is what it comes with, besides your choice of the options
5 X 6 Cree Premium XR-E LED Strips Pre-Wired
No Soldering Required!!!
Choose Your Optics
Choose Your Driver
12″x8.46″ heatsink from HeatsinkUSA included
Dual Fan Kit included
Wire Nuts Included