LED Recommendations for 75 Gallon

erland · 01/26/2012, 10:46 PM

Hello this is my first time posting, though I have done a lot of reading on LED lighting. It seems to be a field that is advancing rapidly. I'm looking for recommendations for a LED diy set up for a 75 gallon tank that can eventually be used for a 90 to 125 gallon tank in terms of number of LEDs as well as recommended colours/colour ratios.
My plans are to build a controller to run the lights and tank.

This is a rebuild of a tank that has been up and running for 18 years but with just live rock and fish for the past 8 years. Currently running 2-175 watt MH 14000K bulbs and looking to add corals in the very near future.

I'll be taking photos tomorrow when the lights are back on in the tank.

Hvacow1 · 01/26/2012, 11:45 PM

I literally just installed 2 LED fixtures from Apollo two days ago. They are amazing! I was looking at making my own fixture but when it came to cost these fixtures came in at almost the same price with everything wrapped into one. I use to have 2 250w MH with T5's. These fixtures blow them away. My corals already look fantastic and I see new colonies in the new light I didnt even see before. I purchased the NONdimmable versions, but if you are going to have a controler you can get the new dimmable versions. I have a 72G bowfront and the two lights are more then enough. The customer service was awesome (ask for Joe) he helped me with everything. Here is the link to there site.

http://apolloreefled.com/

greengeco82 · 01/26/2012, 11:47 PM

I used cree 3w leds on my 72 gal. You can go to rapidled.com for the entire build. I used aluminum pieces that were intended for plywood from home depot for a heat sync. It saved a lot. I started with a 50/50 cool white/royal blue leds. It wasnt enough blue for me. I then changed to 2 blue per 1 white and am happy. Also, you prob dont need lenses to focus the light. They are really intense and my corals will only allow me to run them at 50%. Each driver on rapidled is made for up to 14 leds at one time. Build one strip at a time and you can figure out how many you want. Good luck

Joshz400_03 · 01/27/2012, 12:28 AM

I'll be running two www.reef-gems.com ($220) 90w 14k LED's over my 75. I have one over my 29 and it's great! He doesn't have them listed on his site for sale you have to send him an email.

metalmulisha · 01/27/2012, 01:51 AM

If you plan on being in the hobby and want options as far as upgrading. I feel the maxspects mazarra are pretty kick butt. I followed LEDS ever since they came out and your just seeing 1 watt, 2 watt, 3 watt etc... Atleast you can always upgrade these lightings. But like all technology there will always be something coming out.

01/26/2012, 10:46 PM	#1
erland Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: St catharines Posts: 2	LED Recommendations for 75 Gallon Hello this is my first time posting, though I have done a lot of reading on LED lighting. It seems to be a field that is advancing rapidly. I'm looking for recommendations for a LED diy set up for a 75 gallon tank that can eventually be used for a 90 to 125 gallon tank in terms of number of LEDs as well as recommended colours/colour ratios. My plans are to build a controller to run the lights and tank. This is a rebuild of a tank that has been up and running for 18 years but with just live rock and fish for the past 8 years. Currently running 2-175 watt MH 14000K bulbs and looking to add corals in the very near future. I'll be taking photos tomorrow when the lights are back on in the tank.

01/26/2012, 11:45 PM	#2
Hvacow1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: seattle Posts: 8	apolloreef LED I literally just installed 2 LED fixtures from Apollo two days ago. They are amazing! I was looking at making my own fixture but when it came to cost these fixtures came in at almost the same price with everything wrapped into one. I use to have 2 250w MH with T5's. These fixtures blow them away. My corals already look fantastic and I see new colonies in the new light I didnt even see before. I purchased the NONdimmable versions, but if you are going to have a controler you can get the new dimmable versions. I have a 72G bowfront and the two lights are more then enough. The customer service was awesome (ask for Joe) he helped me with everything. Here is the link to there site. http://apolloreefled.com/ __________________ I sold my house this week. I got a pretty good price for it, but it made my landlord mad as hell. Current Tank Info: 72g Bowfront, 25g sump, 12g refugium

01/26/2012, 11:47 PM	#3
greengeco82 Reefer Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pittsburg, CA Posts: 584	I used cree 3w leds on my 72 gal. You can go to rapidled.com for the entire build. I used aluminum pieces that were intended for plywood from home depot for a heat sync. It saved a lot. I started with a 50/50 cool white/royal blue leds. It wasnt enough blue for me. I then changed to 2 blue per 1 white and am happy. Also, you prob dont need lenses to focus the light. They are really intense and my corals will only allow me to run them at 50%. Each driver on rapidled is made for up to 14 leds at one time. Build one strip at a time and you can figure out how many you want. Good luck

01/27/2012, 12:28 AM	#4
Joshz400_03 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 87	I'll be running two www.reef-gems.com ($220) 90w 14k LED's over my 75. I have one over my 29 and it's great! He doesn't have them listed on his site for sale you have to send him an email.

01/27/2012, 01:51 AM	#5
metalmulisha Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Benicia CA Posts: 195	If you plan on being in the hobby and want options as far as upgrading. I feel the maxspects mazarra are pretty kick butt. I followed LEDS ever since they came out and your just seeing 1 watt, 2 watt, 3 watt etc... Atleast you can always upgrade these lightings. But like all technology there will always be something coming out.