DIY LED Build

jharding08 · 05/23/2012, 01:42 PM

I have been researching and reading all the links to "DIY LED for Dummies" (Devaji108, Soundwave, Katchupoy, etc.) on this forum for my LED build fo rmy 120g 48"x24"x24" glass reef. Right now I am using 4x36W 16Ks and 4x36 actinics.

I am looking to get something that will be much less in electricity, much cheaper than purchasing a light bar from the local marine shop and something that can provide the correct light for most corals at any depth.

I am thinking of getting the 48 Ultra Premium LED DIY Kit with Dimmable drivers, with 24 RB XT-E and 24 CW XP-G and 40 degree lenses. I was told by RapidLED that this is total 120 W. Will alternate RB and CW on 4 1"x48" lengths of C Channel, with each LED 3.5" apart, 4" in the middle as I have a middle support in my tank as well. I plan on wiring 12 of the same color LEDs to each capable driver at the right current. Not sure whether to get the 48P or 48D for my application.

Question would be - How far should I space the lengths of c-channel apart? I am going to have to criss-cross the wires across two beams to wire one color to one driver. So essentially, I will have two LED "units" with 12 CW and 12 RB on each. This way I can expand to 72 if necessary, by adding another unit and repositioning at the center of my tank.

Will 3 inches between the 4 light bars be sufficent surface and depth coverage of 48x24x24 at 40 degrees (lense)? Also I was told I could just plug the 4 power cables into a power strip and be done with it, once the kit was fully wired. Is that safe?

Thanks for your help

msl5078 · 05/23/2012, 01:46 PM

What is the height of the led bars above the water? Having only 40 degrees close to the wate might cause you to have spotlighting if your lenses are not diffused.

jharding08 · 05/23/2012, 02:05 PM

I can do any height, I was thinking 6"

T8T · 05/24/2012, 11:40 AM

Here is my thread:72Led's 120Gallon AGA
My LED's are 10" above the water with 80degree optics.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2092724

Basically used JP's thread as a guide for building and testing.

jharding08 · 05/24/2012, 04:06 PM

Chris,
With 80 degree optics, do you still get good light intensity at the substrate of a 24" deep tank? I have been reading and it seems like I could leave off the optics if I wanted up to 24" (?). I guess it all depends on how many LEDs per sqft?

Looks good as a finished product. I might do the hidden wires if the drilling doesnt drive me crazy

05/23/2012, 01:42 PM	#1
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	DIY LED Build I have been researching and reading all the links to "DIY LED for Dummies" (Devaji108, Soundwave, Katchupoy, etc.) on this forum for my LED build fo rmy 120g 48"x24"x24" glass reef. Right now I am using 4x36W 16Ks and 4x36 actinics. I am looking to get something that will be much less in electricity, much cheaper than purchasing a light bar from the local marine shop and something that can provide the correct light for most corals at any depth. I am thinking of getting the 48 Ultra Premium LED DIY Kit with Dimmable drivers, with 24 RB XT-E and 24 CW XP-G and 40 degree lenses. I was told by RapidLED that this is total 120 W. Will alternate RB and CW on 4 1"x48" lengths of C Channel, with each LED 3.5" apart, 4" in the middle as I have a middle support in my tank as well. I plan on wiring 12 of the same color LEDs to each capable driver at the right current. Not sure whether to get the 48P or 48D for my application. Question would be - How far should I space the lengths of c-channel apart? I am going to have to criss-cross the wires across two beams to wire one color to one driver. So essentially, I will have two LED "units" with 12 CW and 12 RB on each. This way I can expand to 72 if necessary, by adding another unit and repositioning at the center of my tank. Will 3 inches between the 4 light bars be sufficent surface and depth coverage of 48x24x24 at 40 degrees (lense)? Also I was told I could just plug the 4 power cables into a power strip and be done with it, once the kit was fully wired. Is that safe? Thanks for your help

05/24/2012, 11:40 AM	#4
T8T Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: G.P. Texas Posts: 74	Here is my thread:72Led's 120Gallon AGA My LED's are 10" above the water with 80degree optics. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2092724 Basically used JP's thread as a guide for building and testing. __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon SCA Cube Custom Stand

05/23/2012, 01:46 PM	#2
msl5078 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 411	What is the height of the led bars above the water? Having only 40 degrees close to the wate might cause you to have spotlighting if your lenses are not diffused.

05/23/2012, 02:05 PM	#3
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	I can do any height, I was thinking 6"

05/24/2012, 04:06 PM	#5
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	Chris, With 80 degree optics, do you still get good light intensity at the substrate of a 24" deep tank? I have been reading and it seems like I could leave off the optics if I wanted up to 24" (?). I guess it all depends on how many LEDs per sqft? Looks good as a finished product. I might do the hidden wires if the drilling doesnt drive me crazy