Explain to me heatsinks?!

rawrpk · 05/03/2012, 12:10 AM

Must i have a fan?

http://www.aquastyleonline.com/produ...-Heatsink.html

^ that type with the dual sides the best to disperse heat? Would i need a fan with that one?

I have 20 long 30x12x12 in with t5s at the moment.. but i want a diy led kit, and i still dont know if should get 24 or 36, 1 think long heatsink or two wider ones for better spacing?

i plan on taking a AQUALIGHT HIGH OUTPUT T5 DUAL LAMP FIXTURE 30" L30 x W5.2 x H2 to put the kit in

Dimmable kits allow you to change the intensity?

i would like to be able to keep and have thrive sps

any input appreciated

ghellin · 05/03/2012, 12:47 AM

If you are inclosing the led fixture I would recommend fans blowing across the heatsinks.

rawrpk · 05/03/2012, 11:21 AM

Finally found an image of a heatsink with fans attached..thanks

James77 · 05/03/2012, 12:11 PM

Also look into aluminum U-channel, it can be cheaper and is just as effective as huge heatsinks.

http://www.speedymetals.com/c-8348-6063.aspx

rawrpk · 05/03/2012, 12:14 PM

Wow those are much cheaper... So same concept, just configure a pattern i like, put a fan on top A?

James77 · 05/03/2012, 12:23 PM

or blow a fan across the lengthwise, or try and find a way to channel the air over the heatsinks.

You could even cut little lengths of the channel and mount individual LEDs to it. As long as their is some airflow over the area of the heatsinks you should be ok, unless you pack a ton on there.

Chromey316 · 05/03/2012, 12:34 PM

Look at it 2 ways, With a Small heatsink you'll need a fan, But if you wanted a Fanless setup, the Heatsink would need to be atleast 3X bigger for passive cooling.

rawrpk · 05/03/2012, 12:47 PM

U think 36 leds is overkill on a 20 long? the leds will be Bridgelux

Chromey316 · 05/03/2012, 01:37 PM

Not to much But it depends On height, And if your pushing them at a full 3W each, Plus what optics?
I might not use optics on a tank this size.

James77 · 05/03/2012, 01:54 PM

Yes, 36 LEDs are too many, I would be looking at maybe more around 20

Chromey316 · 05/03/2012, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

Yes, 36 LEDs are too many, I would be looking at maybe more around 20

Why?

bassplaya12 · 05/03/2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromey316

Why?

we have 24 on our 20 and never run them past 55%

James77 · 05/03/2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromey316

Why?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassplaya12

we have 24 on our 20 and never run them past 55%

Thats why

People underestimate the LEDs, and cram a bunch in. I put 78 on my 120g when I did my own fixture a year ago. If I did it again, I would go with 50, 60 tops. I would do about 20 or so in your case and don't use optics if possible, it will give the best mix. If the LEds are exposed and the glare would be a problem, use the widest optics you can to still keep the mixing there but hide the glare.

rawrpk · 05/03/2012, 07:56 PM

now to the leds... does adding red and green to the mix have an added benefit to coral growth or is that pure aesthetic reason?

and for that aesthetic reason, if i were to do say a 24 diy led kit, what are some of your opinions on a good arrangement of led colors? white to blue to royal blue to red and green

ive also read that 10k white leds do not look as good when paired with the royal blue ones and that the 10ks should be avoided for such reasons...does anyone have personal experience with these colors?...i cannot find the thread i was reading this from

rawrpk · 05/03/2012, 07:57 PM

thank you so much for all the input...i plan on ordering the light kit tonight

05/03/2012, 12:10 AM	#1
rawrpk Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: huntley Posts: 113	Explain to me heatsinks?! Must i have a fan? http://www.aquastyleonline.com/produ...-Heatsink.html ^ that type with the dual sides the best to disperse heat? Would i need a fan with that one? I have 20 long 30x12x12 in with t5s at the moment.. but i want a diy led kit, and i still dont know if should get 24 or 36, 1 think long heatsink or two wider ones for better spacing? i plan on taking a AQUALIGHT HIGH OUTPUT T5 DUAL LAMP FIXTURE 30" L30 x W5.2 x H2 to put the kit in Dimmable kits allow you to change the intensity? i would like to be able to keep and have thrive sps any input appreciated

05/03/2012, 12:47 AM	#2
ghellin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Edmond Posts: 1,844	If you are inclosing the led fixture I would recommend fans blowing across the heatsinks. __________________ 180. SRO 3000INT w/ANC. Fluval SP4. Gyre. DIY LED's/T5s. Apex. Bluefish. Clams. Tangs. SPS.

05/03/2012, 12:11 PM	#4
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Also look into aluminum U-channel, it can be cheaper and is just as effective as huge heatsinks. http://www.speedymetals.com/c-8348-6063.aspx __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

05/03/2012, 12:14 PM	#5
rawrpk Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: huntley Posts: 113	Wow those are much cheaper... So same concept, just configure a pattern i like, put a fan on top A? Last edited by rawrpk; 05/03/2012 at 12:21 PM.

05/03/2012, 12:23 PM	#6
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	or blow a fan across the lengthwise, or try and find a way to channel the air over the heatsinks. You could even cut little lengths of the channel and mount individual LEDs to it. As long as their is some airflow over the area of the heatsinks you should be ok, unless you pack a ton on there. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

05/03/2012, 11:21 AM	#3
rawrpk Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: huntley Posts: 113	Finally found an image of a heatsink with fans attached..thanks

05/03/2012, 12:34 PM	#7
Chromey316 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Acton, On, Canada Posts: 179	Look at it 2 ways, With a Small heatsink you'll need a fan, But if you wanted a Fanless setup, the Heatsink would need to be atleast 3X bigger for passive cooling.

05/03/2012, 12:47 PM	#8
rawrpk Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: huntley Posts: 113	U think 36 leds is overkill on a 20 long? the leds will be Bridgelux

05/03/2012, 01:37 PM	#9
Chromey316 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Acton, On, Canada Posts: 179	Not to much But it depends On height, And if your pushing them at a full 3W each, Plus what optics? I might not use optics on a tank this size.

05/03/2012, 01:54 PM	#10
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Yes, 36 LEDs are too many, I would be looking at maybe more around 20 __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

05/03/2012, 07:56 PM	#14
rawrpk Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: huntley Posts: 113	now to the leds... does adding red and green to the mix have an added benefit to coral growth or is that pure aesthetic reason? and for that aesthetic reason, if i were to do say a 24 diy led kit, what are some of your opinions on a good arrangement of led colors? white to blue to royal blue to red and green ive also read that 10k white leds do not look as good when paired with the royal blue ones and that the 10ks should be avoided for such reasons...does anyone have personal experience with these colors?...i cannot find the thread i was reading this from

05/03/2012, 07:57 PM	#15
rawrpk Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: huntley Posts: 113	thank you so much for all the input...i plan on ordering the light kit tonight