DIY Led

ray72484 · Mar 25, 2012

I am looking to do leds in my 5' tank. It is 20" tall. Can someone tell what i would need to get and about how much it might cost. Also i might be upgrading to a 135 that is the same dimensions only 9" taller so whatever i get i need it to work in both tanks

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Reef Breeders · Mar 25, 2012

What kind of corals do you have? for lps/ softies, you will need 2 24" heatsinks with 36 led kits. For sps, go with 2 48 led kits, and add optics for the larger tank. with 36 leds, you should be able to support sps towards the top of your current tank, and 48 leds will be bright enough for an sps dominant tank.

ray72484 · Mar 25, 2012

Is that 36 on both of them and what colors would be good. Also what is the best place to get them

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KJAG · Mar 25, 2012

ray72484 said:
Is that 36 on both of them and what colors would be good. Also what is the best place to get them

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Reefledlights has kits and some detailed videos that walk you through step by step if you havent done a build before.Pretty simple process.Youll get all kinds of different opinions on color options-I personally like TV, RB,CB,CW and a low ratio of Red.

Reef Breeders · Mar 25, 2012

I did a 2:1 ratio of royal blue to cool white, but I want a 1:1 ratio, the 2:1 is a little blue

Reef Breeders · Mar 25, 2012

and yes, 36 on both

ray72484 · Mar 25, 2012

Besides the leds and heatsinks what else do i need to buy

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Reef Breeders · Mar 25, 2012

You will need the drivers and a 1-10v dimmer, such as one on a controller, or a potentiometer if you do not have a dimmer

ray72484 · Mar 25, 2012

I went on reefleds and it would cost about 800 to do it. Is there anything cheaper. Alot cheaper

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Reef Breeders · Mar 25, 2012

You need to use less drivers, as in a parellel string. It cost me 630 for 2 18" 36 led kits, that is likely the best that you can get, leds arent cheap

ray72484 · Mar 25, 2012

I understand they are not cheap but in the long run they are when you do not have to replace bulbs all the time.

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ray72484 · Mar 25, 2012

How many drivers would i need for the 2 with36 on each

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Reef Breeders · Mar 25, 2012

Only 3, one for both whites, 2 fir the blues

ray72484 · Mar 26, 2012

Is there any cheaper route as far as led goes

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Reef Breeders · Mar 26, 2012

Not if you want really good quality, you could try bridgelux leds, but they are dimmer/dont last as long
I waited 8 months deciding whether to buy mine, I would do research and save up