How much is enough?

[Steve W]

How many watts of LED do you need per gallon?

I've heard that the same wattage of 3 watt LEDs gets more light to the bottom than the same total wattage of 1 watt LEDs. Is this true?

I'm looking at a total ground up build for a 72 gallon bowfront. Based on what I've read I planning the following build.

I'm thinking of using 3 watt LEDs mounted on an aluminum sink (about 60 of them -20 14000K whites and 40 455 nm blues [more blues because they have less lumens per bulb]) I'm going to supplement this with 5 10w 14000K white spots for high need species.

I have a lot of questions that I'm still researching. What is the best angle for the lens? What kind of power supplies do I need? What kind of drivers are best?

I'm working on a tight budget. I'm planning to do this for less than $300-$400 dollars. I've been told it can't be done, but I don't believe it. I've found 3w LEDs with the same light output as the CREE bulbs that are so highly touted for $2 a piece. Lens for $0.15 a piece. A driver for up to 20 3w bulbs for <$20. Heat sink for $4.50 a foot. Still working on the best power supply. The 10 watt bulbs complete with lens, heatshields and drivers for about $30 each.

I'm planning on building a plexiglass shield to cover the whole thing.

People who have done these builds - look at my plans and tell me what you think.

Steve W

 

[Troylee]

The watts per gallon plays no role in any lighting fwiw... Now that's out of the way a good rule of thumb is a LEDs on 2" centers... Also a 1w led will penetrate to the bottom but not carry nearly as much par as a 3w... I have everything to build mine except time... For drivers I would use meanwell 60-48d there amongst the best and dimmable....