LED DIY with or without optics..Reef ability

[Jonreefer]

Ok so i finished my DIY led lastnight and the heatsink is 16x7 and there are 32 3wLEDS 16CW and 16RB and its over a 30breeder that is 30x18x12..now if I dont use optics and keep the light about 3-4" above the water I get good coverage..but will this kill my par not having optics? If I put on the 60degree lenses i have to raise it 13" above the tank and still get dark corners and doesnt look anywhere as good. So will I still be able to keep SPS with no optics

 

[mainereefer]

what are the optics on the led's themselves?

if 60 degree puts you 13" above the tank why not try 80 or 90 degree optics

 

[Jonreefer]

this is the kit I used
Aquarium 36 LEDs Dimmable DIY LED kit with optics

It doesnt say what the LED themself are..but they are Bridgelux LEDs

 

[Onedesign1]

personally I prefer optics not because of PAR because of overall better contrasts and less disco ball effect. At 3-4" you're going to get splashing as well. Tank is only 12" tall right? So you won't have a problem growing SPS...but you can get 90 degree optics and raise it up and get coverage, better protection from splash and still grow everything you like.

 

[Jonreefer]

where can i get 90 degree optics to fit these LED's the Aquastyle site sells 80degrees but maybe 90 would be better for me
yes its only 12" tall

I am not getting any discoball look..everything looks blended well in the tank and cant distinguish any specific color spotlighting.
here is what my array looks like

 

[Onedesign1]

at 12" tall you're getting plenty of light...if you raise it up now as is does it spill alot of light outside the tank?...maybe you don't need optics. However check out wayjun in China for cheap lenses...I've been using them with great results.

 

[Jonreefer]

thanks..i just ordered some 90degree off of them.