lps tank led question

Bigdaddy · May 1, 2011

i just got a 180g tank and am looking to use led lighting for it i have very little sps and don't plan on getting much more i really like lps and zoas . now i have read alot of this forum and am still unsure on how to go about a dyi fixture i was thinking 3 separate units but what size should i make emm and how many leds per ? also i do not want to have to suspend my lights 4 feet above my tank like i have seen in other peoples pics . please any suggestions would be helpful

nixer · May 1, 2011

i have 3 evolution 120w and its pretty bright. with any leds your going to have to acclimate all your corals. my lights are around 7" above the water and i typically have to start any sps around 2" from the bottom off to the side of the lights.

wld1783 · May 2, 2011

Bigdaddy

Suspending LEDs high is a choice/advantage due to optics.

I would go with a three 175 watt MH equivalent.

You may have two center braces so three 18" Heatsinks with 24 Royal Blue and 12 Cool White driven at 700mA will work. Optics would depend on how high the fixture is but in a standard canopy 80 degree work fine.

For SPS and Clams we recommend much more PAR but this should work for you.

Bigdaddy · May 2, 2011

thanks
any idea on how i should arrange them for the best look
also i do have a reefkeeper lite could i use a dimmable driver and use that to control it >?