Maxspect G2 160W

[GR808]

Ok, so I'm still researching the LED option for my 120G. If I got 2 MaxSpect G2 160w for my tank, would It be too much light for my tank since I only have 6 T5 54W. I realize it's a big difference but the G2 is not dimmable and I would rather acclimate my tank to the brighter lighting.
Any thoughts?

 

[acrotrdco]

You can start with shorter photoperiod (especially on the 30w's), and don't install optics on them, then gradually increase the photoperiod.

 

[GR808]

acro, you have the same thing on your 65G? Then that would mean 2x 160w wouldn't suffice for my 120G?

 

[acrotrdco]

It really depends on the coral you've got in there, I used 2x 160w because I upgraded from my 25g nano which I already owned one 160w, so instead of getting a 230w and have to get rid of my old 160w I got another one instead.

What's the dimension of your tank?

For LPS I think you should consider 2x 170w, or 2x 230w for SPS.

 

[GR808]

72x18x20

 

[acrotrdco]

For a 6' tank you really need 2x 170w or 230w depends on what you're keeping. It it's LPS, go for 170w, if it's SPS, go for 230w.

 

[GR808]

Wow, there goes the budget.. Maybe better diy

 

[acrotrdco]

If you decide to use 2x 160w for your 120G tank, you'll probably need to hang it up higher so it'll cover more area - or you could always DIY your own.

 

[GR808]

thanks for the tips acro. I'll save up my tax returns to support the habit... lol

 

[GR808]

may go with the DIY from Bill with 2x 48 crees. a bit cheaper but need to get a controller for just the lights. Got any recommendations on light controllers?

 

[acrotrdco]

I've no experience with DIY so sorry, can't help you there. However you've gotta be careful choosing the right LED driver, and number of bulbs it connects to, folks have burnt dozens of LED bulbs (and they're Cree's, ouch!) because they wire it up incorrectly.

For sure it doesn't require a double E degree to build something like that but you may want to research a lot prior to starting the project.

Last but not least, make sure you also deploy some protective measures for the bulbs, they tend to rust very fast without proper protection due to the high humidity and salinity environment they operate on.

 

[snoopie]

12 Leds per 800ma or 24 LEDS on one 60-48d driver parallel wiring. Easy solder +-+-+- and your done. Buy some Led Seal and your good. just contact bill from reedleflights he answers all questions you will ever have. Plus he has many videos and how to do it instructions on hes website he even sends a package with instructions how to put it together.

 

[GR808]

I've no experience with DIY so sorry, can't help you there. However you've gotta be careful choosing the right LED driver, and number of bulbs it connects to, folks have burnt dozens of LED bulbs (and they're Cree's, ouch!) because they wire it up incorrectly.

For sure it doesn't require a double E degree to build something like that but you may want to research a lot prior to starting the project.

Last but not least, make sure you also deploy some protective measures for the bulbs, they tend to rust very fast without proper protection due to the high humidity and salinity environment they operate on.

thanks acro!! :bigsmile:

snoopie,
thanks for the tip. I'm pricing out the 48 LED setup 2x which i will probably use and I'd would want to use the dimmable drivers (if I can find the right one). Then I'm wondering if optics are necessary? Need to do a little more research on what will fit my needs. Will also need a controller for the lights because I'd like to adjust dawn to dusk ability.

 

[acrotrdco]

Just a couple pictures from DIY projects I've found on our local reef forum, as references:

p.s. you've probably noticed, these designs are strongly influenced by the Maxspect design, simply because it's got the best color blending and heat dissipation results.

Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:

 

[GR808]

thats a sweet looking DIY project. Can we even get LEDs like that?

 

[snoopie]

thanks acro!! :bigsmile:

snoopie,
thanks for the tip. I'm pricing out the 48 LED setup 2x which i will probably use and I'd would want to use the dimmable drivers (if I can find the right one). Then I'm wondering if optics are necessary? Need to do a little more research on what will fit my needs. Will also need a controller for the lights because I'd like to adjust dawn to dusk ability.

Go with 60-48d drivers nothing else is better. I would run 70 degree optics and nothing else as well.... from all the testing 70 degree optics give about 200 more par then 60's and 80's this has been tested many times at reefledlights and has the spreadsheet on hes website. You do not need red or green but if you want them you should only need 2-3 of each at max and you can get those separate from rapidled. If you have any questions or help doing a DIYT led fixture send me a PM ill give you my number so you can call at anytime. Ill help as much as I can. As for controller go Apex... to be honest I had a RK and sold it for an Apex because the RK is so limited to 4 drivers and thats all... that mean 1 driver per port. the Apex can run up to 6 drivers per port. thats a total of 24 drivers you can run. But I doubt anyone would run 24 drivers unless having a 1000 gallon tank lol.

 

[GR808]

Go with 60-48d drivers nothing else is better. I would run 70 degree optics and nothing else as well.... from all the testing 70 degree optics give about 200 more par then 60's and 80's this has been tested many times at reefledlights and has the spreadsheet on hes website. You do not need red or green but if you want them you should only need 2-3 of each at max and you can get those separate from rapidled. If you have any questions or help doing a DIYT led fixture send me a PM ill give you my number so you can call at anytime. Ill help as much as I can. As for controller go Apex... to be honest I had a RK and sold it for an Apex because the RK is so limited to 4 drivers and thats all... that mean 1 driver per port. the Apex can run up to 6 drivers per port. thats a total of 24 drivers you can run. But I doubt anyone would run 24 drivers unless having a 1000 gallon tank lol.

Thanks snoopie, I appreciate the help. I may sound ignorant at times about LEDs but that's probably because I am. lol
Ok, so 70 degree optics for all the LEDS... got it
I think I will just run CWs and RBs. not sure on the ratio though, I want about a 14-15K look. 20k is too blue. I think that's about a 2-1 ratio of RBs-CWs?
also I believe it's 12 LEDs per driver right? So for the 48(2X), I would run 8 drivers... wow

 

[Electrobes]

Man Snoopie even has me thinking about a diy project with these LEDs. Now I just need to convince the wife that it makes sense to remove my lights and put in new ones! :xd:

 

[CJO]

Go with 60-48d drivers nothing else is better. I would run 70 degree optics and nothing else as well.... from all the testing 70 degree optics give about 200 more par then 60's and 80's this has been tested many times at reefledlights and has the spreadsheet on hes website. You do not need red or green but if you want them you should only need 2-3 of each at max and you can get those separate from rapidled. If you have any questions or help doing a DIYT led fixture send me a PM ill give you my number so you can call at anytime. Ill help as much as I can. As for controller go Apex... to be honest I had a RK and sold it for an Apex because the RK is so limited to 4 drivers and thats all... that mean 1 driver per port. the Apex can run up to 6 drivers per port. thats a total of 24 drivers you can run. But I doubt anyone would run 24 drivers unless having a 1000 gallon tank lol.

+1 on the Meanwell drivers and the Apex controller. I would also definitely run some optics so that you don't lose a significant portion of your light to the outside and they penetrate deeper. snoopie- do you have a link to that spreadsheet? Are those optics for XP-Gs, XR-Es or XM-Ls? Who makes them and what kind of 70 degree optics?

Thanks,
CJ

 

[GR808]

what's the difference with XP-Gs, XR-Es or XM-Ls?