Rapid led. Adding more LEDs?

[PepperDeath]

Hi I have a rapid led setup on my biocube 29 and have ordered 2 more LEDs. All of the other LEDs are screwed into the heat sink

how should I attach the 2 I just got since there are no extra holes? Would super glue work?

 

[1.0reef]

Why'd you get 2 extra in the first place?
Maybe put them on a single LED heatsink?

 

[PepperDeath]

To add some different colors to the spectrum. And there's plenty of room on the heat sink now just not sure if the thermal paste is enough to hold or maybe glue would work

 

[yeldarbj]

2 options:

1) remove two current leds and replace them with the new ones

2) use thermal paste to mount the new LED's onto the heatsink. Rapid sells it for $7.

 

[PepperDeath]

Oh cool so just the thermal paste will hold them up?

 

[yeldarbj]

Oops...meant to type thermal adhesive, sorry for the confusion. It's a two part mix.

 

[PepperDeath]

Oooh ok awesome. I will have to get some of that! Thank you!

 

[Swine]

Oops...meant to type thermal adhesive, sorry for the confusion. It's a two part mix.

+1

But it depends on how many LEDs you have on your drivers already. If you have only two drivers it looks like you will have to remove two

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Oops...meant to type thermal adhesive, sorry for the confusion. It's a two part mix.

So its glued on and you can't change out LEDs?

Two Part is Thermal Epoxy...If you go through the trouble of tapping use thermal paste.

 

[jm23]

Also depending on which driver you add them to you will need to turn the driver down. For example red, green, and UV run lower then Royal Blue, Blue, and the Whites. The drivers can handle up to 14 LEDs, but need a minimum of 8 to work. Make sure you consider that before purchasing.

 

[PaulKreider]

Thermal paste is 10x stronger than superglue, and superglue wouldn't hold up to the conditions.

 

[jm23]

So its glued on and you can't change out LEDs?

You can remove the 2 part epoxy and scrap the heatsink clean.

 

[yeldarbj]

So its glued on and you can't change out LEDs?...If you go through the trouble of tapping use thermal paste.

The issue is that all 24 tapped spots are filled…presumably with thermal paste. You need thermal adhesive to add any more LEDs if you aren't going to tap/ drill more locations.

 

[PepperDeath]

Ok cool thank you for a the input. Finally got it figured out and going to go with the 2 part thermal adhesive to add 2 more LEDs

 

[Reefing Madness]

Just drill new holes where you want to put the new LEDs. Screw them in with the same sized screws that are already on there. Its aluminum, won't be an issue using the screw to tap the hole.

 

[PepperDeath]

Just drill new holes where you want to put the new LEDs. Screw them in with the same sized screws that are already on there. Its aluminum, won't be an issue using the screw to tap the hole.

I didn't even think of that. I think that's the new plan! Lol thank you!!

 

[maxantonio11]

How much did the upgrade cost you, thinking about doing this

 

[Djshabb]

I have the same biocube with a rapid led kit. It was 305.00 shipped if I remember right. The customer service at rapid led is unmatched in quality in the online vendor community. I plan on ordering from them for two more builds. A 90 gallon and 1.8 gal pico

 

[marvelousone]

How well does coral grow under there leds. Been looking at trying them.

 

[Djshabb]

IMO you get better growth under MH