37 gallon LED build

[tresguey]

I have a 37 that is 30 X 14 X 22. I want to do a DIY build. Any recommendations? I am not really looking at sps but will like to have some clams and lps.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

go with a 24" heatsink or two 12" heatsinks for your tank, The picture displays a 36" wide tank but you can apply the same design to a 30"

 

[tresguey]

Thanks for the help. I have been to your site and I am deciding if I will buy through your company or the Rapid LEDs. I am pushing more towards your company due to the claim of your premium series LED's. I will in the future tear this tank down and upgrade to a 120 I think (48" X 24" X 24"). Or maybe a something a little smaller but on the same 48" wide platform. I will transfer this setup to that tank and of course have to add an additional module. With this in mind what do you think I should do as far as the heat sink. And how many and what color LEDs would you recommend with the stock I plan to keep?

 

[tresguey]

Anyone with any thoughts on this?

 

[CJO]

Would you prefer someone who supports the forums here and answers questions or one who does not?

CJ

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Thanks for the help. I have been to your site and I am deciding if I will buy through your company or the Rapid LEDs. I am pushing more towards your company due to the claim of your premium series LED's. I will in the future tear this tank down and upgrade to a 120 I think (48" X 24" X 24"). Or maybe a something a little smaller but on the same 48" wide platform. I will transfer this setup to that tank and of course have to add an additional module. With this in mind what do you think I should do as far as the heat sink. And how many and what color LEDs would you recommend with the stock I plan to keep?

For the 120 I would go with two 18" Heatsinks. On your current 36" a single 18 will work but you will have to hang it higher and that would mean reduced light. You have lots of options. Another would be to go with two 12" heatsinks on your current set up and then mount 4 12" heatsinks perpendicular to the back on your future 120.

As far as number and colour of LEDs if you choose the 12" option I would go with 10 XP-G, 12 Royal Blue and 3 Blue XP-E Leds. Our Phoenix DIY Kit has this mix and is solderless with the Premium Bins of LEDS. The drivers are also dimmable. Here is a link for more info The DIY Phoenix 25 Kit « Catalog Products « Shop « « ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting.

Two of these will give you about 150-200 PAR on your sand bed or enough for most corals and clams

Bill

 

[tresguey]

I asking for opinions from anyone willing to give them. I am somewhat new to this and I am trying to gain as much knowledge as possible.

 

[yeldarbj]

I think Bill's suggestions are good, especially for flexibilty with future upgrades. I'd recommend getting predrilled heat sinks and using the BJB solderless connectors - more expensive but makes changes to the LED's a very easy process. I'd suggest 2:1 blue to white ratio, and I do like mixing the blue LED's in with the RB's. I'd also highly recommend mixing in some true violet 420nm. They give a very nice actinic pop that is very different from the RB.