Another LED Build

[keokea]

I'm not to happy with my current smaller led fixture. I want more color. Its going over a footprint of 30x15" 35gallon. Any input is welcome. I'm thinking this layout? both color whites would be on the same string, blue on its own, violet on its own, should i dim the violets? and of course moons by themselves. i was thinking 40 degree optics on the outer leds and 80 degree down the middle

 

[CJO]

A few thoughts- that's a lot (27) of LEDs over a 35 gallon tank. I have 36 over my 65 gallon. Right now you have
Cool white- 8
Neutral white- 3
Royal blue- 12
Violet-4

That's a pretty white combination. Personally, you might want to consider something like
Cool white- 3
Neutral white- 4
Royal blue- 10
Violet-3

but the good thing about LEDs is that you can change them around and experiment. Good job keeping the colors on different drivers. I would definitely look at being able to dim each driver so that you can fine tune your colors to what you want.

As far as the optics, I wouldn't go with 40 degrees unless you have a deep (30" plus) tank, which I don't think you do, and then only for certain applications like highlighting a certain coral. You will not be able to blend the colors very well and the PAR will be way to high in isolated areas. Depending on your mounting height 60 to 80 degree optics will probably work pretty well.

CJ

 

[keokea]

Thanks for your input CJ. The reason I wanted the tight 40 degree optics was to minimize light bleed, your right though that's too narrow. The tank is only 18" deep. Any suggestions on a dimmable driver for those 420nm violets? i control everything through my apex

 

[keokea]

Something more like this?

 

[CJO]

I think that would be much better. Personally, I don't run violets so I don't know what to recommend for those. It seems like the meanwell driver would be overkill.

CJ

 

[dre_jcsutton]

Are you planning to use Rapid LEDs?

 

[harley]

I'm not to happy with my current smaller led fixture. I want more color. Its going over a footprint of 30x15" 35gallon. Any input is welcome. I'm thinking this layout? both color whites would be on the same string, blue on its own, violet on its own, should i dim the violets? and of course moons by themselves. i was thinking 40 degree optics on the outer leds and 80 degree down the middle

I agree with CJO, i started with a 48 rapid 50/50 split, and now have 18 rbs 12 blues, 24 cws and 12 uv's, and i'm planning on dropping 6 cw's and adding 8 nw's

So i'd get;
8 cws 3 nw's 1 driver
8 rbs, 6 blues 1 driver
4 uvs, 2 reds, 2 cyan's this will allow 1 driver for all

since its a small tank prob 80 degree optics so you don't fry everything
and get mean well p drivers, and i love my boostled typhoon controller, sunrise, sunset, easy and $54 shipped! AWESOME