Aquastyle LED Heatsink Size for a 20L

jctse · Jan 3, 2012

I have counter space for a 20 Gallon Long (30x12x12) that has an overhead cabinet. I've got 18 inches to work with from top to bottom and 12" of that is for the tank. I've done FW tanks all my life this is my first venture into SW. My plan is to start off with as a FOWLR with a couple of clowns, a shrimp, live sand, and bunch of live rock. I'm stuck on the lighting and what to do. I've got limited space: 6 inches to work with (for lighting) and I'm thinking from top of water to light will be about 3 inches. I'm inclined to go with aquastyle 24 LED (12x10k, 12xblue) but not sure about the heatsink size. I've asked Ray and he recommended 24 LEDs dimmable kit with 4.7"x15.8" heatsink. I don't think the heatsink he recommends will work since it would leave a gap of 3.75 inches at the front(and back) and 7.1 inches at the ends (my light to water distance is low).
What I'd really like to use the single largest heatsink he carries is 7.7"X19.8". Even at that, the sides would have a gap of about 5 inches. Would the light cover that sufficiently if the distance from the top of water to light is about 3"?My other alternative is to spend about $50 more and buy an additional heatsink from him (7.1x11.9)x2 that would give me a heatsink of 7.1x23.8. My front/back gaps would then become about 2.5 inches and then 3.1" for the ends. How about using 80 degree optics for the ends and no optics for the others?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!!!

gar732 · Jan 3, 2012

You can always pick up a heatsink from reef led lights. You can get one that is 8.46"x24", that will give you better spread and plenty of room if you ever decide to go reef. I wouldn't even run optics since you are basically just lighting the tank and don't have to worry so much about light penetration. Also only using 24 leds they will be spread out a bit so you may get a spot light effect if you use optics but I'm not sure. You can just get them and see what looks better.

Jonreefer · Jan 3, 2012

i have the 16x7 heatsink with 32LED's that was over my 20L it worked perfectly without optics. it is now over my 30Breeder that is 30x18x12 and it lights it with no shaded areas 7" from the surface of the water..I ordered 90degree optics though for it to get it a little further away from the water