DIY LED Actinic for 12g Questions

jonbar1 · Apr 2, 2012

I'm currently running a 70w 20,000K XM in a SunPod over my 12g AquaPod. The color of the tank overall I really like, but I still want more POP from my corals. I've seen some cool DIYs that will slide into the tracks of the SunPod and am confident I can do it, but have some questions before I buy.

I'm thinking of doing 4 of the 3w CREE Royal Blues and possibly a 3w Violet in the middle of them. Will this be noticable with the 70w on? Will the Violet help with the POP of the redder corals like acans? Would a different color LED work better or even just Royal Blues alone?

Basically, I want that blacklight poster effect that makes pictures of my corals look like a photoshopped ebay ad. I have the corals I have for their color and fluorescence and want to get the most out of them. Here's what the tank looks like now and it's pretty close to what it looks like in person. What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

AugieReef · Apr 4, 2012

Light

I have a panorama ecoexotic 420 nm LED strip over my ten gallon and its one of the thickest blues I have seen for LED lights! Mount it in front of the sun pod. I mounted mine about 3.5 inches off the water with out a glass top. ( it has very low radiant heat but the metal fixture itself does get quite hot) it will runyou about $115 for the entire system but is totally worth it!)

AugieReef · Apr 4, 2012

Ps beautiful Acans!

Reef Breeders · Apr 4, 2012

you can DIY a 100% royal blue fixture that will add a lot of pop. Red leds are definitley a good additive to boost the reds, you should only need 1 or 2. I love to turn off the whites sometimes, and it will for sure look photoshopped like that.

Reef Breeders · Apr 4, 2012

Good looking tank BTW

jonbar1 · Apr 5, 2012

Thank you for the compliments and replies!
I just ordered 4 Royal Blues and 1 660nm Red and plan to put the red in the middle since most of my red corals are in the middle. Probably be here Monday and I'll update it on my tank thread. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again!!

dsmhero · Apr 5, 2012

I know mine isn't with the Sunpod but this is what I did for my 12g

jonbar1 · Apr 11, 2012

Well I am happy as could be with the 4 royal blue and one 660nm red in the middle. Got exactly the effect I was after for just over $50. Best money I've spent in a while.