LED Spread to narrow for aquascape?

[atp0726]

I am starting a new 60 gallon cube reef and I am having trouble deciding what LEDs to get because of my rockscape. As you can see from the picture the top rock is basically the size of a dinner plate and I am concerned with the size of the LED units (basically being the same width as the rock) this will block much of the light. I understand directly under the overhang(s) there will be a shadow I just dont want the top rock to cast a shadow over the entire bottom of the tank. I know I can hang the light higher but, then I am afraid I will lose the penetration.

I will be running 2 MP10w ES and right now the front runner is the Radion because I like the fact it can sync with the pumps and the colors options rather than just blue and white. This will be predominantly SPS with a few clams on the bottom (Deresa, Maxima)

Should this even be a concern?

 

[cdness]

Mount the LED to toward the front of the tank and slightly angle it so it will shine under the overhang as well.

If you were doing a DIY I'd say to add a single strip of light to the front of the heatsink and spin it so it fills in the overhang while still leaving the main light to shine from the top.

 

[CJO]

That's some pretty cool aquascaping. I agree with cdness on the placement of the LEDs.

CJ

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

The dimmer area looks like a good spot for lower light corals. The brightness of the top rock would aggrivate me though.

I must say though that is one of the nicer aquascaping jobs I have seen!

 

[atp0726]

Thanks, it took ALOT of epoxy, zip ties and a threaded nylon rod going through the middle of the structure.

I do like the idea of angling a Radion slightly, however, I am wandering if this is even necessary. As long as I get good coverage of the light hitting the sand bed and the other 3 shelves where I will have corals, I am happy.

I was also thinking about going with 2 AI Sol blues and have them on left and right side of the top rock. My only complaint is these only come in blue and white. After seeing a comparison at my LFS of LEDs with the reds and greens mixed in with the blue and whites directly next to LEDs with just blue and white I am sold on the additional colors.

 

[Nanoreefbro]

Mount the LED to toward the front of the tank and slightly angle it so it will shine under the overhang as well.

If you were doing a DIY I'd say to add a single strip of light to the front of the heatsink and spin it so it fills in the overhang while still leaving the main light to shine from the top.

+1.....

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Any updates?

 

[atp0726]

Any updates?

I ordered the Radion. When I get it I am going to hang out whichever way I get the best coverage. I have a build thread in the member tank section under "andrew's cube" where I will post a pic once the light is hung.