Thinking of a DIY led fixture

[nerses818]

So I'm thinking of possibley doing a DIY project for my 150. I just would like some help from someon who really understands how all this works so I can plan everything out correctly and avoid problems. With that in mind worst would you guys recommend I do? My tank is 60"x24"x25" and I would like to make this a dim able fixture with a more bluish look. So how would you guys recommend I go about this? Number of LEDs? Brand? Heatsink etc..? I know this is asking an awful lot but if anyone could set me on the right path I'd be be very grateful

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

We have plenty of LED DIY members here and sadly I am not one of the, HA! But someone will help soon I hope.

 

[slugwall]

Hmm...

 

[harley]

I just put a rapidled.com diy plug and play system on my tank, i then modded it a bit! For you're tank i'd do assuming ya have sps clams or other high light coral:
3 16" black anodized heatsinks
2 fan kits
a 48 led plug and play kit with mean well dimmable P drivers
and a 24 led kit too
get the thermal adhesive
order plug and play extensions, about 36
3 hanging kits
60-75 degree optics

Then add 18 violet/uv plug and -play kit (order the regular kit and sub for uv's)

order the volt meter too, cheaper there than lowes

order extra wire, and then go to lowes and buy some 20-24 butt joints and heat shrink

watch videos and get ready!

If ya wanna save some cash, don't get the plug and play kits but the regular ones and learn to solder!

you'll love them!

also buy the boostled controller, tyhpon!

with led's you can completely control the look of your tank, and you never have to worry about bulb replacement!

 

[harley]

Here's some pics

on the left is 50/50 blue white on the right is all white!

 

[nerses818]

thnx for the input.. its just there is soo much info it can get overwhelming

 

[harley]

I know, i was there a month ago, but its honestly a ton easier than you think! What's your budget?

 

[harley]

Don't over think this, a good guideline is 24 Cree's per 2x2 area! Then about a 3 to 2 ratio of blues to whites! Then if you have corals, add 10-15% uvs!

 

[nerses818]

If I take the plunge I plan the mount these in my canopy should I switch the plug and play kits with dimmable retrofit kits? And for the Uvs would I
Just write that in the little box designated for color description on rapidled?

 

[harley]

They're one in the same, plug and play just means ya get leds and a board that ya just have to plug wires in, no soldering! and yeah for the uvs ya just write in uvs in the comments! There are no optics for the uvs with rapid now, so ya need to get them from ebay if ya want! but the ebay ones don't allow a splash guard to fit with rapids black heatsink!
And def switch out some of the colors!