I'm thinking of building an LED fixture little by little and need help...

[Cheetos]

If it's a 24 volt fan otherwise you have to run two 12 volt fans. This is the puck you would use: http://ledsupply.com/03023-d-e-1000p.php

 

[STiTCH87]

Ok, and how would I wire the 2 pucks and 12 LEDs onto one 24v source?

 

[DoctaQ]

each puck gets 6 leds, both pucks in parallel on the 24v supply

 

[STiTCH87]

Would 36 LEDs be too bright for a 29g? And what if I used some red LEDs? Do red LEDs really make a visual difference in appearance on the corals? And if I use 36 LEDs, what layout should I go with if I plan to add some reds?

I was thinking this setup for 36 LEDs if I just do blues and whites:
B-W-B-W-B-W-B-W-B-
-W-B-W-B-W-B-W-B-W
B-W-B-W-B-W-B-W-B-
-W-B-W-B-W-B-W-B-W

Is 4x9 a good layout for a standard 29g? I just want to make sure I don't ever need to rebuild this fixture, and thus, want to make sure it is capable of keeping SPS and clams if I someday go that route.

 

[Cheetos]

As you've been told already, 36 is overkill but it's your money so yeah that pattern will work!

 

[STiTCH87]

Well the only reason I say 36 now is because of adding in the reds. As in 24 LEDs to do blues and whites, and then IDK add maybe 4-6 reds. Or do reds really not do much?

 

[STiTCH87]

Oh, and does anyone know where to get XP-G optics? I'm contemplating getting XP-G cool whites for the whites. Not sure yet.

 

[Cheetos]

IMO 4-6 reds will be overpowering. All you need is a couple of reds. Optics are limited for XPGs. Rapidled has 40 and 65 degree lenses. You really don't need optics on a 29 espcially with 36 LEDs unless you like bleached corals.

 

[STiTCH87]

Would I need optics if using 24 LEDs? A few suggested I use 70 degree optics. Do you disagree?

And is using reds even worth it? I have never seen what they do to a tank in person before. I'm hoping to get started on this build next month, so sorry for asking a bazillion questions, some of which I likely asked multiple times, but I am just trying to be as close to 1005 sure and confident in what i'm going to be doing before I actually go out and do it.

 

[Cheetos]

One can never ask too many questions! From my experience optics are never needed on a tank that's 18" high. Seriously, you will cook your corals. The reds definitely bring out more colors than the blues and whites but can be overpowering. That is why I suggested just 2. I personally, would not use them. I would also be more concerned with the build aspect of what you are attempting. If you don't have experience with soldering it can be frustrating. I suggest practicing a lot before you attempt the LED build and make sure you have the right tools. If you don't have any experience drilling and tapping then I suggest either help from someone who does or use the arctic silver thermal epoxy...it's much easier. I personally like to mount LEDs by drilling and tapping the heatsink and use thermal paste (not epoxy).

 

[STiTCH87]

Well I already own arctic silver thermal paste, and have rebuilt many XBOX360s including soldering small components so I feel comfortable on the aspect.

So basically what you're saying is that while reds would make a difference, it's not a good enough difference to condone their purchase and installation?

 

[DoctaQ]

red shimmer is the enemy here, white and blue will already be seperate colors in the shimmer but are not too far off in terms of color, red is a stark contrast

 

[STiTCH87]

Oh yeah huh? Very good point. Wouldn't blend/mix well. Damn you two are like the LED experts on here!

 

[Cheetos]

Nah, no expert here! Always something to learn. Doc is the genius! Me? I'm just intrigued by it all!