Help with a 75 gal

[re_vogel]

I have a 75 gal tank that I want to do a diy led setup for. I also want the system to be expandable onto a bigger tank so I want to do it in two pieces I was thinking about an XM-L and the equivelent RB (I believe XT-E) on a 5.9x16" heatsink. What dimmable driver would you suggest? Also, I wouldnt think I would not need optics with this setup. Thoughts? Anything else I should know?

Thanks

Randall

[ReefLEDLights]

Randall

Optics greatly improve the efficiency of your set up. Not all optics are equal. We really liked the performance of the Carclo and LEDLink optics vs the no-name glue on Chinese ones more commonly available. Here is a link to the PAR testing we did.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2070394

As far as Drivers we recommend the Inventronics 1660 mA for the XM-L and the 700mA for the XT-E. the 700mA can drive 15 LEDs and the 1660mA can do 6-7 XM-L depending on max forward voltage. These do not need to be adjusted like the Mean Well 60-48D.

We will be listing the XT-E Royal Blue shortly for $4.00 ea. So far the data sheet looks very promising but we still have to test them on our own tanks before we incorporate them into our Kits.

As far as cooling and spread, I would recommend two 18"x8.46" heatsinks. Thermal Management is KEY to LED longevity. With this wider heatsink you can then incorporate optics to improve efficiency and obtain the 24" spread you need along with almost twice the mass for improved cooling.

Bill

[re_vogel]

What configuration of leds would you suggest for my led setup? I want something that i can use as part of a bigger system when i upgrade. Also what if I went with the older LEDs over the XM-l/XT-E. how would that change the number and configuration?

Also I want to use the reef angel as the controller. I know there is a mean well driver that iscompatable but are there any issues using the reef angel with the drivers you suggested?

[ReefLEDLights]

What configuration of leds would you suggest for my led setup? I want something that i can use as part of a bigger system when i upgrade. Also what if I went with the older LEDs over the XM-l/XT-E. how would that change the number and configuration?

Also I want to use the reef angel as the controller. I know there is a mean well driver that iscompatable but are there any issues using the reef angel with the drivers you suggested?

We are not familiar with the reef angle controller but if it has an 1-10VDC analog output it should be compatible with our dimmable inventronics class of drivers.

Our Phoenix DIY Kits have lots of room for upgrade. Each Heatsink is drilled and tapped for many more LEDs...

LEDs and drivers are like computer chips they keep improving.

Our Phoenix DIY Kits are state of the art proven. The Best Components tested over a Live Reef Tank. Many copy this recipe and go al carte...

We are very optimistic on the latest LEDs and should promote them as soon as they are proven. As hobbiests first we would not risk our expensive Chalice, Tyree SPS, or Scollys with the latest fad in lighting. The proof is in the pudding.

The XT-E should be our recommendation shortly. So far its very promising but still have to prove it against the venerable XP D316 RB on an actual reef.... Current tests show it very promising and may be part of our kits soon.

My apologies to PITA...
We test all of our products on live animals....
Then we cut them into little pieces and glue them to rocks...

Bill

[ReefLEDLights]

OOPS ment PETA

My apologies to PETA...
We test all of our products on live animals....
Then we cut them into little pieces and glue them to rocks...

Bill

[re_vogel]

Do you have any Informational materials or suggestions on tapping the heatsinks? How difficult is it to do?

[ReefLEDLights]

Did it twice myself and will Never do it again.

Here's some info on tapping
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/tapping-basics/index.html


-Rick

[re_vogel]

how many LED's would you recommend for my tank on the 18 x 8.46? Also, to get the full 66 on there how should I layout the holes?

[ReefLEDLights]

how many LED's would you recommend for my tank on the 18 x 8.46? Also, to get the full 66 on there how should I layout the holes?

for a 75g you can do 2 phoenix 45 kits on 18s

http://i908.photobucket.com/albums/ac282/ReefLEDLights/LEDs/8inchPhoenix55Layout.jpg

is a rough example of a phoenix 55 kit. We are working on producing better pictures of layouts.
Just make sure you dont put all the whites on the left, and all the blues on the right and you will be good :beer:

-Rick