DIY LED build

[laffingcrow]

That controller only works from 1-10volts and the LED panel and driver are 24 volts.
The problem with any controller is maintaining current while dropping voltage.
Thanks,
Brian

[kjsreef]

Just found this really great video from a guy who converted to the ecoxotic lights

http://www.ecoxotic.com/community/cu...e/theblackreef

[RussM]

That controller only works from 1-10volts and the LED panel and driver are 24 volts.
The problem with any controller is maintaining current while dropping voltage.
Thanks,
Brian

Actually, that particular driver is 24-48V output. The 0-10VDC is just for the dimming signal input. The Meanwells are being used quite successfully in many DIY LED projects.... quite convenient too, because they are a switching PS and driver in one package.

[RussM]

I wonder if you'd find this useful for your dimmable needs? It's interesting in that it can work with the RKE controller, too.

And with the Apex as well.

[MustangBill]

I ordered 2 of those stunner strips a few days ago, one blue and one ultra violet, gonna use it to supplment my new T-5 set up. I will post agian once I get them, they're only $45 on amazon

[jhuynh15]

laffingcrow -

how high do you have that fixture over your tank? i have it at 15" off the top of the water line.

i bought the same one to try out.

any thoughts so far on them? what have you been keeping fine?

[superman858mm]

looking forward for the answer...as i will get one for myself to try it out...

[laffingcrow]

First off I burned a 1/4" hole in my Red Monti Cap when I moved it an inch or two to the right (it's on a magnet) and as it turned out the spot of one of the blue LEDs was directly on it so I put a diffuser panel on it.
Just standard diffuser available at almost any hardware store for about $5. SEE PIC
I have two heights: 13.5" for aclimating new corals and working on the tank and 7" for normal operation.
For normal operation I wanted to get them close for intensity yet even with LEDs anything closer than 6" would possibly heat the water. (you can feel it with your hand)

...everything seems to love them,... clam, montis, acro, digi, except maybe some zoas... Some things will definately reguire aclimation if you change from PCs much like changing to MH.

[superman858mm]

thanks a lot...

[superman858mm]

my tank is a standard 40 gal, do u think that 2 of these panels would be enough? thanks

[laffingcrow]

Thanks RussM... for the tip on the driver/controller. One of these days I'll have to pony up some more coins...
Brian

[laffingcrow]

I'd say two panels could cover about 24"-30" wide by 12"-16" front to back and not much more. Hang it higher and you can cover more but at the expense of intensity.
Each panel is 10" square and the light falloff beyond 12" square is pretty significant so you will need to arrange corals accordingly; lower light corals on the perimeter perhaps.
I thought one panel would cover my 20 but it only lit up the center as well as some corals would like... and as I added more and more corals well... I needed more light.
Funny how this hobby works.