DIY 72 LED build

[toolmanbmw]

Thanks lampshade for the info. The lights is completed now. Just need to wait for the VDM for the apex to arrive next week. I will get some before and after leds shots.

Going to leave the light on max again tonight and take some temp tomorrow morning.


It's so bright... my phone wouldn't focus.
The left side has all 60 degree optics. These optics makes a huge difference for the light output.

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[wingedfish]

I built this same light for a 75 gallon, (18 bridglux on a 4 foot rail, times 4) 6 months ago. No fans needed. I used 60 degree optics around the outside and 90 for the rest. It sits an inch off the water, with some dico balling. I have the intensity at 100%. It is bright, and all inhabitants seem to be fine. I used a six bulb t5ho before.

[reefme]

Originally Posted by wingedfish

I built this same light for a 75 gallon, (18 bridglux on a 4 foot rail, times 4) 6 months ago. No fans needed. I used 60 degree optics around the outside and 90 for the rest. It sits an inch off the water, with some dico balling. I have the intensity at 100%. It is bright, and all inhabitants seem to be fine. I used a six bulb t5ho before.

What is the size of your tank? Any SPS?

[toolmanbmw]

Mine is a 75 gallon also. My lights will be 10" off the water. Running 4 T5 and 2 250W MH. Just a few pieces of sps.

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[wingedfish]

Originally Posted by reefme

What is the size of your tank? Any SPS?

75 gallon. Sps dominate. Tank has been up for close to two years.

[reefme]

Originally Posted by wingedfish

75 gallon. Sps dominate. Tank has been up for close to two years.

But what is the dimensions of the tank?

[wingedfish]

Originally Posted by reefme

But what is the dimensions of the tank?

48x16x24

[toolmanbmw]

Almost seems these leds would put out way too much light if I have them at max.

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[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yes, way too much probably.

72 x 3w = 216 watts

My entire 165g has only 280 watts at max and even with the whites at 70%, it was too much for many of my LPS. Now blues at max and whites are just barely on and it gives the tank a 15000-20000k look and the corals are loving it.

I would reduce your whites and max your blues to help make your corals pop and not light-stress them when you change the lights over. Just my experience.

[Cal_stir]

Originally Posted by toolmanbmw

Almost seems these leds would put out way too much light if I have them at max.

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I think you have the correct # of leds but the wrong ratio of blue & white, the par is about the same except we see the whites as brighter, the corals just see the par.
I have 72 3w on my 90g, I run the blues @ 100% at 1amp (48) and the whites @ 85% at 1.3amp (24), it's @ 20,000K I think.