Grizz's 300 gal 8'er / LED Heat sink build / Opinions on LED lay out needed

[The Grizz]

So I finally got a chance today to start building the heat sinks for this tank. I have decided to do 2 - 39" x 12" heat sinks both will have 136 LEDs but will have room for more.

Got my main plates of 1/4" aluminum cut & 48 pieces of 1/8" x 1" aluminum flatbars as well.





First 5 flatbar fins tacked on:



Now 10:



15:



20:



And finally the last 3:





As you can see in the 2nd last pic I removed the very first flatbar fin, yes this was planned because I am going to wrap the whole out side of the 1/4" plate with some 1/4" x 2 1/2" flatbars.

[lastlight]

ok that's hardcore! so do you need to lay anything down as far as a paste etc to maintain ideal heat transfer between fin and plate?

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by lastlight

ok that's hardcore! so do you need to lay anything down as far as a paste etc to maintain ideal heat transfer between fin and plate?

No with aluminum the heat will transfer evenly on its own as it is a very soft alloy and a great for dispersing heat.

[lastlight]

Do you have plans to paint it somehow and does doing that reduce it's ability to cool in any sig way?

Thing looks awesome. What a beast!

You should make a DIY lumenarc style mh reflector with an aluminum shell with fins on the top (for me)

[Dez]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

No with aluminum the heat will transfer evenly on its own as it is a very soft alloy and a great for dispersing heat.

Have you worked with thermal glue before? I used it on my LED build - it's designed to transfer heat, even if you screw the LED starts onto the heat sink directly, you should put some thermal glue for maximum heat transfer.

Looks great!

[Nano]

Looks Great Greg! Did you make the Heat sinks too??

[Hustler]

Looking good bro, Cant wait to see the parts all come together
I think if i go this route I would rather brush it then cover it anyways..... Always have a soft spot for brushed alum

[cuz]

Very nice!!!
I think heatsink # 16 is crooked!!

lol
teasin!!! You should be building these for Modular to market!!!

[The Grizz]

I cut some 2 1/2" strips out of a small sheet of 1/4" aluminum on my tablesaw, then cut a notch into them for my 1/8" clear acrylic cover.









Added a 1/4" x 2" strip across the front but have to add something below the groove to hold the acrylic flat.

LED side:


Fan side:

[Bblinks]

Holy smokes Grizz. Thats friken amazing. can't wait to see it when its all done. keep them pictures coming. nice work.