Recommendations on Red Sea Max LED retrofit

Stones · #1 08-10-2012, 10:01 PM

Thanks Snaz, I figured you'd have some insight as you seem to pop up in all of the LED build threads

I'll poke around on nano-reef and see if someone has done a similar build to what I'm trying to accomplish. My biggest concern is simply coverage as I'm sure the intensity under the LEDs will be sufficient granted the higher output of the XM-L's.

I've already emailed aquastyle to see how to go about switching out some of the emitters for more color variety and just waiting on a response.

Were you able to avoid brokerage fees on your 2nd order or did they ship via Fedex again? I couldn't find where Aquastyle was based out of so but I doubt shipping USPS is an option...

mseepman · #2 08-10-2012, 10:13 PM

This might be a good alternative...nice and easy too.http://www.modularled.ca/red-sea-max-130-130d/

Stones · #3 08-10-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

This might be a good alternative...nice and easy too.http://www.modularled.ca/red-sea-max-130-130d/

Thanks for the link. I did check out the Modular LED kit but I already own a 4 x 20" heatsink and have several Meanwell drivers and Cree LEDs kicking around that I wouldn't mind using if it will provide decent enough coverage.

Snaz · #4 08-10-2012, 10:33 PM

Regarding shipping. My first order was shipped via fedex and arrived in 5 days but about a week later FedEx sent me a brokerage bill in the mail for 18 dollars. Lame. The second order was shipped via Hong Kong post which handed off to Canada Post Express and arrived in 7 days, no extra fees/brokerage etc. Nice.

Stones · #5 08-10-2012, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snaz

Regarding shipping. My first order was shipped via fedex and arrived in 5 days but about a week later FedEx sent me a brokerage bill in the mail for 18 dollars. Lame. The second order was shipped via Hong Kong post which handed off to Canada Post Express and arrived in 7 days, no extra fees/brokerage etc. Nice.

Thanks Snaz! If I order, I'll request that it come via HK post to avoid brokerage fees.

mseepman · #6 08-10-2012, 11:16 PM

If you already have some CREE's and some drivers...here is what I would do. I don't think the 8 XM-L's will be enough. I would buy a small mix of Modularled White and Royals and add them along with a small driver to the mix you listed above with the 8 XM-L's (assuming you have these already). That heatsink can handle a lot of LED's. This should still be your cheapest solution while getting you LED's that you know you can count on.

Stones · #7 08-10-2012, 11:57 PM

That's also what I was thinking that only 8 XM-L's would be on the weak side.

I currently have 2 meanwell ELN60-48D drivers, 13 XM-L T5 cool white leds, 5XP-E Royal blue and 5 XP-E blue so I'm going to have to place an order somewhere regardless as I don't have enough components for a complete build.

When I originally ordered the XM-Ls, I didn't realize they had a max drive current of 3000 mA. Otherwise I wouldn't have ordered those particular drivers as they can only push 1300 mA.

Seeing as I'm going to need to order at least one more driver and several more LEDs, I may end up trying out one of the aquastyle kits and save the XM-Ls and meanwell drivers for a retrofit on my 225 gallon reef once some snow starts to hit the ground.