LED lighting HELP

[triplejjj031]

Originally Posted by monocus

for that price AND $20 PLUS TAX you could get a 2' vertex illuminux from j&l-i have the last one on hold but they will bring more in.i'll be using it on a 29x18x18 breeding/frag tank

Ya I was looking at the Illuminux, the 36" considering just buying this instead, and skipping the hassle of DIY. Will it be enough for my 48" x 18 x 20 tank, to grow sps and anemones.

[nlreefguy]

Originally Posted by triplejjj031

Ya I was looking at the Illuminux, the 36" considering just buying this instead, and skipping the hassle of DIY. Will it be enough for my 48" x 18 x 20 tank, to grow sps and anemones.

Personally I feel the DIY route gives you a more flexible and customizable fixture at less cost. I don't think you will find that 24 LED's is enough, probably more like 48 to get the appropriate spread and power. I have to admit I'm not familiar with the Illuminux fixture but the previous fixtures from Vertex were way overpriced in my opinion.

[triplejjj031]

Originally Posted by nlreefguy

Personally I feel the DIY route gives you a more flexible and customizable fixture at less cost. I don't think you will find that 24 LED's is enough, probably more like 48 to get the appropriate spread and power. I have to admit I'm not familiar with the Illuminux fixture but the previous fixtures from Vertex were way overpriced in my opinion.

Ya I agree, I have decided on getting 36 Cree XP series LED's (18 cool white and 18 royal blue) This will give me a 108 watt, and spreading it over 36" heat sink. This will also allow me to add more led lights to my fixture in the future if i find that it is not strong enough.

[nlreefguy]

Originally Posted by triplejjj031

Ya I agree, I have decided on getting 36 Cree XP series LED's (18 cool white and 18 royal blue) This will give me a 108 watt, and spreading it over 36" heat sink. This will also allow me to add more led lights to my fixture in the future if i find that it is not strong enough.

Excellent point (and a good start). That also points out the other major strength of DIY - upgradability without replacing the entire fixture!