[kdd121s]

For purposes of full disclosure, I have never built an LED light fixture. This will be my first DIY LED build, so pardon my ignorance.

Aquarium Info:

Manufacturer: Fluval
Model: Osaka 155
Capacity: 155L / 40gal.
Dimensions: 24" (61cm) x 24" (61cm) x 18" (46cm) HxWxD

Additional Info: The Fluval Osaka 155 has a hanging light mounting bar that is attached to the back of the stand and extends over the top of the aquarium and is elevated 5" from the top lip of the aquarium. Obviously there is not much clearance between the light fixture and the waterline.

What I am Considering:

I am considering using 4-6x Bridgelux BXRA-C1202 arrays. They are rated at 1320lm max end. Here is a link: http://bridgelux.com/products/ledarray_rs.html , http://www.newark.com/bridgelux/bxr...ightness-cool-white/dp/60R6540?Ntt=BXRA-C1202

I am also considering trying to use a single higher capacity dimming Meanwell driver to run all of the LEDs (to keep things simple). An example of what I was looking at is: http://www.meanwell.com/search/hlg-240h/default.htm

Questions:

1.) How many of these do I need for my tank or what other Bridgelux LED Arrays would be recommended for my tank (including model of LED and number of them)?

2.) What dimming Meanwell driver would be recommend for the arrangement? I would like to keep it to 1x driver to simplify matters if possible. If there is a different driver manufacturer that would be better suited for what I am wanting to do, please feel free to comment.

Other Thoughts:

I am trying to keep the build within the framework of using Bridgelux LED Arrays (as I like these LEDs) and a single dimming driver if possible. Outside of that I am completely open to any an all ideas. So please feel free to go wild with recommendations and ideas.

Thank you all in advance for helping a newcomer to the world of DIY LED building.

Best Regards,
kdd121s

 

[Hoppy]

I believe you can use 2 rows of 6 Cree XM-L LEDs, with the LEDs 3.5 inches apart, and the rows about 6 inches apart, with 60 degree optics, and get about 70-80 micromols of PAR at 1300 mA current, with the LEDs about 20 inches from the substrate.

That would be high light, or very close to it. With the dimmer it would be easy to adjust that down to a more reasonable 40-50 micromols. If you use 7 LEDs per row, spaced about 3 inches apart you would be almost certain to get at least 80 micromols at less than 1300 mA current. A single Meanwell ELN60-48D should be able to handle that load, especially if you adjust the voltage a bit higher, and limit the max current to maybe 1200 mA.

 

[kdd121s]

Thank you for the metrics in regards to the outputs that will be necessary for appropriate lighting for my tank. It is very helpful for me as I am a bit of a numbers junkie when it comes to comparing products and build spec. ideas. Thanks again and I'll post photos down the road when the build commences.