Hey everyone and Evil, I want to build a dimmable led fixture for my tank. I'm good at wiring and the building part but don't really know what I'm going to need.

Could you throw out a complete parts list for me including things like what size heat sink, power supply etc

The tank is 15" wide and 15" deep.

I am keeping softies and Lps mostly with a monti cap towards the top.

Thanks for your input!

What, I'm not everyone?

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...=0#entry2311404

Start here as an example. It's a little overkill for that size tank, but it works. You can follow some of the NC12/BC14 threads too for a more appropriate number of LEDs for a tank that size. There are many good threads that will explain what you need. I'm sure you can figure it out

What ever happened to your saying that "It's better to have to much than not enough"

Lol. Like I said, your setup certainly works. You can get away with a lot less though. More just gives better coverage.

Guys, quick question.

I was looking at the new ecoxotic site and say there led strips. I could retro 6 strips into the cad fixture I currently have for $225. They have a few color options. Would that work for my setup. I'm short on build time and I could do this in an hour or so

Nope. Not even remotely powerfull enough. They are for suppliment only.

So what makes there fixture enough? It looks like the same strips.

Also if reeftankguys is overkill with 20 LEDs, would 15 be enough for me to use?

Their Panorama fixture would be enough, but the Stunner Strips are much lower power LEDs (~1/4W). My LFS actually has one of the Panorama setups in, so I'm going to test it once it get's some water in it. I went up there yesterday. They were taking bets on how long it would take me to get wind of it being there. They know me too well

15 LEDs would work out fine in the right arrangement (5x3 would be ideal)

The panorama looks cool, Your LFS is one of like 3 that has it then. Let us know what you think. If I were to buy a fixture it be hard to not buy a KR-91

If i were spending between 6-700 Id get the AI fixture because of the controller feature

They are one of the first autorized distributors for these lights. The numbers should be interesting.

did you see this?

http://www.ecoxotic.com/products/modular-l...led-module.html

Must have been added today.

I think those have been up for a while. Much better than the Stunners, but at a higher pricetag. Outfitting a tank with those could get expensive fast, and at 1W each, the light could be mediocre at best.

A 17" panorama looks like it has 6 of these modules and one stunner strip. If this module isn't great then how would the panorama fixture be any good?

So here is my plan now

15 Cree XR LEDS. 8 Blue, & 7 White

3 1000ma dimmable buckpucks with pot

7x10 heat sink from heatsinks usa??

Which one of these will I need?

http://www.mpja.com/products.asp?dept=465&main=1



Id really like to run 12 leds but this may be not enough. Let me know what you think

Get the $15 24v 6.5A unit. Works perfectly.

The Panorama could be ok, but it's not going to be in the same league as a DIY setup. I should have measurements on it this weekend.

So everything else looks good? Im gonna start ordering tonight.

You think 12 will be to few? The extra 3 leds will make the big difference

The extra 3 LEDs will just help cover the tank better. You won't get a huge increase in light from the addition.

Evil Your The Man!!! Thanks so much for all your help.

Don't forget to make a build thread. I'm interested to see a cadlights fixture retrofitted with LEDs (if that's what you're planning on doing).