LED+drivers for Algae Scrubber

[iamashark]

Hello,

 

I am wanting someone to doublecheck the setup I am planning on creating. I am planning on getting 2x Exotic 660nm Deep Red LEDs(1). To drive this, I was going to purchase a Meanwell LDD-700HW(2). In order to power the driver, I was going to find some random >800ma AC to DC wallwart lying around my house. I would be wiring the LEDs in parallel.

 

The first real question is, what voltage should the power supply be at? Does it matter as long as it's above the forward voltage of the LED?

 

Does this all check out/seem reasonable? Is this the correct driver for this operation? I don't have much experience with LEDs and drivers and whatnots.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

-- I am a shark

 

(1) http://www.ledgroupbuy.com/exotic-deep-red-660nm/

(2) http://www.ledgroupbuy.com/meanwell-ldd-700hw-led-driver/

[jedimasterben]

With LDD, the input voltage needs to be in the 9-56v range and must be 3-4v above the output voltage that your LEDs use. So those LEDs at 700mA will use ~2.6v each, 5.2v total, and your power supply must be at least 9v. The LEDs will be using ~3.7w, so your power supply must give at least 4.5w (preferably just a bit more), so finding a 9v 500mA driver should be simple.

[streamline.by.design]

I work for a lighting company and we have been doing a lot of research on the color spectrum plants/algae respond to. A mix of of red to blue LEDs works best. It hits the 600 spectral range and 400 spectral range that plants need. Just wanted to throw that out there.

 

If anyone more knowledgeable on the subject sees flaws in this, please speak up.

[farkwar]

I work for a lighting company and we have been doing a lot of research on the color spectrum plants/algae respond to. ....

 

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[jedimasterben]

The ratio seems to be between 4-6:1 for 660nm to 450nm when using LEDs of the same general make. Some people are swapping their 450nm for 420-430nm and seeing stronger results. On my personal algae scrubber I use four 660nm, four 450nm, four 430nm, and two 2700K warm white LEDs and have great results, but I'm going to try a few different things and see which is the most efficient for me. I wish I had a waterfall scrubber, then I could test two side by side to see which is best.

YESSSSSSSS