DIY 2.5g LED Reef Project - Will I need a fan?

[joelsaxton]

Hi all,

 

After successfully completing my 5.5g DIY led reef project, I am working on a 2.5g LED reef. I am trying to minimize the height of the diy lighting hood. I plan on running 3 CREE RBs and 2 CREE NWs on separate dimmable drivers, and they will most likely be underdriven. I am looking at a heatsink from heatsinkusa that is 10" x 5" x 1.3" and I am curious if this could dissipate enough of the heat created by these 5 LED's without a fan. If I decide to use a fan, it will be a Silenx and I will need to allocate about 1 more inch of hood height for it to fit. If I decide not to use a fan, I will still cut out a circular air vent but it will be passive.

 

Is this wishful thinking? I'd love to hear from anyone using a fan-less LED setup.

 

 

thanks!!!!

[evilc66]

It can be passive with that setup, but leave the entire top open to make sure it's working to it's fullest.

[joelsaxton]

It can be passive with that setup, but leave the entire top open to make sure it's working to it's fullest.

 

Thanks. I think I may meet the problem halfway and use a fan and a thinner piece of aluminum.