40 breeder led lighting?

[Singlefin]

Anyone have any suggestions or pics for lighting for a new 40b build. Hope to keep Sps and maybe eventually a clam. Want to do it right. I was looking at Ai sols or radion but that would run about $1k because I would need two. I'm probably going DIY. I think I figured out my light combo but need a nice fixture. I don't want a top on it so maybe a bracket or hanging kit. This is where I'm stuck. Any help would be great. This is frying my brain trying to figure it out. Thanks

 

[dmatt88]

A 40b is a great tank. A 6 bulb t5 hangs above mine n i can only run 4 bulbs or they cook stuff.

 

[Singlefin]

Nice. I wanted to go led for long term life of bulbs and energy consumption. Thanks.

 

[BigAl07]

Check out the Phoenix LED kit from ReefLEDlights.com it's a very nice looking hanging LED housing for your DIY LED light.

 

[Singlefin]

That's exactly what I am looking for but not sure if it would be big enough at 18" wide.

 

[dmatt88]

Call reefledlights. Their real helpful n can give you good guidance.

........hi I'm matt and I'm technologically inept.

 

[Built347]

you would need to hang that kit up a bit.. youll get good coverage
you dont want giant 3w led's right on the water anyway..

 

[Singlefin]

Yup. But I don't want it too high. It will be in the main room so I don't want too much overflow of lights or blinding people sitting near or below the tank. Thanks.

 

[Built347]

Man from what ive seen and experienced with Leds its either hang em up and deal with the overflow of light or use a somewhat tall canopy.. i have mine hanging 13" from my tank.. partly for coverage and mostly because they are fireballs and will cook any coral that looks at them.. (at 50% dim).... use High degree lenses and tilt the light to face the rear of the tank very slightly

the light overflow isnt horrible on my tank the only crappy part is when your sitting down and SEE the bulbs.. wow look away.. so i tilted them to the rear a bit and it helps

 

[BigAl07]

Devon is correct. Light spill from a an LED fixture is something to be concerned about.

 

[Singlefin]

Good point. Will have to tilt. The small amount of light that escapes from under my BC29 hood is pretty bright. And it's completely closed. Thanks.

 

[Singlefin]

Maybe a top isn't such a bad idea. Just didn't want it to be a pain to clean like my Biocube.

 

[Built347]

ive seen some pretty cool canopies where the front and top open as one piece to the rear... as far as canopies go i think that would be nearly painless..