DIY LED's... again

[snakeblitz33]

I have two options available to me... option 1: I can buy one of those eef Breeder units and have the light fixture control the lights and do all kinds of neat stuff, or option 2: I can build my own DIY LED system and have it controlled by my Apex Jr.
So, consider that I am thinking about option 2:
10g sps dominated tank - the only thing in it will be coral, a little rock, and one small bicolor blenny that doesn't eat a whole lot.
A 10g tank is 20" long by 10" wide and 12.5" tall. How many LEDs would you consider over the tank?
I was thinking about:
12 neutral whites
12 royal blues
2 moonlights
1 red
2 green
2 UV.
It would be the equivalent of a 150w metal halide, I think, which is plenty of light over a 10g, unless someone else has something to say.
The 12 neutral whites would be on one dimmable driver, the 12 royal blues on another. The red, greens, and UV would be on a nano driver, since they don't have to have a lot of power. The moonlight would almost always be plugged in and on, unless I upgrade my controller, which I don't see happening.
20" heatsink? 10" heatsink? I just want to make it look nice, whatever I choose. Doing a DIY project over the Summer break will be fun, I think.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Alright... so I added everything up to see what I would be saving with DIY LEDs... I would save a grand total of $23 by going with DIY LEDs, however, I would also be adding many hours of work and some frustration by doing it by myself.
So, I guess now I have my question answered, and will go with a ReefBreeders Photon 16 unit.

 

[sweatervest13]

If the math works out like that... I would agree... Why take your precious time and effort to save just a couple of bucks. You won't be disappointed in the performance of the Photon units.

 

[acrylic51]

Time an effort is worth it's weighy for me. Knowing I used my hands and mind to build it. There shouldn't be any frustration involved. At least when something goes wrong with the unit you know whats wrong; where to look and exactly what you need and where to get it. So to me the $23 savings is worth it.

 

[2quills]

Just buy the Photons. DIY is for those folks who wish to punish themselves for no greater reward than that of the experience gained when one presses the bounds within ones own limits. But it's not for everybody. And not every one has got that kind of time nor the desire when it comes to lighting for their tank. It's really just an after thought in the bigger picture that is the beauty of what wanders are to be held within these little homes within our home, right? Ain't nuthin to but to do it so just buy the photons, I say.
10" with 2 fans sounded kinda good though. With modern cree's that count is quite capable of more light than a 150w halide I'm sure. But my philosophy is aim high and drive low so you can keep things cool.
Decisions, decisions. But if you're anything like me then you're probably not going to save the $23 in the up front cost,

 

[snakeblitz33]

No, I would probably spend twice as much on it and still not be satisfied. lol

 

[acrylic51]

Seth the moonlights go a long way.... Ask Meowzer....I'd also up the reds to 2 as well.... I know you prefer a neutral tank but still might look at a different mix than 12 and 12 for whites and blues.