Tank Journal Archive

[Robertgoldring]

Started a quick mock up of the rig, not doing the leds till I'm a bit nearer

 

[slin1977]

Looks good so far.
I would bring them closer together as they will look a bit spotlight with that much of a gap between the modules.

Front to back that gap is ok.

 

[Robertgoldring]

I can't really bring them closer, just inside(about 10mm) the two outer sinks is a wide black cross brace, that blocks the light, hence the spacing

 

[slin1977]

When looking at the tank from the front to the back I prefer a blue string to be first.
That's how I set my LEDs up and did the same with current T5

 

[Robertgoldring]

@slin1977 what made you go that route rather than clusters? I was considering a w/b/rb cluster towards each corner on each sink. With five clusters on the two center sinks and one violet on the middle rear. And two outside front sinks then two violet on the front centre

 

[slin1977]

Single LED was all that was available 5 years ago . Clusters are relatively new on the market. Things have progressed since I was a LED head.

Thought you were using single led when you said you were using 3 watt chips.

 

[Robertgoldring]

@slin1977 Yeah, bad wording on my part, what I mean is grouping one of each, w/b/rb close together. Rather than a line

 

[slin1977]

@slin1977 Yeah, bad wording on my part, what I mean is grouping one of each, w/b/rb close together. Rather than a line

So you have about 16 led per heat sink? Clustering is not a good idea.... You'll need to separate them as far from each other as possible.
First to preserve the lifespan
Second Led are point source, you don't want to create shadows, third easier and neater to solder a string in a line.... But at the end of the day it's your build so just do it.

 

[Robertgoldring]

Yeah I see what you mean, I'd not considered spot light effect. I was thinking the other way and trying to avoid disco effect, lol
I think spread out would be better actually

 

[Robertgoldring]

Well I've finally got the frame built, wasn't easy but it's done, next job is deciding how to fix the heat sinks in securely

 

[Robertgoldring]

Heatsinks are now held in securely along with all leds and fans mounted, most of the wiring for the leds done Aswell,

 

[Robertgoldring]

It's been a long time but my lights are finally working, I've still got a bit of work yo do such as a face plate and hook the fans up and code them in. But so far so good. White chips @25% rest @20% heat sinks still cold so I have a bit of time to sort the fans.

 

[Robertgoldring]