DIY LED build - help needed

[darklight2ooo]

Hello Reefers,

So, I have decided to build an led set up for my tank. My main concern is cost. I have been doing a ton of research but I'm not entirely sure what I want to do and i'm finding there is a lot of different opinions. I thought before i go spending hundreds i should ask here.

What i want to accomplish.

I have a 55 gallon tank. Its 48 inches across and 24 inches deep. I want to be able to grow both soft and hard corals. maybe clams if I ever get around to buying one.
I want to keep my build if possible under 280$, i feel this is possible.

Questions I have that I cant seem to answer.
How many LEDs will i need over my tank in order to make sure that everything is covered? What should my set up look like for even distribution.

I was thinking that 24 leds might be enough. Cree. This is the kit i was thinking about buying.
24 Ultra Premium LED DIY Kit with Dimmable Drivers

I was thinking this build guild might work perfect for my needs.
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/f12/diy-led-build-linear-design-59088/index6.html
I dont know if that is enough light or to much...

If i do go with this guild what should my optics be? and how high should i put them off the tank.

This is all i have for starters... ill check back tonight to see if you guys have any pointers. I was thinking maybe someone might have done this build some time recent and maybe found an even cheaper way to do it.

Thanks for your time.

 

[TJL]

Hey Darklight, IMO the 36pc kit would be better for your needs if you plan on keeping higher light demanding corals. On my 125g (60x24x20) I started with the 48 Ultra Premium kit and added to it for a total of 82 3 watt LED's this also allowed me to mix in a broader spectrum of chips. I'll be using 3 different whites (6500k, 8k, 10k) 3 blues (445-455nm, 450-465nm, 465-485nm), Cyan (500-510nm) and Red (625nm). For your application you could also mix it up a little and give yourself three circuits to ramp up/ down for dawn/dusk having 1st and last circuit leaning more towards blue/actinic and mid circuit on the white side. Good luck with the build and be sure to check out/ follow both Cesars and Floyds builds and ideas on this subject.

Cheers, Todd

 

[darklight2ooo]

thank you for the input. I would love to take a look at cesars and floyds builds.. i cant seem to locate them... would you have a link to their postings?