Upcoming DIY LED fixture

I would check this out, I have seen a larger version of the biocube on a smiilar set up to this and it is amazing. If you want i could dig up the build thread on it.

http://www.rapidled.com/plug-and-play-biocube-14-retrofit-kit-with-two-dimmable-drivers/

As for your question on the moonlighting, you would just run the blues at low intensity.

 

That's a good choice!
I'm also starting my LED build from RapidLED. I got my heatsink from heatsink usa since Rapid doesn't carry the size I wanted. It's obviously on a case by case basis and RapidLED will point you in the right direction if you ask them.
 I went with 36 Leds on my 40 breeder. Maybe a shade overkill, but they are dimmable so I'd rather have too many than not enough. I went 24 RB XP-E and 12 CW XP-Gs with 60* optics. Later after purchasing RapidLED suggested I go with less LEDs and 80* optics, but my order had already shipped. They will be on a 20x8" heatsink and controlled by the DIY two color dimmer from Rapid as well.

 

Check aquastyleonline.com they have some nice kits like rapidled they just use a different LED and it costs a little less. I am looking at grabbing the 108 LED (50/50 white/blue), 80 degree optics, thermal paste and 3 dimmable drivers for $300. Heat sinks would be extra. Planning on using Big D's idea and using some U channel found at your local hardware store. Later on I'll get a controller that will manage the dimming. I am not 100% sure if I'd need a step out box to handle the dimming on the LEDs themselves as the kit comes with potentiometers to handle dimming manually.

I have a couple months before I can start playing with things. These LEDs I am planning to use are going over a 210 not my 135 here in June or July.

 

Mostly used for bringing out the color in your tank. No real answer on growth benefits that I've been able to find

 

if you were going to add any additional led I would do violet. The red leds have been known to grow algae from what I have heard. Amber might add some additional color that could be interesting. Rapid LED does now carry amber along with orange, orange/red, cyan, and few other colors I think.

 

+1  green, violet , pink /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif 

 

Check out this http://www.aquastyleonline.com/products/Aquarium-14-LEDs--DIY-Dimmable-Kit.html

Hell of a deal. Its where I am buying form first when I build my 40 breeder led lights.


Kyle