thanks for taking your time dbosman.
In your opinion which driver and optics should I go with on that $75 kit?
Personally I'd go with the Meanwell. The Maxwellen would be pushed closer to it's limits with 14 emitters.
I've not used optics. On my 75g, the fixture is about six inches above the tank and it's lit very well with the roughly 120 degree normal output. Light spills out onto the carpet, but it isn't annoying. Narrower Optics can allow you to adjust where the light falls or allow you to raise the fixture higher. I'd mock up some cardboard pieces for each angle, and place them against the side of your tank, to figure out where the light fixture should go and what the cone of light will cover. I'd go for the widest heat sink option for a rectangular tank. For a cube, go for narrower, but wider front to back.
Would this kit be the best way to go for the money? or the bulbs you told me to check at HD?
I also looked at T5HO setups at hydroponics stores and the price would be about the same.
It's the best kit for DIY - that I know of.
The bulbs at HD are a completely different lighting setup. Hanging pendants. Those look great on fish tanks.
Hydroponics stores are where I recommend everyone check for T5HO before ordering a fixture on line.
At this point, as I can afford to, I plan on replacing all my tank lighting with DIY LED setups. I'm planning on testing ten LEDs for five 10g tanks on a rack. Plants are incidental for those as they are quarantine and grow out tanks.
While trying to get the best light I can over my tank I also dont want to over do it and force myself into CO2 high tech set up.
That is another reason for a dim-able driver for LEDs. You can adjust the lighting as needed. Start at what looks good and move up or down as your plants tell you how they like the light. I'm amazed by some of my crypts. They are almost cream colored instead of dark green. I'm going to have to raise the fixture as dim-able drivers weren't readily available when I built my LED panels.
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