Need Opinion on LED Configuration for DIY Fixture. Clusters or Grid?

[JohnTheReefer]

Recently, I have been getting into building custom lights and want to make a larger fixture for my grow out system.

The dimensions will be about 10" wide by 24" long.

Question is: In your opinion, which configuration is better for spectrum blending? Cluster or grid?

The lenses used will either be convex or 120 degree for wide light dispersion. The mounting height will be 12"-16". My thought is that clusters would blend better since the LEDs are physically closer together. Curious what you guys think!


This is just a quick partial screen shot for reference to get an idea:

 

[Timfish]

I'd say it depends on lenses used and distance from the water. This system below used custom fixtures with 16º lenses which could have caused some banding but as the leds were next to each other and the fixtures are 5' above the tank lighting is blended very well. Below is a DIY .pdf also.

 

[oreo54]

Recently, I have been getting into building custom lights and want to make a larger fixture for my grow out system.

The dimensions will be about 10" wide by 24" long.

Question is: In your opinion, which configuration is better for spectrum blending? Cluster or grid?

The lenses used will either be convex or 120 degree for wide light dispersion. The mounting height will be 12"-16". My thought is that clusters would blend better since the LEDs are physically closer together. Curious what you guys think!


This is just a quick partial screen shot for reference to get an idea:

Most LEDs come with a 120 degree lens attached. There would be no need for a secondary one.
12" is too high for that wide as well.
At 12" and 120 degrees it throws a 41"
spot.

Tank dimensions are 10" x 24"?
4" @ 120 degrees...14" diameter spread.
Or that the size of a light panel?

 

[JohnTheReefer]

I'd say it depends on lenses used and distance from the water. This system below used custom fixtures with 16º lenses which could have caused some banding but as the leds were next to each other and the fixtures are 5' above the tank lighting is blended very well. Below is a DIY .pdf also.

That is an amazing setup and thanks for the PDF!

 

[JohnTheReefer]

Most LEDs come with a 120 degree lens attached. There would be no need for a secondary one.
12" is too high for that wide as well.
At 12" and 120 degrees it throws a 41"
spot.

Tank dimensions are 10" x 24"?
4" @ 120 degrees...14" diameter spread.
Or that the size of a light panel?

Correct, 10"x24" is the size of the light panel. It will be mounted over a 50 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank which measures 50"x30" roughly. Thank you for the input on mounting height. 10" - 12" from the surface might be the best with 120 degree lenses