What current should I run my 18x red diode at?

[Tw15t3r]

Well, yes I know many people have asked what's the current to run a 16x (300ma) and 22x (420ma), but how about an 18x that I got? It is not so common... so what current should I run it at, and roughly, what mW would I be expecting?
I'm planning to use a good heatsink (something like Jayrob's) My diode is a closed can. (what does it mean by long or short anyway?)

 

[Bionic-Badger]

I'd stick to the 16x's current rating, or maybe go a little higher to 35ma or something. The long/short stuff just pertains to the types of diodes that were harvested. One was longer than the other, and it had better output and current chracteristics. Now people just get the sleds that have them directly, not from drives.

 

[Tw15t3r]

Oh ok, thanks for the advice. I shouldn't push it too much since it's a closed can right?