46" DIY LED Build Thread
- Thread starter davidpesce
- Start date
CaliforniaKeith
New member
David that looks awesome! You said you could do another in 1/2 the time. That's what's great about DIY projects. You struggle throught the unkown and don't you feel good when you finish? Hey, just asking how much knowledge about electrical wiring did you have going into this project? and would you reccomend a complete eclectrically challenged reefer to attempt something like this?
Thanks, Califronia Keith
Thanks, Califronia Keith
davidpesce
New member
Thanks for the comments!
I did have some general knowledge of electrical wiring beforehand, but have not done anything with that knowledge since I was a kid. I don't think it's something that everyone could do, but I do think with proper guidance and research almost anyone could do it. I'd be hard pressed to come up with a formula for the type of person who should go through with something like this.
Feel free to ask any questions though!
davidpesce
New member
Comparable fixtures would run about $1500-$1900 from what I've seen online. Since they don't offer exact details on the type of LEDs used this is just a guess.
Henry Colf
New member
Dave, was nice to meet you today. Your lights and tank look great!!!!!!
Pink_n_Purple
New member
great build! any thoughts though on using more fans? 2 doesnt seem to be enough in my opinion.
Cost of intial purchase/cusumtion of power for the 12v fans vs cost and life expectancy/effeciancy of leds. if its not to hard to do, think of ways to cool more effiently ie more fan or stratigicly placed.
otherwise good build nice to see the use of a PROPER HEAT SINK.!!
Cost of intial purchase/cusumtion of power for the 12v fans vs cost and life expectancy/effeciancy of leds. if its not to hard to do, think of ways to cool more effiently ie more fan or stratigicly placed.
otherwise good build nice to see the use of a PROPER HEAT SINK.!!
davidpesce
New member
The two fans are more than enough. The heatsink is running at 78 degrees F and the LED star itself is between 81-82 degrees F. Well below the operating temp these LEDs are rated at. In all honestly I think I could go with only one fan and it would still be fine.
davidpesce
New member
I only had one SPS in there (birdsnest) before the LEDs. That thing exploded after putting them on.
That said, I have a bunch of SPS frags now and in 3 months they have doubled in size.
Can you guys with DIY LED experience answer some questions for me? I'm torn between getting a Reefbrite actinic strip or building my own.
How are DIY Cree LED lights compared to retail systems like Reefbrite and AI? I'm not really worry about the PAR, just the "pop".
Will I be saving a lot with DIY, a little, or not at all if I build my own? I only have a soldering gun and none of the other tools.
How are DIY Cree LED lights compared to retail systems like Reefbrite and AI? I'm not really worry about the PAR, just the "pop".
Will I be saving a lot with DIY, a little, or not at all if I build my own? I only have a soldering gun and none of the other tools.
