54 3 watt led build

[mr.badams]

 

[mr.badams]

I guess I could have used something other then wood... But, it works!

 

[mr.badams]

 

[mr.badams]

 

[mr.badams]

Now on to the fun stuff. The leds and drivers are all here! The leds were suppose to be cree brand leds. The more I look at them I believe they are Epstar Brand... Oh well, Ill still use them. I knew the price was to good to be true.

 

[mr.badams]

Wires, wires and more wires... I'm so tired of cutting and soldering wire! Good news is, I'm DONE! This took about a week for me to get done. If life doesn't slow you down enough, something else will! I'm guessing it took about 5-6 hours of contentious work to mount and solder all 54 leds.

 

[mr.badams]

 

[mr.badams]

 

[mr.badams]

Fish fry!!!!

 

[mr.badams]

The drivers are Chinese as well.

 

[mr.badams]

Just to give you all an idea, this is what the canopy lighting looked like before this led project. 5 (80w) T5's driven by one icecap 660 and one 430.

 

[mr.badams]

Here is the canopy after moving a couple reflectors over and taking one out.

 

[mr.badams]

Out of all the diy projects I do, I really hate the wiring side of everything. Its not hard just, very very time consuming! This is some of the wire stripped off of the old light configuration.

 

[mr.badams]

This picture is showing how it should look when done, with the exception that the canopy will be turned over and the leds/aluminum rack its mounted on will be suspended about 1-2" from the canopy so the 6 120mm fans can receive enough air to cool the heat sinks.

 

[mr.badams]

Once again, MORE WIRES! I'm just showing the wires at each end and my attempt to organize them as best as possible.

 

[mr.badams]

 

[mr.badams]

It's been two days since I took my canopy off to start converting the light, yes that's two days of corals without light! Nail biter! I do have the aquarium in my dining room, which happens to have one of the largest windows in the house, The corals are getting some light. I Should have no problem getting it complete today

 

[mr.badams]

Ok, lights are wired and no house fire... yet... lol.

 

[mr.badams]

I have A neighbor coming over in a few to help me man handle this canopy back over the aquarium. I'll get pics on here as soon as Its done.

 

[mr.badams]

This is the first video shot with the new lighting... please excuse the newly installed rock wall, It has NO color yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEGz4TiEI9M&feature=player_embedded