72" DIY LED build...A Solaris rising from the ashes.
- Thread starter shackscs
- Start date
shackscs
Super Premier Member
Ok, so after a stumbling block with the driver board (I really need to take an electronics course) I decided to plunk
along with the Meanwells as I need to get a third of my tank lit again. I will get back to soldering the nw LED boards in a day or so.
It has been at least 3 weeks since the PS went down and I have
not had time to work on making yet another, hence the reason for redoing the entire fixture in the first place.
Here are the two banks in question that are out:
Here is a shot of the fixture running with the two banks that are out. As you can see there are several other LEDs that
are currently out.
So know after removing the splash shield, we see the arrays in question that are going to be replaced.
Keep in mind that they are all going to be replaced but for right now our project is centered around these two banks so
that my corals can breath again at this end of the tank.
I need to remove the outer two LED banks to get to the screws that hold the array assembly in place:
Here we see the screws that hold the array to the Solaris shell:
We also need to remove the ribbon cable that connects the LED array to the Solaris computer:
After removing that, we turn the array over and then remove these two dusty screws to release the driver assembly from the
heatsink holding the LEDS:
After thinking about the work to get them off, we cut the wires instead. Maintaining a working LED array for tinkering
with later.
Here is the removed array:
After we do the same for the other array here is a shot of the area that will accept our new and improved arrays:
along with the Meanwells as I need to get a third of my tank lit again. I will get back to soldering the nw LED boards in a day or so.
It has been at least 3 weeks since the PS went down and I have
not had time to work on making yet another, hence the reason for redoing the entire fixture in the first place.
Here are the two banks in question that are out:
Here is a shot of the fixture running with the two banks that are out. As you can see there are several other LEDs that
are currently out.
So know after removing the splash shield, we see the arrays in question that are going to be replaced.
Keep in mind that they are all going to be replaced but for right now our project is centered around these two banks so
that my corals can breath again at this end of the tank.
I need to remove the outer two LED banks to get to the screws that hold the array assembly in place:
Here we see the screws that hold the array to the Solaris shell:
We also need to remove the ribbon cable that connects the LED array to the Solaris computer:
After removing that, we turn the array over and then remove these two dusty screws to release the driver assembly from the
heatsink holding the LEDS:
After thinking about the work to get them off, we cut the wires instead. Maintaining a working LED array for tinkering
with later.
Here is the removed array:
After we do the same for the other array here is a shot of the area that will accept our new and improved arrays:
shackscs
Super Premier Member
Dry fit of the new arrays:
A better fit with the Meanwells in place:
With the splash cover in place:
Fired up:
Compared to the Solaris LEDs:
Here is the tank with the fixture back on but the new lights still out:
FTS with the new arrays and the existing Solaris arrays. Please note
that the total number of LEDS for the new arrays was 12 each and the number
of LEDS for the Solaris is 25 per array:
A picture of the tank with both sets of LEDS running and the picture adjusted
(F stops changed) to reduce the over expsure.
Next we have to finish soldering up the new driver boards. Hopefully this will
take place tomorrow.
After that we are going to replace the rest of the LEDS.
Considering that I am using left that half the number or original LEDS and
getting pretty much the same light, if not more, this was a very worth hile project.
Now to order more LEDs.
I should note that I am using thermal paste on the LED boards between the boards and the heatsink.
A better fit with the Meanwells in place:
With the splash cover in place:
Fired up:
Compared to the Solaris LEDs:
Here is the tank with the fixture back on but the new lights still out:
FTS with the new arrays and the existing Solaris arrays. Please note
that the total number of LEDS for the new arrays was 12 each and the number
of LEDS for the Solaris is 25 per array:
A picture of the tank with both sets of LEDS running and the picture adjusted
(F stops changed) to reduce the over expsure.
Next we have to finish soldering up the new driver boards. Hopefully this will
take place tomorrow.
After that we are going to replace the rest of the LEDS.
Considering that I am using left that half the number or original LEDS and
getting pretty much the same light, if not more, this was a very worth hile project.
Now to order more LEDs.
I should note that I am using thermal paste on the LED boards between the boards and the heatsink.
Last edited:
shackscs
Super Premier Member
So far so good. Happy to see that I don't need as many LEDS as I thought.once I get the driver soldered up I can continue with the build.
As for cost I bought the meanwells for 24.99 each. The Leds.cost 5.00 ea. I got the aluminum stock from HD some time ago but I think it was 3 bucks or so per 3 foot piece.
I had the heat sinks and case.
When it is all said and done, possibly 800-900 but the benefits far out weight the cost. As long as you like getting in there and DIY it is a win win.
As for cost I bought the meanwells for 24.99 each. The Leds.cost 5.00 ea. I got the aluminum stock from HD some time ago but I think it was 3 bucks or so per 3 foot piece.
I had the heat sinks and case.
When it is all said and done, possibly 800-900 but the benefits far out weight the cost. As long as you like getting in there and DIY it is a win win.
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
We also need to remove the ribbon cable that connects the LED array to the Solaris computer:
Check out that sloppy soldering on the OEM's part.
One question - regardless of changes in light output, have you checked/monitored changes in heat with the new LEDs in the Solaris shell?
shackscs
Super Premier Member
There was a temp drop down to 85-87 degrees. Normally it runs at about 96-99 degrees.
I am using half the LEDS and getting the same light output so that is where the temp drop is coming from.
Also after having it run for the past few days, I think I will add another string of Blues to the setup. On the other side of the tank I have a few of the original white LEDS out. I like the look, not too washed out but great to look at.
As has been said time and time again, I would strongly suggest that any one doing an LED DIY project play with the LED ratio before doing the actual project. I left two banks empty on the array for just such a reason, but would have loved the idea of not having to now work in the blues.
Good thing I got a good look before donig all of the arrays.
I am using half the LEDS and getting the same light output so that is where the temp drop is coming from.
Also after having it run for the past few days, I think I will add another string of Blues to the setup. On the other side of the tank I have a few of the original white LEDS out. I like the look, not too washed out but great to look at.
As has been said time and time again, I would strongly suggest that any one doing an LED DIY project play with the LED ratio before doing the actual project. I left two banks empty on the array for just such a reason, but would have loved the idea of not having to now work in the blues.
Good thing I got a good look before donig all of the arrays.
shackscs
Super Premier Member
Temp was supposed to read 95-97 not 85-87.
Well did some working on the tank itself last night.
Came down to see how it looked after the dust settled and found that my Blue LEDS are out. Both Meanwells are connected to the same AC power supply. So I know that it is not an issue with getting power.
I will have to pull the unit down and look for a broken solder connection or if the Meanwell actually failed after running for a few days. I hope this is not the case.
I thought about possibly a thermal cut off but the other Meanwell would have shut down too right? They are both running 12 LEDS per string. 12 whiite and 12 blue.
Will dig deeper when I get home from work, unless I can steal some time before hand.
Here is the tank running just the whites:
Well did some working on the tank itself last night.
Came down to see how it looked after the dust settled and found that my Blue LEDS are out. Both Meanwells are connected to the same AC power supply. So I know that it is not an issue with getting power.
I will have to pull the unit down and look for a broken solder connection or if the Meanwell actually failed after running for a few days. I hope this is not the case.
I thought about possibly a thermal cut off but the other Meanwell would have shut down too right? They are both running 12 LEDS per string. 12 whiite and 12 blue.
Will dig deeper when I get home from work, unless I can steal some time before hand.
Here is the tank running just the whites:
shackscs
Super Premier Member
Well I traced the problem back to bad solder.
There were a few LEDS that I cheaped on in the beginnig and did not tin some of the contacts.
Well that came back to bite me in the behind. I resoldered the wire and everything was fine, until a wire came undone from one of the whites. ARRGHHH!!!
Going to sit down and work checking all of the connections again.
DON'T TAKE SHORT CUTS!!!
There were a few LEDS that I cheaped on in the beginnig and did not tin some of the contacts.
Well that came back to bite me in the behind. I resoldered the wire and everything was fine, until a wire came undone from one of the whites. ARRGHHH!!!
Going to sit down and work checking all of the connections again.
DON'T TAKE SHORT CUTS!!!
Neogenocide
New member
I'm glad that is all it was. You'll get it right this time around!!
Scott
Scott
Reef obcession
New member
great job, I will be doing something close to that with halides for my 600g tank in the near future.
shackscs
Super Premier Member
I got LEDS from Rapidled.com.
They are quick to ship.:dance:
Halides? C'mon, come on over to the LED side.
thanks i appreciate it. i just started a diy led thread if you are knowledgeable in the diy led subject i would really appreciate your assistance. Heres the link to my thread if you want to take a peek. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1821702
shackscs
Super Premier Member
which optics did you choose for your set up? I like the results from you build, I may be copying this for a new build
I am not using optics on the tank. It is LPS, ZOAS, 'Shrooms and other softies so my lighting is ok. If decide to go SPS (Doubtful) I will increse LEDS and add optics if need be.
Looks like you already got one of most knowledgeable people giving you tips.
Others will chime as you go along.
TriNewbie24
Member
Sweet build
i have this one subbed im excited to see this thing showing us some healthy growth on your corals. im going to do a micro led project on a 20 long frag tank thats plumbed inline. if it works out great im going to ditch the 6x t5 fixture on the 75g and build a fixture for the 75.
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