(Another) DIY LED Build - Linear Design

[TheHoove]

Just finished reading most of this thread in my research for my own build in the next couple weeks. I like the linear design. I plan to do the same. My tank is 75g, 48x18x20. I want to use 60 LED's, 12 each per 5 strips. I was at home depot. I can get the 1" tube for $16.50/8ft, or 3/4 channel for $10/8ft. The 3/4 would be slightly narrower than the star. Major problem or not?

Im thinking something like 24 RB, 16 CW, 8 NW, 8 B, 4 R, layed out something like this:

RB B RB RB B RB RB B RB RB B RB
CW NW CW CW NW CW CW NW CW CW NW CW
RB R RB RB R RB RB R RB RB R RB
CW NW CW CW NW CW CW NW CW CW NW CW
RB B RB RB B RB RB B RB RB B RB

60 Degree optics on everything but the reds, with no optics for better spread throughout the tank?
Im leaning towards dimable on the white only for budget restraints. Seems from what ive read the white tend to overpower the blues, and alot of people seem to be running there whites dimmed more. I figure it would give me some control over colour, and later down the like I can go dimable on the rest if needed.

I'm really not set on a certain look yet. Right now I have 2 65w 10k PC, had 2 96w 50/50 pc, but one bulb just went, and some 6500k cfls are doing backup in a makeshift fixture. So almost anything will look better. BTW, I have a mix of soft, LPS, some SPS. All doing good. But colours could be better, and want to move to more SPS down the road!


Any changes or criticisms welcome.

 

[TheFishMan65]

Don't use tubes - the air flow for cooling is restricted. Use U or L channel.

Probably are heavy on the white, don't know if you need red, but color is personal preference.

I have 48 on a 75 dimmed to about 50%. You better be able to raise the fixture if you don't go with dimmable drivers IMHO.

 

[TheHoove]

The lights will be hung. So very adjustable. The u channel would work its cheaper, but only 3/4 wide. I know the reds arent needed. But i like what ive seen from some fixtures with reds. Another option with the square tube would be small 1" fans on each tube. about $6 each.

 

[TheFishMan65]

Maybe drill some largish holes in the tubing

----H-------H----
H---L---H---L---H

This should give some convection cooling around the LEDs. Fans can break so I try and stay away from them.

Try looking online (lots of places out there). I think it was RapidLED that has some 1 inch heatsink and that maybe cheaper than a fan.

 

[TheHoove]

Maybe drill some largish holes in the tubing

----H-------H----
H---L---H---L---H

This should give some convection cooling around the LEDs. Fans can break so I try and stay away from them.

Try looking online (lots of places out there). I think it was RapidLED that has some 1 inch heatsink and that maybe cheaper than a fan.

That would work. Could do holes through the sides and top. I agree, I'd just as soon stay away from fans if I can keep the LEDs cooler without. Less work and wiring, less potential noise, ect. I saw someone else used the 3/4 channel. It would save $15 by using it over the tube.

I may be able to squeeze all dimables into my budget. It adds about $55 over doing just the whites dimable. Or maybe pull back to 48leds. But would have to figure the ratio. With the linear design it would be very easy to add another Stip if i feel i need it for SPS.

As to colour, The reds can go. But would it be good to work in some Blue and Neutral white for a bit wider spectrum? Something like what I posted before minus the center Strip?

 

[jag200k]

which optics

which optics

hi guys,

I have built my led setup for my 30 gallon. The specs of the tank are

L: 24 inches
B: 15.5 inches
H: 23 inches

Using: 10 x 3w white led & 10 x 3 w blue led

now my led fixture is just sitting 2.5 inches above my water line. Please advise which optics do i use. I have 30 degrees with me. Can i use them or should i go with some other.

Thanks and regards

 

[TheFishMan65]

TheHoove sorry no opinion on spectrum.

jag no optic are needed at 2.5 inches if you use some you need wide optics or you will get spot lighting/cones o flight.

 

[TheHoove]

TheHoove sorry no opinion on spectrum.

jag no optic are needed at 2.5 inches if you use some you need wide optics or you will get spot lighting/cones o flight.

Its ok. I know most of it is based on opinion and preferances. Ive been reading like crazy trying to decided what mixture of color. Some like neutral white. Some like cool white. Some like to add some blue to the royal blue, some dont. Some say a couple red is nice, some say advoid red completly.

I may go the trusted tested RB/CW combo. I cant afford to just buy a bunch of extra led and experiment.

I did buy some channel at Lowes. It for 3/4 plywood, it measures about 7/8" wide.

As to spacing,My tank is 48" IF i do 12 led per strip, that is around 4" center. IS that to much? I was thinking 60led in 5 strips of 12.

And those that have run channel, are fans needed for cooling?

 

[jag200k]

TheHoove sorry no opinion on spectrum.

jag no optic are needed at 2.5 inches if you use some you need wide optics or you will get spot lighting/cones o flight.

Thanks fishman for your suggestion.

regards

 

[vincent843]

Hello,
I am thinking to build LED for my tank which is 36x18x18. Plan is 3 rows or 14 leds RB, and CW with 55 optics on 3 Meanwealth -48D. Would it be good enough that spacing 4" between rows and 2.75" between LEDs. Thanks.

 

[TheFishMan65]

How high up will you be using lenses, but probably fine.

I don't think you will be able to get 14 LED on a ELN what current will you be running.

 

[vincent843]

From Rapid LED said it runs from 8-14 which I had ordered. However, I will go for 12 as a ratio 2:1 and about 9" from the water level. Btw, they are XR-E so current will be set at 700mA.

 

[TheFishMan65]

You won't get 14 XR-E on an ELN XP-G maybe, but 12 XR-E will work. I think they will mix fine in 9 inches with no lenses.

 

[katchupoy]

To all, sorry for being absent. im out on vacation and there is no access to internet... Thanks to Fishman for keeping this alive... I will be back soon...

 

[999SCUBA]

great read

great read

Is their a vid or clear pictures on how you set the power level using your resitor method. A step by step please.

Thank you

 

[TheFishMan65]

1) Turn the adjustment all the way down
2) Set the multimeter to read volts
3) Place first probe on one side of the resistor
4) Place second probe on the other side of the resistor
5) Turn the adjustment up about 1/2 way
6) Read the voltage
7) use ohms law to find the current current = voltage / resistance. So for 1 ohm they are the same.
8) Repeat 3 through 7 for other resistors (this is assuming parallel)
9) If close then raise the current to the desired level and recheck
10) Wait 10 minute repeat check to make sure they are close (10% IIRC)
11) Wait 1 hour repeat check to make sure they are close
12) Wait 2 hour repeat check to make sure they are close
13) Wait 8 hour repeat check to make sure they are close
14) Wait 3 months repeat check to make sure they are close
15) Wait 6 months repeat check to make sure they are close
and them maybe yearly

Is this what you want?

katchupoy, well I guess you can have your vacation, but end of August you need to answer your own thread Have fun

 

[Ninja1]

Looking good!

 

[katchupoy]

1)katchupoy, well I guess you can have your vacation, but end of August you need to answer your own thread Have fun

Just got back from Manila last Thursday, still having a hard time adjusting to Seattle time...

But Im back... thanks for all the help...

 

[katchupoy]

As to spacing,My tank is 48" IF i do 12 led per strip, that is around 4" center. IS that to much? I was thinking 60led in 5 strips of 12.

Im not sure if Im too late. But dont use 4" spacing on center. It will leave a big shadow in the middle because of the tank support/brace.

Use 9" spacing on the middle and 3" between LEDs. Just my suggestion.

 

[katchupoy]

Hello,
I am thinking to build LED for my tank which is 36x18x18. Plan is 3 rows or 14 leds RB, and CW with 55 optics on 3 Meanwealth -48D. Would it be good enough that spacing 4" between rows and 2.75" between LEDs. Thanks.

Whats with 14 LEDs? why 14 and not 12 like many people have used. If you go back from the first 5 pages of this thread, it will explain why its not advisable to go with 14. Unless you have a very good reason to do so...