Any Recommendations for an LED Ligth bar?

MauiReefer

MauiReefer

New member
I am looking to get 2, 13"-18" LED light bars, but they have to be thin. But after searching for what I need, and not finding to many options, I figured I would try to make them myself. Anybody have any input or suggestions on how I can make theses? Or atleast point me in the right direction. I checked out rapidled.com, and althought they have great stuff I dont think those kits will work for me. Thank you all in advance
 
MauiReefer said:
I am looking to get 2, 13"-18" LED light bars, but they have to be thin. But after searching for what I need, and not finding to many options, I figured I would try to make them myself. Anybody have any input or suggestions on how I can make theses? Or atleast point me in the right direction. I checked out rapidled.com, and althought they have great stuff I dont think those kits will work for me. Thank you all in advance
Click to expand...

Give us some more info. what are the parrameters you need this light bar to meet? Is it main lighting, supplemental to something else, dimensions you have to work with, etc. Why won't the rapid kits work? They can be made to be less than 1" thick even with optics (just not using Rapid's heatsinks)

There are numerous pre-made light bars out there, stunner, buildmyled.com seem to be rather popular, also the "5050 smd" type tape light that could be DIYed and stuck right to the canopy about 1/4" thin.........
 
My tank is a 54 corner which is difficult to light. I have an AI Hydra which is amazing. I just have it low so the sides get less light. Cant raise it. I was hoping to add some light on the sides. Doesn't have to be crazy expensive. Just add the right light. I was going to get another hydra but was trying to avoid spending the $400+ if I can get away with it. I appreciate your input. I looked at the stunners but not sure they would work for my needs per the reviews I've read. I'll do some more research. What other heatsink can I use if I decide on rapidled? Thanks again
 
MauiReefer said:
My tank is a 54 corner which is difficult to light. I have an AI Hydra which is amazing. I just have it low so the sides get less light. Cant raise it. I was hoping to add some light on the sides. Doesn't have to be crazy expensive. Just add the right light. I was going to get another hydra but was trying to avoid spending the $400+ if I can get away with it. I appreciate your input. I looked at the stunners but not sure they would work for my needs per the reviews I've read. I'll do some more research. What other heatsink can I use if I decide on rapidled? Thanks again
Click to expand...

Post a picture of your tank and lights haning over it. Why can't you raise the Hydra? Is it in a canopy?

buildmyled.com could do some nice strips for you in lenghts that fit around the edge of the tank.

As far as DIY simple C channel is cheap and not bad looking if you mount the LEDs on the inside of the channel and cover with a piece of acrylic. Or you can just use flat pieces of aluminum in a pinch.
 
Just got home now and I'm exhausted. Will post pics tomorrow. Amy recommendation on the 50/50 smd tape? Where can I find the right spectrum? Thanks
 
Thank you ill take a look. I'm on my way to work now. I'm on an iPad so the options are different than my laptop. I'll have to play around with it later. Thank you for all your advice and help. Hopefully I'll get this lighting thing situated soon. If not ill have to wait till I get back mid May from my honeymoon.
 
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