Custom led tank lights

[MrMustang]

ok so while i wait for my tank to cycle and save up for more rock and stuff i figure i can go ahead and start designing and building my tank led lights (i have tons of single leds and wire and every thing i would need already). i am not going to do corals... so how bright do i need the lights to be. i am an electronics geek and i know A LOT about led lights and stuff along the same lines but figure i would get pointers and tips. im thinking 15000 MCD led lights with at least 100 white led's and 75 blue led's (i might do 75 white and 50 blue). with a voltage estimate of 5 volts and a draw of less than 500ma. does this sound good?

 

[madkat]

So you have absolutely no desire to place a single piece of coral in your tank.

If you ever want coral i would say step away from the radioshack LED's and buy some crees. They are proven coral growers. I hate to see you fail at your project, but you seem to be wanting to cut corners and this will bite you in the long run and maybe the short run too.

 

[MrMustang]

Well I might. And these are not radio shack LEDs I'm not that stupid. And I have heard of Crees but not looked into them yet. And as far as the corals... I am going to plan my Ann like I am doing them do I can have that option. I have decided total much. I am still weighing my options. That is why I asked for pointers. I do know I am not going to do floresant lighting though.

 

[MrMustang]

Stinkin spell check, I meant tank not "Ann" and so not "do"

 

[ghellin]

If you know a lot about LEDs you surely know that the industry leader in innovation for LEDs is Cree. No led can compare with their output and efficiency.

 

[MrMustang]

They may be rated the number one but they are not what I have used and until I decide to make the insane investment to try them out I am not going to back them.

 

[MrMustang]

Although I will admit they are powerful and bright though.

 

[OKCchief]

A few folks around here have done the LED upgrade and none regret it. Currently in the process myself.. Rapidled.com has Good prices and great service. Take a look at their kits and Crees have my vote too. I believe the next comas meeting have a demo about led upgrades

 

[MrMustang]

ok so at first i was doing the research on the cree leds on theire site, and i have worked with these (the thin led, not gum drops) just not the ones everyone is using. what white led lights from cree are people using? i want to buy a few to mess around with and then make my final decision on what i will do.
thanks

 

[ghellin]

ok so at first i was doing the research on the cree leds on theire site, and i have worked with these (the thin led, not gum drops) just not the ones everyone is using. what white led lights from cree are people using? i want to buy a few to mess around with and then make my final decision on what i will do.
thanks

Read my signature.

 

[MrMustang]

ok but what kind of "white" are they, i am looking at the cool white cree xp-g or the r5 cool white. and how many leds do you have for your 58gal? the led lights i had originally looked at where the same type of led just not the cree brand and not as bright for sure.