I want to build an led lighting system some time in the next year and have been doing research but I think I need a step by step plan for a 48 inch light I think that I don't quite understand how to determine the power needs for the unit, individual led's power needs are pretty easy but once it is built I am not sure. I understand they are wired in parallel but what does that do to amperage and voltage needs. Which led's to use and where to purchase. If anyone has idiot proof plans they are willing to share I would be thankful.
DIY LED for idiots plans
- Thread starter ct103
- Start date
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
LEDs are new enough that there isn't (yet) an "idiot's guide." The closest you can come is reading all the build threads and asking specific questions about things you don't understand.
From a high level, this is how I'd approach a new design:
1) Determine the dimensions of the tank and the height that the fixture will be mounted.
2) Determine a rough idea of desired illumination - will it be a fish only tank or high-light SPS?
3) Derive the type of LEDs, LED count, and drive current from desired intensity.
4) Derive optics (if any) from desired tank depth and mounting height.
5) Derive ratio of royal blue to cool white LEDs based on how blue you want the tank to be.
For example, assume your 48" tank is a standard 75g and you want a mixed reef with fairly strong light. You will be mounting the fixture 18" above the water surface.
You might end up with 48 total LEDs: 20 cool white XP-G R5 bin, and 28 XP-E royal blue, all with the "wide frosted" Carlco optic. For drivers, you might pick the Meanwell ELN-60-48 and run it at 700mA.
From a high level, this is how I'd approach a new design:
1) Determine the dimensions of the tank and the height that the fixture will be mounted.
2) Determine a rough idea of desired illumination - will it be a fish only tank or high-light SPS?
3) Derive the type of LEDs, LED count, and drive current from desired intensity.
4) Derive optics (if any) from desired tank depth and mounting height.
5) Derive ratio of royal blue to cool white LEDs based on how blue you want the tank to be.
For example, assume your 48" tank is a standard 75g and you want a mixed reef with fairly strong light. You will be mounting the fixture 18" above the water surface.
You might end up with 48 total LEDs: 20 cool white XP-G R5 bin, and 28 XP-E royal blue, all with the "wide frosted" Carlco optic. For drivers, you might pick the Meanwell ELN-60-48 and run it at 700mA.
Ben's Reef
New member
One day it'll happen. I have slowly been compiling posts from various threads and Sammy has given me some good pictures of his personal creations. It's hard to sift through them all though... there are thousands of posts about it.
Thanks for that quick check list though der wille. Added it to my compilation.
From a beginners perspective THIS thread is likely going to help you the most. It is pretty general so teaching you how to choose the optics / power supplies / controlers and stuff ain't gonna happen. But you can duplicate what has worked for at least a few members here who have posted part lists.
Thanks for that quick check list though der wille. Added it to my compilation.
From a beginners perspective THIS thread is likely going to help you the most. It is pretty general so teaching you how to choose the optics / power supplies / controlers and stuff ain't gonna happen. But you can duplicate what has worked for at least a few members here who have posted part lists.
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
For those with patience, Reefkeeping magazine will shortly feature a series of articles aimed at providing a foundation for DIY LED efforts.
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