DIY LEDs - The write-up
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Time to upgrade
Time to upgrade
I have been reading all the LED threads and it's time for me to upgrade my lighting system. The AI fixtures look great. The DIY route also looks good. Going the DIY route what would I need for my tank which is listed below? Thanks in advance.
Current Set up =
135 Gallon Tank "“ Tangs and some angel fish & mixture of corals
60L x 18" W x 24 T
12 bulb T-5 39 watt Aquactinics Fixture
Time to upgrade
I have been reading all the LED threads and it's time for me to upgrade my lighting system. The AI fixtures look great. The DIY route also looks good. Going the DIY route what would I need for my tank which is listed below? Thanks in advance.
Current Set up =
135 Gallon Tank "“ Tangs and some angel fish & mixture of corals
60L x 18" W x 24 T
12 bulb T-5 39 watt Aquactinics Fixture
TheFishMan65
New member
ReefObssession, I think that sound god, but I don't know about the Blue. But color is personal choice give it a try.
BPro, what are the specs on the LEDs? Can't really give an opinion.
vder, read the summary that is linked from my home page and that should tell you what you need.
BPro, what are the specs on the LEDs? Can't really give an opinion.
vder, read the summary that is linked from my home page and that should tell you what you need.
BPro32
New member
What specs do you need? I don't know what information is needed besides what I already provided. Still very new to LED's.
TheFishMan65
New member
Ideally what family of LEDs. Not familiar with Bridgelux, but Cree ahs the XR-E, XP-E, XP-G and XM-L each has different characteristics. Also Color, how many of each, lumens per watt, etc.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Had an issue with my fixture. Turns out two of the violet LED's I added have failed. I'll be pulling all 5 out, they are obviously junk.
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
When in doubt, link us to a datasheet.
If the manufacturer or vendor don't have or won't provide a datasheet, it's almost certainly not worth giving their LEDs any thought for use on a reef tank.
I haven't gone through all zillion pages, but the setup brassmonkeyballs has on his 120 is what I desire to replicate.
Do you have a parts list/supplier list and a more detailed write up of your set up.
I like the idea of no extra optics for a more blended look?
Any thoughts on the solderless connectors available, seems like it would make changing things around easier.
Thanks
Do you have a parts list/supplier list and a more detailed write up of your set up.
I like the idea of no extra optics for a more blended look?
Any thoughts on the solderless connectors available, seems like it would make changing things around easier.
Thanks
BPro32
New member
This is the information I could find:
Bridgelux 3W LED Royal Blue
* Wavelength: 452-455nm
* Forward voltage: 3.2-3.4V
* Lumens: 30-40
* Max. current: 700mA
* Beam angle: 120-140 degree
* Operational temperature: -20C - 70C
Bridgelux 3W LED White 10000K
* Color temperature: 10000K
* Forward voltage: 3.5-3.9V
* Lumens: 160-180
* Max. current: 700mA
* Lens beam angle: 120-140 degree
* Operational temperature: -20C - 70C
The package would come with 36 white and 54 blue. Let me know what you guys think. I can't afford CREE for now so if these are no good I'll just stick with my t5 setup.
Bridgelux 3W LED Royal Blue
* Wavelength: 452-455nm
* Forward voltage: 3.2-3.4V
* Lumens: 30-40
* Max. current: 700mA
* Beam angle: 120-140 degree
* Operational temperature: -20C - 70C
Bridgelux 3W LED White 10000K
* Color temperature: 10000K
* Forward voltage: 3.5-3.9V
* Lumens: 160-180
* Max. current: 700mA
* Lens beam angle: 120-140 degree
* Operational temperature: -20C - 70C
The package would come with 36 white and 54 blue. Let me know what you guys think. I can't afford CREE for now so if these are no good I'll just stick with my t5 setup.
TheFishMan65
New member
The color appear to be correct, so the only issue is efficiency. Lets do some math
170 lumens at 3.7 volts and .7 amps is 65 lumens/watt
and XP-G
139 lumen at 3.0 volts and .35 amps is 132 lumens/watt
So for the same light you need twice as many LEDs or twice as much power.
So I sort of figure 24 LEDs over every 2x2 area.
So Cree 24 LEDs (139 * 24 = 3k lumens) at 3 volts .35 amps is 25.2 watts. For 365 days 8 hours a day is about 74 kW.
Now 24 BL LED (170 * 24 = 4k lumens) at 3.7 volts and .7 amps is 62 watts. For 365 days 8 hours a day is 181 kw.
So you will spend almost 100kw more in electricity a years at 12 cents that is 12 dollars.
Run the Cree at .7 amps and the output won't double, but maybe 80% more. So how much is a bridgelux CW LED? Is it less than half the price of the Cree XPG? Maybe it works for you.
170 lumens at 3.7 volts and .7 amps is 65 lumens/watt
and XP-G
139 lumen at 3.0 volts and .35 amps is 132 lumens/watt
So for the same light you need twice as many LEDs or twice as much power.
So I sort of figure 24 LEDs over every 2x2 area.
So Cree 24 LEDs (139 * 24 = 3k lumens) at 3 volts .35 amps is 25.2 watts. For 365 days 8 hours a day is about 74 kW.
Now 24 BL LED (170 * 24 = 4k lumens) at 3.7 volts and .7 amps is 62 watts. For 365 days 8 hours a day is 181 kw.
So you will spend almost 100kw more in electricity a years at 12 cents that is 12 dollars.
Run the Cree at .7 amps and the output won't double, but maybe 80% more. So how much is a bridgelux CW LED? Is it less than half the price of the Cree XPG? Maybe it works for you.
BPro32
New member
The website is selling 90 led's with 5 dimmable drivers, 60 degree lenses, and all accessories (besides heatsink) for $229 + $37 shipping. I can get a heatsink from heatsink usa for $85 shipped that I think will cover what I need bringing the total cost to ~$350.
The premium 48 led kit from rapid led is $425 plus I'll need the $85 heatsink. Total would be $510.
I'm due for a bulb change and I am a bit torn on what I want to do.
brassmonkyballs
BMB
I'll add the optics and see how I like it since you notice such a striking difference.
Makes sense what DWZM says regarding contrasts and shadows
Originally Posted by brassmonkyballs
I don't understand.... Is the shimmer missing without lenses?
No, not at all, the shimmer is differend, it's a lot more nervous cause now it reflects from the blue background too.
How high is the fixture? Just curious.
20/21cm, that would be 8"
I have no lenses and par readings and coral growth are great. But ive been thinking about putting them on and dialing back the output just because I have them and curious if the appearance might be different.
Well, I guess it's how "The Power To Will" explains it.
I have to dail the resistors way up and still the overall intensity seems to be less, that's how it appears to me.
It's not so bad cause I'm used to it now after 3 days, but I'm not going to get used to the impression I got when I first switched on the power without the lenses.
Makes sense what DWZM says regarding contrasts and shadows
Originally Posted by brassmonkyballs
I don't understand.... Is the shimmer missing without lenses?
No, not at all, the shimmer is differend, it's a lot more nervous cause now it reflects from the blue background too.
How high is the fixture? Just curious.
20/21cm, that would be 8"
I have no lenses and par readings and coral growth are great. But ive been thinking about putting them on and dialing back the output just because I have them and curious if the appearance might be different.
Well, I guess it's how "The Power To Will" explains it.
I have to dail the resistors way up and still the overall intensity seems to be less, that's how it appears to me.
It's not so bad cause I'm used to it now after 3 days, but I'm not going to get used to the impression I got when I first switched on the power without the lenses.
TheFishMan65
New member
BPro, yeah that is a tough decision with those prices. I think that the cost will be about the same after 5-10 years.
BPro32
New member
Electricity costs in southern California are very high so that $.12 per kwh looks more like $.28-$.35. I think I'll hold off on leds for now and save myself a little money. I appreciate your help though.
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