DIY LEDs - The write-up

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Garage1217; I like those fans!! I didn't recognize them as being that thin.

They're just dropped in aren't they? No need to screw them in. I like those collar/mounts. They help prevent short cycling of the air thru the fins.
 
Correct, I just used 3m VHB tape to secure the fan mounts to the tops of the heatsinks which provides isolation and also sticks like mad. Would be difficult but not impossible to remove a fan as that tape is really sticky. I did not see the need to hard mount the fans at all, as you pointed out "no need to screw them in" The only mount is the fan to the acrylic in which I used stainless allens as I like the industrial look.

And yeah, took awhile to find a fan that thin. They are great fans and come in different RPM versions. I chose the highest at 2000rpm as I could just slow them down voltage wise.
 
Hey guys, after much reading, im joining the LED bandwagon. I have been a MH user and love them, but i realize i should try it out for fun.

When i upgraded, i got rid of my lighitng, and evidently my corals. This is a fresh start.

I know how to build a perfect fixture, so i am not worried about that. I was wondering though how many LED's do i need for a 75g 48x18x20 (LWH). Also what color combo or the standard 1:1 CW RB.

My Aquascaping is pretty high to the water level, so great for SPS.
 
Hey guys, after much reading, im joining the LED bandwagon. I have been a MH user and love them, but i realize i should try it out for fun.

When i upgraded, i got rid of my lighitng, and evidently my corals. This is a fresh start.

I know how to build a perfect fixture, so i am not worried about that. I was wondering though how many LED's do i need for a 75g 48x18x20 (LWH). Also what color combo or the standard 1:1 CW RB.

My Aquascaping is pretty high to the water level, so great for SPS.

IMO, I would ask myself few questions before counting number and ratios for your LED setup. We would also like to know what you are trying to grow i.e. SPS or LPS type corals?

What sort of area would want to cover i.e. how you intend to aquascape your tank?

(Sorry just realised its piller type aquascape)

What particular type or brand of LEDs you going for as it would make a difference when ratio needs working out (white/blue)?

Are you employing any dimmer controller etc?


Tahir
 
Second DIY LED

Second DIY LED

Thought I'd share some pic of my second DIY LED project. I replaced two T5 lamps in my ATI Sunpower with 14 Cree XP-G cw and 12 XP-E rb. Driven by two Meanwell ELN 60-48D.

Here's the fixture in it's old state:
DSC_7761.jpg


And this is the way it looks since yesterday evening:
DSC_7818.jpg


So what happend?

Bought some alu U-bar and L-bar:
DSC_7766.jpg


Bought some LED's and lensen:
DSC_7763.jpg


Started drilling and all these things more:
DSC_7767.jpg

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DSC_7772.jpg


No pics of the soldering, that's just NOT my thing. But I did it again, with my 18 Watt simple soldering iron :hmm3:.
 
Then adjusting the drivers (yes the picture above showed a P-version, which I can't use...I used D-versions) and testing the LEDs with and without lenses:
DSC_7791.jpg

DSC_7793.jpg

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DSC_7799.jpg

Just checking the beams here:
DSC_7802.jpg

DSC_7804.jpg

DSC_7805.jpg


and checking temps after running for 15 minutes at 760 mA.
DSC_7809.jpg
 
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Then the hardest part, breaking down my perfectly good ATI sunpower and building in the LED-bars. To my surprise I could fit the Meanwell drivers into the housing of the Sunpower. What a bit of flexibility can do.

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And there it is, on the tank:
DSC_7817.jpg


Did not put the 80deg lenses on yet. They are snap-on - or should be - but most drop of. And I'm a bit worried on glue-ing them on. Any-one got a got tip for that?
 
led help

led help

Hey guy im new to the hobby. I have a t5 zoomed I found out that only put about 70 to 80 watts, so I did some look around in forums. Would like to know how many led do I need to DIY my light and where can I buy them, I have a 46g bowfront it about 36x24x24. I also have a 2" sand bed, need help. Thks
 
IMO, I would ask myself few questions before counting number and ratios for your LED setup. We would also like to know what you are trying to grow i.e. SPS or LPS type corals?

What sort of area would want to cover i.e. how you intend to aquascape your tank?

(Sorry just realised its piller type aquascape)

What particular type or brand of LEDs you going for as it would make a difference when ratio needs working out (white/blue)?

Are you employing any dimmer controller etc?


Tahir

Well i am trying to cover the tank as much as possible, and its not really pillar, here is a pic...

IMG_1886.jpg


I want ot use dimmable drivers, and i heard Meanwell is the best.

I am not very sure about type of LED, but form the reviews i heard about Cree, they sound pretty good. Pretty pricey though...
 
48x18/15= 58
700mA LEDs

You'll want dimmable drivers too.

I'd go 1:1 but a lot of people go 2:1 RB:W
I'd also use about half NW and half CW for the W but that is a totally personal thing you have to decide.
 
thank you for the repley, so i will need about 60 LEDs, dimmable, with 1:1/2:1/2 RB:CW:NW

I will be soon enough building my fixture and will keep ou guys posted
 
Heatsinks, where to buy locally in houston, tx area? Or is online cheaper or better?
Trying to build my led light project, need two sections of 12" x 24". I
Want to add as much leds as possible in that area to get comparable MH lighting.

I have a two pieces of flat aluminum about 1/8" inch thick but dont know if there good enough to dissipate the heat. I see lots other diy builds using simple u channel aluminum purchased at lowes or hd.

I have my diy led drivers, yet im just procrastinating on the number of led lights and heatsink to use!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
is two inches too close to each other LED? im using the diy triple cat4101 drivers for 18 leds, im thinking 72 leds on a heatsink 12 inches by 24 inches, looks to be 2 inches between led, and using some quite fans on the heatsink.
 
pelochas why don't you use aluminum U-channel like most people do. Much better cooling than flatstock. Often easier to mount too.
 
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