DIY: Light Housing

Few things frustrate me more than when I set aside 3 hours to work on a project, and I still don't even come close to completing a single stage of it. I just spent a few hours soldering my LED's, and yes, I'm still working on the first string. I get a handful of them done and then nothing wants to solder properly. I'm guessing I just need to clean everything, again. I'm also using a 25w iron. :rolleyes: Anyway, I just needed to vent.

I'm beginning to forget why I started this whole tank build. I just want it to be done.
 
kaserpick said:
Few things frustrate me more than when I set aside 3 hours to work on a project, and I still don't even come close to completing a single stage of it. I just spent a few hours soldering my LED's, and yes, I'm still working on the first string. I get a handful of them done and then nothing wants to solder properly. I'm guessing I just need to clean everything, again. I'm also using a 25w iron. :rolleyes: Anyway, I just needed to vent.

I'm beginning to forget why I started this whole tank build. I just want it to be done.
Click to expand...

I tried to use a 30w iron and it just wouldnt work...a 50w version did the job, but something a little more powerful would have been less frustrating.

You know, during my little reef DIY projects, if I overcome problems it makes the final thing feel so much better.:idea:
 
nanojg said:
Wow 25 watt iron, that would be frustrating. I use a 100/140 watt gun!
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sahin said:
I tried to use a 30w iron and it just wouldnt work...a 50w version did the job, but something a little more powerful would have been less frustrating.

You know, during my little reef DIY projects, if I overcome problems it makes the final thing feel so much better.:idea:
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was thinking the 25w iron definitely wasn't helping matters...oh well. :p

Thanks for the encouragement, Sahin. Yes, you're right; overcoming a challenge makes the endeavor worth it. :)
 
I had the same problem, 25 was a PITA - so I had to go out to buy a new 40w variable station. :)

everything looks awesome so far!
 
DSC_0022.jpg


Where did you get the stand?
f.
 
Ok, no now the only thing I'm waiting for is a new trim knob for one of the meanwells. Mine was defective and wasn't adjusting properly. After that it's just adding the acrylic shield, and make sure it channels the air efficiently to move through the fins. I'm very please with how everything is coming together. For now, here are some pics of the light hanging and one of it turned on at 25% (both channels). :D

DSC_0003-10.jpg


DSC_0002-16.jpg


DSC_0001-12.jpg


DSC_0001-13.jpg


Keep in mind that the optics are not installed in the above pic. It's not going to give that angle look that I'm going for until I add them.
 
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Hello everyone, new to this site and hobby, read this tread and. Wow. You guys have some amazing skllis, I will start my light fixture build shortly. Acrylic Tank dimmensions 48x24x30 would like to get some input on fixture dimmensions and leds amount if you could, thank you in advance. And please excuse my writting skills, not the greatest for sure he he he
 
T Diddy said:
I like it. Keep the pics coming! ;)
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Thanks! I'm still waiting on the new trim knob to arrive; I gave them the wrong address. :p Once that comes in, I'm going to take quite a few pics showing the different intensities and colors (hopefully it'll show up well on camera).

wlatino30 said:
very classy build. can you show us some pictures of the electronics. IE: drivers
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I'll try to take some within the next couple of days. :thumbsup: The drivers are Meanwell's.

ISMANU said:
So after making the post I decided to open my eyes and then found the hangers on Rapid LED:bounce3:
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You are correct. :D That's where I bought them; they're excellent quality.

cdlscdls123 said:
Hello everyone, new to this site and hobby, read this tread and. Wow. You guys have some amazing skllis, I will start my light fixture build shortly. Acrylic Tank dimmensions 48x24x30 would like to get some input on fixture dimmensions and leds amount if you could, thank you in advance. And please excuse my writting skills, not the greatest for sure he he he
Click to expand...

Welcome to RC! Thank you for the kind words. :) As far as how many LED's you should use, I'm not sure. I'm pretty new to LED's, myself. But, if you post that question in a new thread, I'm sure you'll get some great answers. I'll try to see if I can find some info for you. To give you an idea what I'm doing, my tank is 16"x16"x16", and I'm running 18 3w LED's.
 
Looks real nice. All you need is one of those ATI T5 Stickers on it :p Damn looks so much like my ATI Sunpower unit. Excellent work man.
 
sahin said:
Looks real nice. All you need is one of those ATI T5 Stickers on it :p Damn looks so much like my ATI Sunpower unit. Excellent work man.
Click to expand...

:lmao: Thanks Sahin! The ATI Sunpower was definitely the look I was trying to accomplish. :) I can't wait 'til I finish off everything.
 
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