DIY: Steve's LED's module

[TenKreefer]

Well I recently had my array of CREE led's crap out due to user error and I needed a cheaper alternative to $6 dies. So I learned about Steve's LED's at only $2.15 per die I chose this alternative.

The Led's themselves are advertised as cree competitors, and could be Chinese knockoffs, but for 12 LED's at $30 shipped I couldn't complain.

Steve had great customer service and the leds arrived at my door in 3 days :dance:

I opened up the package and recieved the 6 RB's 4 CW's and 2 Cyan green's that I ordered, and an alcohol swab to clean the lenses.

WE HAVE LIGHT.

Here is what it looks like on the tank. I tried my best to make the colors look right in the picture but it still doesn't reflect what I'm seeing with my eyes

The only thing I would have changed would have been the amount of cyan green I chose. The 2 cyan green's definitely needed to be put on a dimmer, but they really make that red cap's colors come out.

LED:

6 RB's 455NM @ 700ma

4 Ultra CW's 10,000k @700ma

2 CG's 510nm @700ma

Driver:

Meanwell LPC 35-700

Project cost $50 (I had the fan and heat sink from a previous project)

 

[csarkar001]

Steve vs CREE

Steve vs CREE

how would you say these LEDs compare in intensity and quality compared to the CREEs you used to have?

 

[TenKreefer]

Compared to the 12 CREE setup I had before, I would say that the intensity is exactly the same (based upon observations with my eye, not a quantum meter). I wish I had before and after pictures

 

[longiotti]

thank you for this tread!
because of it I found out more info about stevesleds.com and just send him a request for a quote to do my whole 90 gal tank.
if I end up going this route I will do a write up on it.
I can't wait!
Lance L

 

[TenKreefer]

No problem Longiotti. It's not as eloquent as other build threads, but it'll do. I'll throw up some pics after a few weeks if there is any marked growth

 

[8mpg]

dang... I might be next. I would love AFFORDABLE led lighting. With a 55gal, I was looking at $450+

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Keep in mind that a lower upfront cost at the expense of efficiency means your longterm costs will be higher. Thermal management will also be a bit more difficult as for a given amount of light you'll be creating more heat. Some people might not care about these factors of course. It's certainly possible to build a successful rig with LEDs that operate at lower efficiencies but IMHO it's important to understand what you're getting in to.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Compared to the 12 CREE setup I had before, I would say that the intensity is exactly the same (based upon observations with my eye, not a quantum meter). I wish I had before and after pictures

FWIW the human eye is a terrible judge of intensity - we don't pick up changes in intensity until they get in the 50 - 100% range.

 

[csarkar001]

Keep in mind that a lower upfront cost at the expense of efficiency means your longterm costs will be higher. Thermal management will also be a bit more difficult as for a given amount of light you'll be creating more heat. Some people might not care about these factors of course. It's certainly possible to build a successful rig with LEDs that operate at lower efficiencies but IMHO it's important to understand what you're getting in to.

when all is said and done, we will need datasheets to get a real comparison. does steve offer them?

 

[TenKreefer]

FWIW the human eye is a terrible judge of intensity - we don't pick up changes in intensity until they get in the 50 - 100% range.

Yea, I relize that I just wish I had a PAR meter to back my statement up.

Using thermal adhesive, an adequate heatsink and active cooling isn't enough to effectively manage the heat emitted by my array?

I'll try and get some datasheets from Steve and find out exactly what we're working with.

I'm not trying to say that this is the ultimate alternative to CREE's, but for my application $50 was cheaper than any T5 or halide setup that I could find.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Using thermal adhesive, an adequate heatsink and active cooling isn't enough to effectively manage the heat emitted by my array?

Assuming those components are sized correctly, yes, they'll be more than adequate. It's not a matter of generating more heat than we can handle, it's just that there's more heat to deal with. A fixture designed with more efficient LEDs will be able to run with a smaller heatsink, less fan power (or no fans), and so on - and it'll put less heat into the tank, too.

Again, not trying to argue with your results or say it was a "bad" route to take, just trying to make sure people understand how to compare a build like this to a "typical" build. To put it into terms most reef keepers would be familiar with, it's like the difference between a junky T5 fixture with one big flat reflector, vs. a nice high-end unit with single lamp reflectors. Sure, you can run a reef on the junky T5 unit, but it's not the same thing as the better fixture.

 

[TenKreefer]

I think the only solution would be to make an identical CREE array and compare them side by side with a PAR meter. I know you're not just talking about the intensity of light emitted, but also the efficiency at which it is emitted. So that would have to be measured as well.

I'm not sure it falls under the category of a junky LED fixture

This is what Steve says of his LED's

"I just wanted to let you know that Steve's LEDs are NOT Semi's, they are a different brand, who's output and electrical characteristics resemble the Crees and Luxeon Rebels with regards to luminous output and forward voltage.

There are over 40 Led manufactures in the Asian region, and it took me almost a year of collecting sampls to find just then right LED. No they are not knock-offs, they are specifically manufactured for the purpose of meeting my specifications for marine aquarist use.

Steve "

I can't get my hands on a datasheet yet though.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Again, I apologize, I did not mean to indicate that your fixture was "junky" when I made the comparison to a T5 fixture with a flat reflector.

And with all due respect to Steve, some of the information posted on his site about the specs of his LEDs is just downright wrong. I'm not talking inflated numbers, I'm talking incorrect data. Again, I'm not trying to shoot this idea down, just trying to frame it in reality. If there really were LEDs capable of equalling or beating the expensive market leaders, they'd be sold en-mass through regular distribution channels to large commercial clients, not peddled on eBay to hobbyists. If Steve had $2 LEDs that were as good as everyone else's $7 LEDs, he'd be a billionaire. There's nothing wrong with owning a Toyota (I own one), but it's a Toyota, not a Porsche. I wish I owned a Porsche, but that's not within my means!

 

[StevesLEDs]

[violation]

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Steve, I'd love to engage you in a discussion about the products you sell, unfortunately ReefCentral forum rules dictate that vendors are not allowed to be involved in discussions about products they sell unless they sponsor the forum.

 

[TenKreefer]

Its way too easy to misinterpret what people say on the internet! I appreciate your input throughout the thread. When you put it like that it really does make sense. Unfortunately with my budget, I'll be putting a body kit and spoiler on my Toyota and try and make it look like a Porsche

 

[Nanook]

Steve, I'd love to engage you in a discussion about the products you sell, unfortunately ReefCentral forum rules dictate that vendors are not allowed to be involved in discussions about products they sell unless they sponsor the forum.

That is not quite true. Even a sponsor can not engage in promotion of their products in the discussion forums. A sponsor can discuss and promote their product line in their sponsor forum though.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Thanks for the clarification, Dave.

 

[Nanook]

No problem. That is a common misperception that I wanted to clarify. Oftentimes, folks think we only let sponsors promote their product lines, and that is just not true. Sponsors and non-sponsors alike are not allowed to promote anywhere in the discussion forums. We try to be very fair on this point.

 

[8mpg]

Wish I knew what he said... Id really like some good info on these LED's