Going LED.

[FreshReefer]

I am still chugging along with my 55G. I switched a while back from Halide (2x250W and 1x150W HQI) to a 36" Hamilton T5. I was please with the new electric bill but not with the growth and look of my tank. It is about time to replace the bulbs in the T5 so I started looking at other possibly better options. So here is the breakdown:

$50 16 foot Aluminum U channel
$174 48 Cree XP-E Leds (24 royal blue, 16 cool white, and 8 natural white)
$130 4 meanwell eln-60-48D (0-10V dimming for use with apex controller)

Big purchase total $350

I will need some wire, thermal compound, solder, 110V plug ends, and some sheet metal screws. All of which I have. LEDS went from $4.99 each to $2.99. I went with the XP-E. The brightest ones are 122 lumen (compared to XP-G@139 lumen or XR-E@107 lumen).

I am not going to use optics yet. I will do 2 fixtures. 3 rows each, 8 Leds per row about 2.6" separation. I will angle the front row to point 8 degrees toward the back of the tank in an attempt to light crevices and avoid light spill on the front of the tank.

The way I spec'ed the drivers I can dime each color independently to tune the color. Cutter is working on assembling the LEDs right now. I will keep you updated on the build. I assume it will take at least 2 weeks for the LED's to get here.

 

[justin_cutri]

I was just thinking about adding an led strip or something to boost my T5's. Sounds like a sweet setup.

 

[Grant W]

very nice, keep us updated.

 

[eldiablosrt8]

Good choice when I did my first led setup I did a DIY.... leds rock been using 100% refbrite for over a year now love them

 

[Reef Bass]

Hey Owen nice to hear from you. Hope all is well.

 

[Grant W]

Hey Owen any progress to show on the lighting yet.

 

[FreshReefer]

Haven't got the LED's yet from cutter. The drivers are in. I want to wait for the LEDS before I get the aluminum channel just in case. I was thinking about a acrylic housing with 2 x low rpm 200mm fans on top.

 

[thysrof]

Owen,

We're having a meeting at my place on the 28th. Why don't you come!

 

[FreshReefer]

Well as you can see I got a good start on my new lighting system this weekend. Got the 0-10V dimmer built, wired a string of 12 Royal blues to a single driver in series, powered them on...

Holy $%^! batman these things are insanely bright. I figured they were bright but wow. Didn't think I would get the same feeling you do when you look at a metal halide but you sure do, and that was the blues. I haven't even powered the whites up yet.

I have one more row to attach. I have to machine the aluminum brackets that separate the U channel as well as support the drivers. I will ultimately be covering the system with dark plexi and using 2 x 200mm low rpm fans for cooling. At 13db it should be fine.

Next steps will be attach the third row, clean up the wiring, and lastly start machining the plexi case. I plan on not using a hood so it has to look real nice.

I may miss the meeting unfortunately as it may be my last chance to snowmobile. I will try to catch you all at the next one.

 

[poolkeeper1]

I noticed you do not have any Nylon Washers between the mounting screws and the Stars, That is a No No as far as I was told how to install the Led's to the Heat Sink.
Something about Insulating the Cree Star fron the U channel for some reason. I know mine were done this way by a guy who knows how to build these correctly. Not sure if you will want to find out the purpose before you go any further. Just trying to save you from a mistake in your build, As it cost me a lot extra due to mistakes in building the first one!
Bill

 

[FreshReefer]

Well I am sure that is due to the solder pads being close to the screw spaces on the stars. I could add them but you could also just be careful about not soldering the pads to the screws (That would be bad). Other than that the aluminum on the star is in contact with the heat sink anyway.

I used countersunk screws not flat heads. That would have also been bad.

Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[FreshReefer]

Well finally got them going:

Hope the link works. I will upload if not.

The fixture doesn't seem to need a fan in open air. Even with just the U channel. I will be covering the fixture eventually once I am confident it will not change. This thing is so bright it feels like I should be wearing welding goggles.

I realized I could have done this with 2 drivers and saved myself $65. putting the fixture in to the below $300 range.

I hope this solves the issues I have been having with my tank. I really miss having all that beautiful coral. I am hoping to try a few new corals soon.

 

[FreshReefer]

previous didn't work. Here is the photo.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Nice job Owen, how much did that project set you back? oh wait, I saw $350 in your original post.

 

[socal86]

i have been looking at LED lights but right now in military housing i don't pay the electric bill so decided that i wasn't worried what it cost. i have T5 HO right now but later when i have to pay the bill in about a year when i leave the military and move i will consider more cost effective means lol.Right now i went the cheaper route with T5. but really want LED

 

[CarlitosReef]

Holy Crap that is BEAUTIFUL!! I really want to go with this set up integrated in my custom wood canopy. Hopefully you can do a more specific steps in how to get it done.

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump

 

[FreshReefer]

The steps are all over the internet. I just happen to have a milling machine to drill and make parts so it was easier for me.

They are beautiful, but the proof is in the pudding. We will see how they do with livestock when I get things going again.

It was probably about $400 all said and done. Not bad when you consider i was about to spend $200 on new halide bulbs. Also, I should probably get $200 from the halide fixture when I sell it.

I am so glad I don't have to pay attention to replacing bulbs any more. That and the energy savings makes it worth its weight on gold (It is pretty light LOL)

 

[drywall_guy87]

very nice setup gotta love leds

 

[CarlitosReef]

The steps are all over the internet. I just happen to have a milling machine to drill and make parts so it was easier for me.

They are beautiful, but the proof is in the pudding. We will see how they do with livestock when I get things going again.

It was probably about $400 all said and done. Not bad when you consider i was about to spend $200 on new halide bulbs. Also, I should probably get $200 from the halide fixture when I sell it.

I am so glad I don't have to pay attention to replacing bulbs any more. That and the energy savings makes it worth its weight on gold (It is pretty light LOL)

Where can I buy the leds can't find them neither in eBay got a link?

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump

 

[northbay-reefer]

I think eventually LED will take over as the primary lighting, I might have to go over to your house and use the milling machine one of these day ... lol