help choosing LED lighting

saltburns

saltburns

New member
Am really getting anxious for some new lights. Am currently using the ones from my old 55 on my new 125 and it's just not getting it. Really Really want the led but don't understand much about them HELP! Tank is 6 feet long.
 
what kind of lights are you running now? I'm looking for a 4' T5 (6 or 8 bulb, preferably 8). Might help fund your LED project
 
you should come to our next reef club meeting. We have several members who made their own LED lights for a fraction of the cost. They could help you get started.
 
right now I'm limping along on a 48 inch t5ho with 4 bulbs. Anybody out there made their own and had good results?
 
I have not made my own simply because both of my tanks are rimless and do not have canopies. However, I have studied this too death and after the first of the year i am going to build a set for my 100 gallon. It looks to be very simple especially if you have a canopy and dont have to worry so much about cosmetics. I live fairly close to you and would love to help you ( i wire things for a living) if you decide to go this route. Make sure what ever you do that you get dimmers. I have the AI Sol's on my nano and can only run them about 60%. You will not be sorry when you make the switch. I have moved a few pieces of corals from the 100 to the nano and I cant believe the growth they are showing.
 
OneReef said:
Not true. You can spend a lot if you want, but you can find used or DIY for as little as any other lighting
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Jay, I am thinking it is still pretty pricey. You estimated my cube would run $50. Unfortunately it was much more than that. It would be interesting to know what it would cost. Anyone in the club built one for a six foot tank? What did it run?

I know several others have completed them too, but I don't think they mentioned costs. What did yours run and for what size tank?

LED's are still fairly new so that there isn't a big used market, so that is a good thought, but not practical.
 
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Rudolph said:
Jay, I am thinking it is still pretty pricey. You estimated my cube would run $50. Unfortunately it was much more than that. It would be interesting to know what it would cost. Anyone in the club built one for a six foot tank? What did it run?

I know several others have completed them too, but I don't think they mentioned costs. What did yours run and for what size tank?

LED's are still fairly new so that there isn't a big used market, so that is a good thought, but not practical.
Click to expand...



Yes, club members have built them for big tanks. You could have built one for cheap for your cube, but you started adding dimmers and stuff. I was speaking of LEDs , a heatsink, and one ballast. What i spent on my LEDs is irrelevant to what someone could put on their own tank. That's like saying that if you want to add a powerhead to your tank, it will cost you $450 just because thats what a new Mp40 cost. You can get a cheap Powerhead for $40 if you choose. Just like you don't have to buy an AI Sol brand new for $350. There are cheaper options.
 
I have a canopy, so cosmetics is not an issue. I would like a ballpark figure of what it would cost, labor included.
 
OneReef said:
Yes, club members have built them for big tanks. You could have built one for cheap for your cube, but you started adding dimmers and stuff. I was speaking of LEDs , a heatsink, and one ballast. What i spent on my LEDs is irrelevant to what someone could put on their own tank. That's like saying that if you want to add a powerhead to your tank, it will cost you $450 just because thats what a new Mp40 cost. You can get a cheap Powerhead for $40 if you choose. Just like you don't have to buy an AI Sol brand new for $350. There are cheaper options.
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Basic LED without dimmers are $200 at Rapid LED for a 29 cube without dimmers. Maybe you found it cheaper somewhere else.

I certainly did not mean to offend you if you don't want to share what your costs ran. When I said "yours" I really meant anyone that had completed a DIY LED build, not just isolating you. Quite honestly, I didn't really remember that you did LED. I think he is looking for some information and what it might run. Cost is a big factor and LED has a big up front cost (IMHO), but it sounds like the big selling point is long term overall lower costs (electric and lamp replacement). Maybe someone else would feel comfortable sharing their costs. I am sure others would be interested in the actual costs to build their own LED.
 
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DROP IT !!!! DROP IT!!! DROP IT!!!!

Jay spent a large fortune on his tank but it is all top notch gear!!!! In about a year it will reflect it in how it looks.


Saltburns what are your tank's deminsions?
 
I can't stop, there someone wrong on the internet!! lol


wrong-on-internet.png



At Rapid LED:

Meanwell Driver = $18
Heatsink = $25
10 3W Cree LED's with optics = $44

Total cost of supplies = $87

Ok, it is $37 more than the $50 I quoted, but admit your wrong and move on..... I have other people to prove wrong on the internet. :) lol


And again, I told you what my lights cost. $350 for an AI Sol unit. Did you even read the post?
 
Rudolph said:
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-199/Biocube-29-Retrofit-Kit/Detail

Oh sure...on my tank you are ready to go cheap...lol

The link shows the kit of what is needed for a 29, which is exactly what mine is. It has twice the lights you alot for me, nice try....cut your loses and move on to the next guy...lol

No, I probably didn't read it after you went off on a tangent....started skimming...
Click to expand...


The AI Sol Nano uses 10 3W LEDs. And you think you need twice that?? That's funny..... Lol
 
jabo said:
DROP IT !!!! DROP IT!!! DROP IT!!!!

Jay spent a large fortune on his tank but it is all top notch gear!!!! In about a year it will reflect it in how it looks.


Saltburns what are your tank's deminsions?
Click to expand...


I haven't said my stuff is top notch nor advocating people to spend a fortune. I am trying to talk people into DIY and used equipment. :)
 
Back to the topic at hand, seriously, contact bracket50. He can tell you how he made his big Led setup for a lot less than retail fixtures. I'll try to gather some info for the jan. meeting.
 
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