Minimalistic multichip DIY LED build

[maglofster]

About the links to the Ebay seller: PM me, I'm not sure if it's ok to link in the forum.

About color temperature: get a mix of different chips and dial them in as you would any normal build, but with fewer chips. Also, there are multichips with mixed colors in the chip. Like RB and CW 60/40.

About copper: Yes I have been thinking a lot about it. But I will have the lights quite high up from the water and without a canopy, ver well ventilated so it should be ok. I have also been thinking about putting som sort of laquer (spelling?) on just the exposed bits of copper or as an alternative putting a plexiglass screen underneath the light.

 

[stormrider27]

Any updates Maglo?

 

[skunkmere]

i dont think you need to worry about the copper. think of all the stuff in any light fixture that would be released if submerged in the tank for a long period of time, it doesnt really happen.

 

[maglofster]

Update: Got all my 50Ws working. They are solid, barely hot to the touch after a couple of hours runtime. Unfortunately I'm still waiting for the drivers for my 100W LEDs.

 

[rrasco]

Tagging along

 

[ADreef]

I agree with Skunkmere on the copper issue. As long as it's high and dry, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. If salt water was splashing on it and dripping back in the tank, then you would have some reason to worry.

And don't put lacquer or anything else on the copper itself. Copper is an excellent heat conductor, but this property can be significantly degraded if it's coated with something. Some sort of glass or acrylic shield would be better.

 

[007Bond]

I bet there are far more people following this thread than you think. I'm sure watching for any updates.

 

[maglofster]

Okay, a quick update:

This is a picture of me holding a single 50W 10K chip over my 160 Gallon tank. (I know it looks bare, but I'm currently converting it to Zeo.) Anyway, i left my 4x24W actinic t5:s on to get some blue light (since I dont have those LED's built yet). The tank is 40x40 inches to the side and 24 inches high. As you can see the light is pretty powerful. I'm trying to hold the LED in the middle, but close to the front as I will hang another closer to the back. Without lenses the light spreads 120 degrees. But it's still very powerful att the bottom.



THANKS for allt the great input and comments!

 

[maglofster]

Yeah, before you ask for it.. This is without T5s. So only one 50W 10K light on a 160 gallon cube.

 

[JBsmurf85]

DANG!!!! Im tagging along, ive been thinking about replacing the MH setup in my all in one fixture and these might be a good alt to MH if I can get some big chips that would be equal to a 250w MH for each space.

 

[maglofster]

The Aqua Medic MH:s hanging over the tank are 250w each. The 50Ws are not equal to them, but a 100W chip would be I think. As soon as I get those drivers home I will do another series of pictures and will include the MH's as a reference.

 

[maglofster]

DANG!!!! Im tagging along, ive been thinking about replacing the MH setup in my all in one fixture and these might be a good alt to MH if I can get some big chips that would be equal to a 250w MH for each space.

BTW, there are multichips made specifically for reef use up to (that I know of) 250W. And those babies pack a punch for sure..

 

[007Bond]

The idea of these multi chip led's instead of the 254 3w that my tank would require sounds great. I need to have a better understanding of how they work and what is required. Drivers, heatsinks, optics, dimming, ect.Please keep updating!---Rick

 

[skunkmere]

this is the real future of leds, a dimmable, adjustable, multichip led.

 

[maglofster]

I think so. There are a few examples of commercial products out now as well, using the same type of chip.

 

[stormrider27]

Hi Maglofster, just wondering how your multichip LED project is coming along. I am eagerly awaiting the finished pictures and the DIY for dummies instructions.

 

[007Bond]

Can I add a +1 to the above.
Thanks---Rick

 

[Nammy]

I think these are the LED's you're using...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110817463653?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

[007Bond]

I think these are the LED's you're using...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110817463653?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Nammy, Interesting site, do you know if optics are available? The leds shown say they are 140 degrees.

 

[Nammy]

Nammy, Interesting site, do you know if optics are available? The leds shown say they are 140 degrees.

Don't know...some folks here have been using them already and have ordered it from the site. hope they chime in...