My new DIY LED strip to replace some T5's

[drukkosz]

Similar, but different dimension. I used:

http://www.speedymetals.com/pc-2532-8348-1-x-1-34-x-18-channel-6063-t52-aluminum-extruded.aspx

Sweet, thank you

So are you still using them? did you make more? how are they, any problems?
I am upgrating to 90 gallons and right now on my 55g i have 4x54 T5 and blue reef brite. How many more of LED do you think i need for 90 gallons?

thank you for all your help

 

[AquaSump]

What if we did a build workshop and Brad can teach us how to do it? We could use the workshop at PetSmiths just like we did for the "Build a Sump" workshop this weekend?

 

[ghellin]

Sweet, thank you

So are you still using them? did you make more? how are they, any problems?
I am upgrating to 90 gallons and right now on my 55g i have 4x54 T5 and blue reef brite. How many more of LED do you think i need for 90 gallons?

thank you for all your help

What are you going to keep in the 90? for softies you want to have one LED per 20 square inches, for sps you would want one LED per 10 square inches. This is for Cree XR-Es, however if you go with the newer XPs you can use less since the XPs are 20-30% brighter. I have been running my 24 gallon aquapod under LEDs only since december and I have explosive growth with my sps, lps, and clam.

Great build! I love the royal blue LEDs the actinic pop is incredible!

As far as the aluminum Chanel if you need more heat removal you can always add a 2nd C Chanel inside like add a 1" wide piece inside of your 1.5" then bond them with thermal adhesive.

I am currently building a LED fixture for my 58 that should be done in may.

 

[yeldarbj]

Sweet, thank you

So are you still using them? did you make more? how are they, any problems?
I am upgrating to 90 gallons and right now on my 55g i have 4x54 T5 and blue reef brite. How many more of LED do you think i need for 90 gallons?

thank you for all your help

Yes, I'm still using them. I originally had 6 T5's and now have 4 LED strips and 2 T5's. One day, I'll swap out the remaining T5's for LED's.

Need more info on what you are planning. I think 10-12 Cree's on a 3 ft. strip like this is easily equivalent if not more light than the T5 with a reflector. The royal blues are way brighter than actinics. It's more like the brightness of a a blue plus bulb with more glow than an actinic.

For cooling, I just use a couple of pc case fans above the aluminum channel.

 

[yeldarbj]

What if we did a build workshop and Brad can teach us how to do it? We could use the workshop at PetSmiths just like we did for the "Build a Sump" workshop this weekend?

Nick, I could do something like that but you'd probably need to find someone that wants the lights and would need to get all the parts. It takes a bit longer too, unless there is an expert at soldering out there (it's not me!!!). Mine's not pretty but works.

 

[drukkosz]

I will go with a mix reef so it will be everythign there
I will also slowly replace all T5 for LED, i will order a set this week i think i will go half wite and half blue.

Where is PetSmiths?? if i order mine we could do it. i am in Cleveland so dont know how far it is.

 

[yeldarbj]

We'll somehow you've managed to stumble across the Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society's forum. It's the Tulsa, OK area so it might be a stretch with you being in Cleveland. But you are more than welcome to visit the workshop if it happens.

I think going 50/50 is a good start.

 

[drukkosz]

hmmm Oklahoma? hahaah nice so i guess maybe next time

 

[AquaSump]

Maybe we can all talk about this at the next meeting this weekend?