55 Gallon Build With LED Lighting

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

This has been long coming. Even though it will not be the largest tank, it is the size I want to work with along with doing my own DIY LED build and implementing (I think) Arduino. I am putting two tanks into this one...this is one in which I am moving over....

Taking a 55 stand and antiquing it gave an old stand new life. My wife assisted me through the process and I couldn't be happier with the results. Pictures do not do it justice at all. I decided a canopy was needed to go with it and put one together to match. The canopy will house the LED lighting and drivers.

This process has been in the works for almost a month now. LED build has officially started.....
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00211A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00219A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00220A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00223A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00228A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00232A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

This thread will really start to shift it to an LED build. Tank/stand/canopy are ready. The LED unit will mount into the canopy which will house the framework, the drivers and possibly the power supply (I have not decided yet). I have used multiple venders for putting together my build which includes, Steve's LED's, Heat Sink USA, and Bridgelux. I will be using 3w Bridgelux chips mounted on a heatsink star.

I have decided this will all be run by Arduino and programmed for daylight, nightime, sunset, etc.

My parts have started arriving and I will try to lay out some of what I will be working with.

Let's start with my Steve's order 3 Quad drivers, power supply, thermal adhesive paste. I also bought some thermal pads in case the paste does not hold well.

My Heatsink USA order included two 8.460 x 16 aluminum heaatsinks

My Bridgelux order includes 40 RB and 40 CW LED's. I will not be using all the LED's over the tank but some will work out well in the sump area. The LED's have not arrived yet.

I attained some 1" x 1" aluminum angle and cut it to size and mounted the heatsinks to it. That is serving as my initial framework. I pop riveted everything together using aluminum rivets. The drivers will be mounted to a heat sink and placed inside the canopy. The drivers will run four sets of 7 LED's each and Arduino compatable.

Here is my progress so far....
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00229A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00231A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00234A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00236A.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

hud3339 · Jun 11, 2011

Looking good so far keep those pics coming

jbadd99 · Jun 11, 2011

Looks great so far. I really want some of those red zoas you have in the middle of the first pick... I need some red in my tank.

smallblock · Jun 11, 2011

Wow that stand looks really cool! I like the texture you got going on there. Time for more pics!!!!

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

LED's arrived today...Happy happy Joy Joy!!! Sat in Hong Kong for 7 days and then *poof* 2 days from there to here. Imagine that. They said something about customs. Looks like I will be busy this weekend rain or shine.
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00244.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00247.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

Well the work continues. I went to Micro Center in Marietta and picked up my fans, the power supply and some various other pieces. I spent mostly Sunday soldering and mounting the LED's. I purchased some real good thermal tape called Sekisui off Ebay which has made life simple. It adheres quite well and I will also use it to mount my drivers. I completed half of the fixture and will hopefully I'll complete the other half this week. I really want to light them up but I am using some patience and will get all of that done in one day. Once the fixture is complete, I have drawn up a nice design for a plexi/Lexan shield even though the light will be hidden, it will certainly be protected.
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00254.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00255.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00256.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00257.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

giulianom · Jun 11, 2011

Very nice...

Are those the Brightluxe LEDs?

One thing I have been trying to find out is, what is the width of the LED stars?

mdaya1 · Jun 11, 2011

great job!!

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

GiulianoM;658009 wrote: Very nice...

Are those the Brightluxe LEDs?

One thing I have been trying to find out is, what is the width of the LED stars?

The LED's I am using are "Bridgelux". The measurement is close to 3/4" I test fired different strings last night and was very happy with the results. I will probably add 3 or 4 more whites to each side for sunrise and sunset along with a dual driver. If you look at the "Hooked" build, he is only running at 80% and the PAR is beating his MH setup. Impressive. He is running 80 blue and 60 white over a 90 gal. I am using the same LED's but different drivers.

michaelb14 · Jun 11, 2011

Looks good so far...

Approx how much were the leds?

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

MichaelB14;658854 wrote: Looks good so far...

Approx how much were the leds?

Thanks.

The LED's are purchased by the lot. 1 lot of 10 cost 12.74 plus S&H from China. The more you purchase, the more shipping gets reduced. I combined a large order and saved a bunch.

grouper therapy · Jun 11, 2011

coolsurf;657984 wrote: Well the work continues. I went to Micro Center in Marietta and picked up my fans, the power supply and some various other pieces. I spent mostly Sunday soldering and mounting the LED's. I purchased some real good thermal tape called Sekisui off Ebay which has made life simple. It adheres quite well and I will also use it to mount my drivers. I completed half of the fixture and will hopefully I'll complete the other half this week. I really want to light them up but I am using some patience and will get all of that done in one day. Once the fixture is complete, I have drawn up a nice design for a plexi/Lexan shield even though the light will be hidden, it will certainly be protected.

Nice neat job! Impressive:up:

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

Thanks for the kind words.

I've been busy every evening working on this. I completed the placement and wiring of all the LED's and started connecting to the drivers. I did fire up 2/3rds of one side last night and really liked the coloration over the empty tank. I'll be able to tell more once it gets put over a full tank of water but so far so good.

I need to finish attaching and wiring the fans and the drivers and then work on the aesthetics for the back of the tank where the connection points will be. Basically a 220V receiving end and power plugs for the drivers to the power supply along with some connection points for Arduino. I also need to add my plexi/Lexan shield.

Looks a bit cluttered in the pics but it is all pretty well organized as of right now.
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00259.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00266.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00267.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00268.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00269a.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

Phase 2 test took place last night with 2/3rds of the LED's lit. Let the setup run for about 20 minutes and temps were extremely low without fans running. Took it out and started wiring fans and power supply later in the evening but still not complete. I actually feel as though this just might work :yes:.
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00270.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00271.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSC00273.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

flyboy93tr · Jun 11, 2011

Are you using any optics with your leds?

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

Not planning to. I was originally going to but was convinced out of it by someone who has already done a similar build. His tank is doing great.

coolsurf · Jun 11, 2011

I want to update my progress. All LED's are firing and canopy is almost complete. Pics are darker due to camera adjustments. Arduino will be the next addition for the LED's but will happen all in due time.
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>