LED Lighting

[exodas]

Hey guys I'm looking to make my own LED lighting and I was wondering if anyone has had experience with creating a setup? Its going to be going over my 7.5g nano so im just looking for any information that might be helpful!

 

[baboonscience]

My experience is limited but I have made a few for small tanks (fish growout).
There are some very bright LEDs on the market, but DO Your Homework or you will burn out a lot of bulbs.
There are single LEDs with a 20,000 mcd output and there are Luxeon 3 Watt bulbs that are BRIGHT! Ebay is loaded with companies advertising these. Here is one link to a group that has been around for awhile.
http://cgi.ebay.com/100-x-5mm-White-LED-27000-mcd-SHIPS-SAME-DAY-FROM-NYC_W0QQitemZ260496835911QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca6d24547#ht_892wt_927">http://cgi.ebay.com/100-x-5mm-White-LED-27000-mcd-SHIPS-SAME-DAY-FROM-NYC_W0QQitemZ260496835911QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca6d24547#ht_892wt_927</a>
The Luxeon while is a combo of RGB and can give quite a wide spectrum. The White is often a yellow emitter painted over with a white phosphor.
There are some useful calculation tools out there as well. use them!
[IMG]http://www.unitconversion.org/unit_converter/illumination-ex.html">illumination unit conversion</a>
[IMG]http://led.linear1.org/">A wealth of linear LED info</a>
The LM 317 is a controllable voltage regulator and can be used as a current regulator as well. If you go with a complete DIY, the regulation of current and voltage will both be necessary to optimize output without burning the LEDs.
There are circuit boards available that can help you in putting a LED project together, the the LED source above for some examples of this.
Hope this gives you a start.
John

 

[exodas]

Hey thanks alot I will definitely dive into this information. Thank you so much I really appreciate it

 

[exodas]

Anyone ever seen this

 

[misu]

I built one and frankly you will end up better buying a fixture unless you have some mad skills...

 

[cnbridge]

I am currently building a LED setup. I will be posting it probably within a week. I've have read many threads at nanoreef that was mentioned above. Great starting place.

 

[ghotit]

im debating on doing a diy of CREE's onto the aquapod. heres a good sight i MIGHT be ordering my kits from
http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-DIY-Retrofit-Kits/Categories">http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-DIY-Retrofit-Kits/Categories</a>


Good prices and everything you need but the heatsink and a power cord

 

[exodas]

Yea after doing a ton of research on the awesome DIY LED guide at nano reef i think I will also do a CREE lighting system using

 

[cnbridge]

Any updates on your build?

 

[eliphant]

I'm also starting an LED build for a biocube 8. I have ordered some parts and still need to order the rest. I will start my diy thread once I get started!