Thinking of going LED

[dawgface]

Looking for recommendations on fixtures for a 60''x28"X30'' tank. I would love to go DYI but that is something that I really don't have the time for and would surely screw it up...

 

[dawgface]

Nvmd, following Buds thread.

 

[KrisDeitz]

We should both do some DIY LEDs

 

[dawgface]

I'm ashamed to say I have no clue on where to begin for that... My knowledge in that area is lacking to say the least.

But let me research a little and willl see. After looking at $2700.00 for AI, DIY is looking very attractive.

 

[moebious]

Wasn't there a DIY LED workshop thread around here somewhere? Can we revisit it? I'm looking to build four 20" X 4" modules for a 55G and later build two more when i upgrade to a 90G. But first i want to just start with one to see if i can do it.

 

[crew]

I just built my DIY LED light and I got lots of help from people that had done it before. I know how to do it now and I had 0 electronics knowledge before I began.

honestly, not that hard, just a little confusing

Edit: if time isn't an issue, order your LED's from LEDgroupbuy.com

best prices

 

[dawgface]

Crew;663450 wrote: I just built my DIY LED light and I got lots of help from people that had done it before. I know how to do it now and I had 0 electronics knowledge before I began.

honestly, not that hard, just a little confusing

Edit: if time isn't an issue, order your LED's from LEDgroupbuy.com

best prices

What was the cost savings compared to AI of equal comparison?

 

[morganatlanta]

Half or less

 

[crew]

my LED light is 20 3w LED's

Total cost: $300

I don't have a PAR meter but I would bet its at least comparable to a 150w MH if not a 250

I built my light for a 29g biocube that I am putting in my bedroom. I've looked at the AI's and I don't really get why they put the LED's in groups of three.. personally, I wouldn't want the spot lights. My fixture has no optics on it (the biocube isnt very deep) but with optics the cost goes up about $1.40 per LED

 

[jbadd99]

Ive seen DIY LEDs for a 210 be done for less than $500. $600 if you want the flashy storm effects with the Arduino controller. And that was 4 different, independently controllable channels if memory serves correctly.

 

[morganatlanta]

If you go with bridgelux chips rather than CREEs, your build cost goes way down also. You can get them direct from China for something like $1.50 each. They aren't quite as efficient as CREE XP-Gs, but they certainly will do the job.

I'm building a setup for a 40 breeder that will have 30 emitters, grouped in threes like the AI units. Cost will be something like:
$150 for LEDs from LEDGroupBuy.com
$70 for two dimmable power supplies (Thomas Research, one 40w for whites, one 75w for blue/royal)
$70 for heatsinks
$20 for wire, connectors, etc.

Total: $310 for the equivalent 1.25 AI units, with the same emitters as they use, but spread out better for the shape of my tank. If I add optics it will bring the cost up to around $350.

I've already got an Apex for control, but you can get a lighting controller from Rapid LED for $59 if you don't have one. If you are happy with on/off and manual dimming, you don't need a controller at all, just a normal timer like you would use on T5 or MH lights.

 

[coolsurf]

I have some electronics schooling in my background but even if I didn't, the build is simple enough where a first timer can be successful. The most expensive parts IMO are the heatsinks and the drivers. I used the drivers from Steve's LED's as they were the simplest to work with and provided me with the options I needed. My LED's are the Bridgelux and I am more than happy with them. I am running a 50/50 and no regrets on the color.

 

[snowmansnow]

ive done a diy pendant before, and honestly it wasn't that much cheaper. I did dimmable 24Cree LEDs and it was around $450

after all the time and energy it .. along with the possibility of ruining everything A premade fixture didnt look that bad for another 150 or so

 

[crew]

coolsurf;663590 wrote: I have some electronics schooling in my background but even if I didn't, the build is simple enough where a first timer can be successful. The most expensive parts IMO are the heatsinks and the drivers. I used the drivers from Steve's LED's as they were the simplest to work with and provided me with the options I needed. My LED's are the Bridgelux and I am more than happy with them. I am running a 50/50 and no regrets on the color.

not to mention, you can adjust the color by changing the LED brightness ;-)

 

[hammcd]

theres a great DIY on nano-reef...ill try and find it...they made one for a 30gallon i believe but the principle is the same