Diy led question
- Thread starter Tbird165
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With technology as far along as it is. IMO, No, it is not worth building your own light. I've built a few fixtures and no longer have them over my tank. I have an upgraded version of E-bay lights over my tanks. Since they are cheap however, they do not last as long as a high quality fixture.
twilliard
Tank pests..
DIY is perfect for people who loves to build stuff.
I feel if you are one of these that loves to build then go for it!
You will learn more about led chips and become knowledge in this area.
I feel if you are one of these that loves to build then go for it!
You will learn more about led chips and become knowledge in this area.
Dtackett
Valuable Member
yeah, if you want to build one... build one. but if youre trying to do it to be cheap, just buy cheap leds like mars aqua or my suggestions https://sbreeflights.com/
LDD drivers seem to be the go to drivers for diyers. Add a controller, heat sinks, pcb and led's and all the other pieces and it adds up fast. I'm just starting to build my light and have had second thoughts. Google ldd drivers and ldd pcb and you'll find a lot of info. O2surplus makes some great boards.
Reefboy1
Active Member
When LEDs first came out I thought about doing a DIY. but I would never do one now. You are better off buying one that is already made. Your not going to save much money by making them and lets face it DIY's are not aesthetically pleasing.
DIY LEDs are not about saving money up front as they were a while back, but if all costs are factored in over say, 5 years of operation, then it's a different story. Since one can use the best/most efficient LEDs from the most reputable manufacturers (typically not a feature of most commercial units). Thus a properly designed DIY array will almost certainly outlast any cheap commercial unit while using much less electricty (comparing similar output intensities).
As mentioned, DIY is a great way to learn about the technology, light spectrum needed for corals, etc. One can also customize LED emitters and optics 'on the fly' as everything isn't built into a pre-manufactured unit as is typical in store bought units. This allows for much greater flexibility in regards to changing the light field's appearance to suit one's taste (after providing the spectra needed for coral health and coloration). Also allows for experimentation using newly released LEDs that aren't yet used in commercial units. On the flip side, an aesthetically pleasing DIY fixture is indeed a challenge to achieve.
Bottom line, if one is a certified tinkerer and enjoys a challenge, or one isn't pleased with the commercial units available, then DIY can be a good way to go.
As mentioned, DIY is a great way to learn about the technology, light spectrum needed for corals, etc. One can also customize LED emitters and optics 'on the fly' as everything isn't built into a pre-manufactured unit as is typical in store bought units. This allows for much greater flexibility in regards to changing the light field's appearance to suit one's taste (after providing the spectra needed for coral health and coloration). Also allows for experimentation using newly released LEDs that aren't yet used in commercial units. On the flip side, an aesthetically pleasing DIY fixture is indeed a challenge to achieve.
Bottom line, if one is a certified tinkerer and enjoys a challenge, or one isn't pleased with the commercial units available, then DIY can be a good way to go.
Last edited:
ReefLEDLights
Valuable Member
The LDD Drivers rock. With a 48VDC Powersupply each $7 driver can drive 15 Cree X Series LEDs.
I've evaluated a few different EBay Fixtures and they scare me. Power Supplies without UL Listing or even a part number.
The 3 watt LEDs are dated. The Latest Binned Cree XT-E can be 3 times brighter.
I'm actually surprised some people have these fixtures last over 18 months. I've seen way to many fail after a year.
DIY is a little more expensive but if you have chosen the best parts you will have a superior fixture that is easily repairable. Some of our fixtures are going on 6 years without a problem. others have needed a simple driver replacement after 4 years.
Assuming a cheap ebay fixture is 1/2 the price or $199 with a warranty of only 1 year you can build a DIY Fixture that is twice as bright, lasts twice as long and is controllable for less than $400 add solderless connectors for $0.88 per LED and you have the flexibility to swap out LEDs.
I just spent over $300 on a few ORA Frags. By the time I'm done stocking my tank I will have thousands in corals and the time needed for them to grow.
The last thing I want to do is stress them out replacing a Cheap Import Fixture that failed after only a year. Sometimes "disposable" costs more...
Bill
I've evaluated a few different EBay Fixtures and they scare me. Power Supplies without UL Listing or even a part number.
The 3 watt LEDs are dated. The Latest Binned Cree XT-E can be 3 times brighter.
I'm actually surprised some people have these fixtures last over 18 months. I've seen way to many fail after a year.
DIY is a little more expensive but if you have chosen the best parts you will have a superior fixture that is easily repairable. Some of our fixtures are going on 6 years without a problem. others have needed a simple driver replacement after 4 years.
Assuming a cheap ebay fixture is 1/2 the price or $199 with a warranty of only 1 year you can build a DIY Fixture that is twice as bright, lasts twice as long and is controllable for less than $400 add solderless connectors for $0.88 per LED and you have the flexibility to swap out LEDs.
I just spent over $300 on a few ORA Frags. By the time I'm done stocking my tank I will have thousands in corals and the time needed for them to grow.
The last thing I want to do is stress them out replacing a Cheap Import Fixture that failed after only a year. Sometimes "disposable" costs more...
Bill
ReefLEDLights
Valuable Member
It depends.
For the Cree X there are 5 different intensity bins with the lowest almost 40% dimmer given the same current. There are also 28 different colour bins with some being rather yellowish.
I would go with the latest Cree 5 watt XT-E or 3 Watt XP-E2 you will notice the difference and the difference should be less than $.50 a LED given the Amazon ones are not counterfeit.
Bill
For the Cree X there are 5 different intensity bins with the lowest almost 40% dimmer given the same current. There are also 28 different colour bins with some being rather yellowish.
I would go with the latest Cree 5 watt XT-E or 3 Watt XP-E2 you will notice the difference and the difference should be less than $.50 a LED given the Amazon ones are not counterfeit.
Bill
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