DIY led

[Nemoose]

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I am kinda playing with the idea of a DIY led build. I have a 36" hood canopy shell that I stripped out. It is the right size for my 30 gallon reef. If I used 5 x 10w leds, 3 10K and 2 actinic would that be enough for SPS? My LFS sells them and all the hardware including individual heatsink/ fan combinations. Or I may get a long heat sink and install 2 fans in the ends of the canopy.

FEATURES:
DC Forward Voltage (VF) : 9-12V DC
DC Forward Current (IF) : 1000mA
Intensity Luminous: 800-900Lm
Viewing Angle: 140-160°

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[ReefLEDLights]

Nemoose

Its good to finally see LFSs finally getting on board with DIY LEDs

Whats the manufacturer of the LEDs?

Provided they put out the same Lumins per watt as the Cree XT-E you should be good.

Generally I like to see 25 5 watt LEDs (driven between 700 and 1000mA on a tank that size) with a peak photoperiod of 4 hours for sps.

Bill

 

[Nemoose]

He doesn't list the manufacturer, But ne is the link if you want to look
DIY LED's For Sale - Marine AquaticsAquarium Center

Let me know what you think. This is by far the best LS in our area.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Its hard to have an opinion without more facts. With whats available it looks like the Cree XT-E is more efficient as it puts out more lumins per watt.

As far as growth you really need a wavelength between 420-470nm the Cree Cool White has a nice 450nm spike and the Royal Blue is 450-455nm. Without seeing a spectral chart I cant say if they will grow corals better or worse.

The drivers are not enclosed like the Mean Well or Inventronics, you would have to be careful not to have them in a moist environment.

Have you seen how these LEDs look over coral?

Bill

 

[Nemoose]

No I haven't seen them in use yet. I am very knew to LED so I appreciate the advice. I have looked at some other DIY kits online. Just trying to decide if the savings is worth the trouble. Or would it just be better to buy a complete fixture.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

The Quality of completed fixtures vary greatly. I would avoid most 1 and 2watt Chinese fixtures.

If you DIY you can choose the best components. An AI is just 24 Cree XP-E LEDs. and a Radion is just 34 with an XM-L and a Red.

LMK if you see these on someones reef.

Bill

 

[kmaintl]

I agree that it would be nice if the LFS has one set installed of what they sell so potential buyers can get an idea of how they look over a reef/frag tank. Should be enough, but the color combo maybe too yellow depending on your preference.

 

[Bluewater04]

I would recommend some blue in there about the 450 NM range.

 

[Nemoose]

Ya they have them in 10L and blue