Guidance on my LED build

[mcghee33]

I am getting ready to build an led fixture for my 75 gallon reef tank. I decided to go with 72 bridgelux due to the crazy mark up on Crees. But what I cannot decide on is whether I want to just go 48 blue and 24 whites? Or if I want to mix in some uv or even green LEDs? Can any of you who have led fixtures or even better knowledge of LEDs let me know what their experience has been like with or without uv or different colored LEDs on their set up? I understand that green certainly will only help with the look of certain pigments in corals but doesn't aid at all in growth and that uv can help a little but I am just not sure if it is worth it.

 

[mcghee33]

I should point out that when I say blues I mean royal blues

 

[Steelerfan747]

I do not have experience with diy leds but most fixtures that are limited to blue and white still have regular blues as well as royals. The good thing with diy is you can make it any way you like. I would go with reds, greens and uv. JMO

 

[cparka23]

Edit: Nevermind. I found the answer to my own question. Carry on.

 

[Ace25]

The 48/24 ratio sounds good, but I would mix up the LEDs some. On the 48 LED side, I would put in 12x 420nm Violet, 4x Regular Blue, and the remaining 32 Royal Blue. On the 24 side, I would put in at least 6 warm whites, and whatever else you wanted to add color wise (personal preference on cyan/green/reds).

 

[mainereefer]

I did my diy last year on my led, wish I would have waited
there are some nice quality fixtures for not much more than a diy

check this out reefbreeders

 

[mcghee33]

Marine reefer
How is the quality with those Chinese led fixtures? I am interested in them but worried that they will not last very long. And if something breaks on those you re kind of SOL. But at least with a DIY you can fix everything if it breaks. But don't get me wrong I see the value in not going through the pain of putting this DIY kit together. I'm just scared about how long the fixture will last

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Marine reefer
How is the quality with those Chinese led fixtures? I am interested in them but worried that they will not last very long. And if something breaks on those you re kind of SOL. But at least with a DIY you can fix everything if it breaks. But don't get me wrong I see the value in not going through the pain of putting this DIY kit together. I'm just scared about how long the fixture will last

They will last several years,4-6+ and we do all repairs in the US. The fixture comes with a 2 year warranty.

 

[Singlefin]

I am in the middle of building my light for a 40b. I got everything from ledgroupbuy.com. There's a new makersLed Heatsink. I'm doing a combination of Cree 3-ups and OCW's and a few true violet. The 3-ups are 2 RB and one NW on one disk and the OCW (ocean coral white) are turquoise, deep red and blue (I think) on one disk also. The closer the leds are together the less disco effect you get.

Part of me is salty...,

 

[Singlefin]

Ocean coral white is supposed to make your colors pop and is a supplement for royal blue/ natural white setups. The colors mixed together look white or something.


Part of me is salty...,

 

[ReefLEDLights]

I am getting ready to build an led fixture for my 75 gallon reef tank. I decided to go with 72 bridgelux due to the crazy mark up on Crees. But what I cannot decide on is whether I want to just go 48 blue and 24 whites? Or if I want to mix in some uv or even green LEDs? Can any of you who have led fixtures or even better knowledge of LEDs let me know what their experience has been like with or without uv or different colored LEDs on their set up? I understand that green certainly will only help with the look of certain pigments in corals but doesn't aid at all in growth and that uv can help a little but I am just not sure if it is worth it.

mcghee33

I have to disagree

There is no crazy markup in Cree LEDs

The Cree XT-E is much brighter compared to the Bridgelux when driven at 700mA and they can they be pushed to 1500mA.

If you run the numbers at $.26 KWH they are cheaper after a couple of years.

Bottom line is you pay for what you get. LEDs are like memory chips they only get better and cheaper.

The Bins of the LEDs really matter for best colour pop.

IMHO the best bang for the buck is the Cree XT-E in bin D35/36. This in my tank was worth the upgrade.

I have to admit admit I'm a DIY guy but for a reason as a comparable fixture today is at least 1/3 to 1/2 more expensive as they have to secure patents, UL, CE, listing ect...

A DIY fixture can use those same parts and be 9-18 months ahead of your quality fixture.

As far as those Chinese fixtures their quality is much to be desired and I will leave it at that.

Lots of homework involved in the best DIY but the results are worth it.

Bill

 

[Singlefin]

Agreed. You get what you pay for. I hear the colors in the cheaper LEDs aren't as good.


Part of me is salty...,

 

[mcghee33]

Reefledlights
Can you explain to me how 48 Cree LEDs for 365 dollars is better than 72 bridgelux LEDs for 190 dollars? I understand that the Crees can be driven to output more light but I still find it hard to believe that Crees will provide more color and par to my corals than bridgelux considering I can but double the amount of LEDs for nearly half the cost. Yes the Crees will be a little more efficient but not enought for me to justify the upfront cost.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Reefledlights
Can you explain to me how 48 Cree LEDs for 365 dollars is better than 72 bridgelux LEDs for 190 dollars? I understand that the Crees can be driven to output more light but I still find it hard to believe that Crees will provide more color and par to my corals than bridgelux considering I can but double the amount of LEDs for nearly half the cost. Yes the Crees will be a little more efficient but not enought for me to justify the upfront cost.

$365 seems a little high for 48 Cree LEDs unless thats for a complete kit.

The following prices are from several online vendors:

The Cree XT-E sells for $3.40 or $163 for 48, the XP-G sells for $4.5 or $216 for 48, the Bridgelux sells for $2.3 or $165 for 72.

Given that the standard non dimmable LED driver can drive 12 LEDs you would need two extra drivers or an additional $36. Dont forget an additional 24 optics.

This makes 72 BridgeLux more expensive than 48 Cree XT-E or XP-G.

If you compare the efficiency the Cree puts out about 112-125 Lumins per watt were the Bridgelux puts out 70-80. Electricity rates are only going up and the main reason to go LED other than looks is to save electricity.

The life of the Cree is 50,000 hours. I have not found any data on the life of the BirdgeLux but do know that its design is less efficient than the Cree XT-E and it produces more heat.

The BridgeLux is a good LED and compared to other LEDs on the market it holds its own, but personally I feel the Cree is a better overall value when all the facts are considered.

Bill

 

[mcghee33]

I agree with everything you said but those prices I quoted were for complete sets. I can get a complete set of bridgelux with drivers, optics, wire, and apoxy for 190 dollars. That's why I cannot find a good reason to get the Crees and get less LEDs for more money when you are talking around 365 for a complete set of 48 Crees. I would love to buy American and get the Crees but financially it just doesn't make sense.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Are they 1 watt or 3 watt LEDs and what type of drivers.

One our local reefers did a Bridgelux kit and had to add some XT-E Royal Blue and XP-G Cool White to up the PAR. If you can wait 3-5 years the Cree will pay for themselves.

Bill

 

[mcghee33]

They will be 3 watt LEDs driven by 2 MeanWell LPF-90D-48 wired in paralell.