Author Topic: LED Build Started (Read 4439 times)

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **on:** October 28, 2010, 21:24:40 »

Hi all,

I started the process of building my LED lights. I have a 72 Gal Bowfront. The first thing I have done is thought long and hard about about how to get light evenly across the whole tank, so I machined my heatsinks myself within 3 inches of all the sides. Also, I left 2 fins thicker so I could drill and tap to mount a fan up off in the center. Next I have to decide on the LED choice XPG and XRE or all XRE. Also, thought that having the lights on a Roller system inside the canpoy to push them back when I need to get to the inside front part of the tank.

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2010, 21:30:48 »

I uploaded the pics they went somewhere.

lazylivin · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2010, 21:49:49 »

When you upload the pictures they go here http://profile.imageshack.us/user/worcreef/
After opening the page you can click on your user name on the right hand pane

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2010, 23:02:48 »

Here are the pics.

HUNGER · « **Reply #4 on:** October 29, 2010, 08:12:46 »

i want that machine

lazylivin · « **Reply #5 on:** October 29, 2010, 08:59:00 »

Yeah that would look really nice in my garage

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #6 on:** October 29, 2010, 10:26:01 »

yes I wish I owned one too, you can get a lot for .5 mil. Its nice to have accsess to these toys!

HUNGER · « **Reply #7 on:** October 29, 2010, 17:14:28 »

i bet it is

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2010, 17:26:20 »

Is there any chance I can come see someones LED lights this weekend? Im not sure what color I like, more blue or white.

CoralBeauties · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2010, 20:47:56 »

man i love the custom heatsinks!!! How much did the alum. cost to do it?
jeff

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #10 on:** November 26, 2010, 21:59:47 »

Jeff- Sorry I must have missed the post.... The AL was donated.

I made a little progress I got the canopy support completed. I went with 3/16 think AL and it came out really strudy.
Chris

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #11 on:** November 26, 2010, 22:04:09 »

I got all the wiring complete. Burnt the S*#t out of my finger!!!

Time to fire them up tomarrow.

HUNGER · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2010, 11:28:26 »

looks good but id take the car in the back ground

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #13 on:** December 28, 2010, 23:53:32 »

I got all my lenses in and mounted them. Then mounted it to the structure over the tank. Also built the remote control to dial the color in. Added fans and away we go, they make a really big difference.

lazylivin · « **Reply #14 on:** December 29, 2010, 00:05:17 »

Those look really nice although we need a video to get full effect

discus513 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 29, 2010, 03:44:19 »

That looks awesome, when you are ready to start selling them let me know, i would llove to go with LEDs on my 20g im just not that GOOD

HUNGER · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2010, 08:15:42 »

looks good now give it 5 years and lets see how good leds realy are

Learning_The_Hard_Way · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2010, 10:35:20 »

I will work on a video.

I can build you lights no problem. They are not cheap.

Yes time will tell on the LEDs and growth, I have the tank chocked full of SPS now so its on.

I tell you the ability to control each color via a dimmer and the shimmer you get is unreal I prefer this over any light source I have seen to date. I really like it

discus513 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2010, 12:28:41 »

im on a fish budget

how much would a 24'' fixture run? I have a baby on the way

so my old lady keeps an eye on my spending. i guess that is a good thing!

CoralBeauties · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2010, 18:10:28 »

really depends on how many leds you want for the light? Parts alone would probably in the 300-400 range. I know Ouch, but it will pay for itself over the years with no bulb replacements and electricity savings.
Jeff

kattz · « **Reply #20 on:** December 29, 2010, 23:18:29 »

Using 80 3W Cree LEDs for a 90g tank, my build including the extrusion for the canopy is coming in at around $1K.

discus513 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2010, 05:53:14 »

it looks like it would be worth the money, but i am not sure it would be worth the battle

looks like ill have to hold off a few years, Thanks

kattz · « **Reply #22 on:** December 30, 2010, 09:13:57 »

depends on your energy bill. mine will pay for itself in about 22 months

2024 Ohio Reef Frag Swap

Author Topic: LED Build Started (Read 4439 times)