Does anyone have these LEDs? (w/ PIC)

[GoFish]

I purchased 2 Globe LED PAR38 17W flood lights on sale (reg $52) paid $26.Id like to use it for my display tank hanging from the ceiling. Inspired by the Kessil pendants (which i don't like the output colors of)

The lights come with 12 soldered in leds (2-tabs) of which are all 3000k Soft White, and all must be replaced with different colors...

To be honest i don't even know if these exist, if they do, i would much prefer to purchase them locally if possible.

LEDs measure 5mm x 5mm
Actinic, royal blue, higher K whites, maybe cyan or red etc...

I know how to solder, i can afford to purchase quality LED replacements if available or even a new lighting system if this project just isn't possible. But i enjoy doing things myself and learning in the process. If anyone can help in the matter I'd greatly appreciate it!

http://imageshack.us/a/img716/6665/img2013042400093.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img32/221/img2013042400094.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img812/8236/img2013042400092.jpg

[mike31154]

I'd advise against trying to change out the LEDs on this bulb. Without knowing the detailed specs on the driver circuit & LEDs in there now, your chance of getting it wrong is probably not worth it. Different colour LEDs often work on slightly different forward voltages (Vf) and the lamp you have are all a single colour. Who knows how they are wired up, how many in series, parallel etc.

You're better off using these bulbs around the house or maybe over a refugium where the warm colour will help grow algae.

[GoFish]

Thanks for the advice Mike, I guess there may be hot spots on lower rated LEDs leading to possible or frequent led failure?!
Only assuming as I'm not electronics whiz that seeing as how there only 2 wires leading to the array (+/-) and there is only one dimmable driver (also assuming) that they are connected in parallel and as long as the leds are re n re'd in the same led orientation (+/-) that this would be hard to mess up?!

You are right about the algae! In the meantime for the past 2 weeks I have been using 1 of these over my refugium (minus the clouded lens cover) and has been growing algae at a slow and steady pace.

If I make any mods to the light in the future, I'll update this thread

This project is on hold, perhaps indefinitely

[mike31154]

Actually, since you were willing to solder different LEDs in place of the existing ones & risking wrecking the bulb, there might be another way for you to change up the colour. The existing LEDs look to have a phosphor coating which gives them the 3000K colour temperature. I recall reading that it may be possible to carefully remove/lift the phosphor from the LED. You may well find that under the phosphor is a LED that produces blue light. Still a risk though & no guarantee.

[mike31154]

A couple of links regarding the use of phosphors to create white light using a blue or royal blue LED.

http://www.mikewoodconsulting.com/articles/Protocol%20Winter%202011%20-%20White%20LEDs.pdf

http://www.extremetech.com/electronics/134981-how-a-philips-light-bulb-uses-blue-leds-to-produce-white-light