Im not really sure.

Im looking into building an arduino based controller to go with it. Once I have that figured out ill know what I can/cant do or use.

IF you're looking for idea's, check out my Jarduino build... I even have a bunch of LDD drivers kicking around, a few 4 driver boards, resistors etc. for the build.

I also tried sourcing stuff in Canada but came up empty handed. Only thing I was able to get was the aluminium u-channel for my light rails. Everything else was across the line. RapidLED also had the best prices I could find for quality. Just have to hit them on a sale to make up for our dollar.
Looking forward to their July 4th sale so I can get some more RB LEDS and LDD drivers.

I actually ended up sourcing almost all my components other than the LED's themselves directly from China. So far no complaints...

Well just as an update, I've managed to source everything I need. Not all from Canada.....mostly Ebay and China....free shipping and good prices for Cree LEDs, lenses, and potentiometers that Im going to use with Arduino. Drivers Im goona get from e sonic

I'll give a detailed list of exactly what and where with cdn prices once Im on a PC and not my phone haha.

And yes i know its ebay, going to get a few for testing before getting a whole set

Kind of the way it goes these days, not much manufactured in North America, so all you are doing when sourcing parts in country is paying the middle man. Granted, some of the local distributors will offer warranty, but often it's simply not worth the hassle for DIY stuff. Most of my LED build consists of parts sourced off shore. As long as you're not in a super great hurry, the majority of vendors on the auction site offer free shipping. You simply need to do some research, plan ahead & be patient.

I hear you. I can get the cree royal blue and neutral white leds on an ebay store from china for 44 bucks ish for 20 LEDs with free delivery.

Its hard to pay triple that amount here but you do possibly get warranty....i think ill take my chances.

Good thing is the LED fixture will be built and tested well before the tank even has water.


If anyone is interested I can post links to where im getting all the major components for this build.

So just as an update, I've made a couple changes and have started ordering some things:

20 Royal Blue LED Cree XT-E - Ebay $45
20 Natural W LED, Cree XP-g2 - Ebay $45
80degree lens - Ebay $16


Layout on C channel alu from Home Depot $30ish

W B W B W B W B W B W B W
B W B W B W BB W B W B W B
W B W B W B W B W B W B W

4 drivers Meanwell LDD-1000h - esonic $23
1 power supply meanwell se-350-48 - esonic $53
Plus $10 for shipping


Mounting board for LDD Drivers - RapidLED $15 USD

The controller is either going to be 1 of the following 2

Coralux Storm controller + some leads and box - Rapid LED $87 USD
or
Jarduino style build with custom programing for $70 USD

I'm wondering where did you get your arduino mega board from?

seem to be only able to find knockoff boards