can you beat this with a diy??

[bioload]

Originally Posted by nrosdal

....not much in the way of replys from DIYers.. am i correct in assuming that you can't build a decent led for a 48x24x24 tank for any cheaper?

The rule of thumb I use regarding cost, is the price of a comparable. I don’t mind spending up to the price of a similar unit for a build. Cost savings isn’t my primary focus when it comes to DIY, but rather an added bonus if it should work out that way.

My primary goal is putting together a unit that has all the features that I'm looking for that may not necessarily be available in an off the shelf solution, and the satisfaction of doing it myself.

After a quick search lets start with these items:



http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Aluminum-Circ...item3371e3867b



http://www.ebay.ca/itm/FREE-SH-BULK-...item4d01319317

This would bring you to $100 so far for a comparable unit. You would then need to add in the drivers, lets go with 4 x Mean Well ELN-60-48D dimmable driver:



Bringing a quick total to $260

These seen to match nicely with the LED PCB:



http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Computer-PC-V...item19cd56201d

So we're at ~$300 with the housing, and a few odds and ends remaining........excluding time, tools, mistakes, and modifications. If ones main focus for a DIY is cost savings I would almost always recommend going with the off the shelf solution when build quality and aesthetics are taken into consideration.

.....are these units CSA approved?