Nano LED Build - Write-up with pics

[martinmcnally]

That was for a little tiny tank and it was probably overkill but with the dimmer it can always be turned down. I believe it was for a 6x6x12 tank and the cost was approximately $150 but that setup could easily be put on a larger tank.

For 20x20x20 I would recommend you go with two 6x12 heatsinks side by side. That gives you one square foot heatsink which would be perfect for that size. My little formula suggests around 25 individual LEDs for that size of tank so 13 of our boards.

Heatsinks would be $60, LEDs $130, connectors approx $10, glue $10, optional lenses $26

You would then either choose a dimmable or non dimmable driver. With the dimmable you then need the approx $50 dim kit.

So its going to be around $230 plus driver (and optional dimmer). If you want I could put together a more accurate quote over email.

Actually we do have the 24 LED kit on the website with a discount on there total price is $220, you just add the heatsink (or build your own).

Martin

[smokinreefer]

thanks for the info.

apologies if this is a thread hijack...

so after a kit is assembled, how would you mount it over a tank?
are there mounting legs? hanging kit?

thanks again.
if this is too off topic, please feel free to PM or email me.

[martinmcnally]

You would have to build a simple enclosure or acrylic shield from Rona or Home Depot. Then you can get a mounting kit from JL Aquatics to hang it. Lots of people remove T5 and reflectors from an existing hood and retrofit.

I have a bunch of pictures of hoods that some people built if you need some ideas.

[phi delt reefer]

fyi - Reef Central removed the thread because you are not a RC sponser.

welcome to capitalist america - hope your journey is pleasent one!


awesome documentation on the build. Martin well done on the kit - i think more people will get into DIY leds now that your kit is on the market.

keep up the good work...

a true violet/royal blue module would be awesome for supplementing if you ever look into expanding!

[martinmcnally]

We actually have that exact one haha, 2 Royal Blue LEDs on one board. It just doesnt show in that picture of the LEDs running because they blind the camera. It really makes the coral pop right out of the tank. The colors are amazing.

Actually for the last few days i've had a problem with an older soldered LED fixture so only my Royal Blues have been working. I am amazed at how the corals have responded in a few days. Just running the Royal Blues seems to have given them a growth spurt. I am guessing it wont last forever and they will start missing the white but maybe all the talk about cloudy days and storms actually does give them a bit of a break from the high intensity light and let them expand a little.

Martin

Originally Posted by phi delt reefer

fyi - Reef Central removed the thread because you are not a RC sponser.

welcome to capitalist america - hope your journey is pleasent one!


awesome documentation on the build. Martin well done on the kit - i think more people will get into DIY leds now that your kit is on the market.

keep up the good work...

a true violet/royal blue module would be awesome for supplementing if you ever look into expanding!

[phi delt reefer]

royal blue 455nm and true violet (aka actinic) 420nm

[martinmcnally]

Was just looking at the Cree website there and unfortunately 450nm the ones we have are the lowest wavelength they produce I wonder if they will try to bring out lower range colors just for reefs. My guess is I doubt it.

Martin