Seth's DIY Cree XM-L LED build

[Seth81]

Well I guess I will never be doing that again! For other people who try the DIY LED experience, make sure you have a splash guard!!

Also from my experience, I would have spent less just buying off the shelf solution.

[byee]

Originally Posted by Seth81

Also from my experience, I would have spent less just buying off the shelf solution.

Where's the fun in that??!

Like yourself, I also started to build my own LED fixture but decided against it the light spectrum is crucial. My buddy also built his own to replace his MH lights which resulted with him losing lots of his corals in his 220g tank. Unfortunately, he sold his MH to finance his LED build.

I also built 3 x Arduino based controllers based on the - UK, RC x 2) before I decided enough was enough and purchased a Neptune. Spent hundreds & hundreds of dollars never mind the countless hours of tinkering with the controller. All I have to show for it multiple Aurduinos, TFT touch screens and add-ons.

Need to consider your time and prototyping costs vs buying off the shelf. Regardless, you've gained a wealth of information building the LED fixture which you can brag about to your friends and fellow canreefers.

[mike31154]

I have no regrets building my unit. Still going strong almost 4 years now. April will be the anniversary. I kept it simpler than most with only basic controls & used 10 watt multi-chip LEDs as opposed to single 3 watt jobs. Sure there was some trial & error, a few boo boos, but all in all consider it money well spent in my case. If I were to do it again, I may try fewer, larger multi-chips that are now available. Commercial fixtures were much more costly when I started my build & the selection was nowhere near what is out there today. If something breaks on mine, I can fix it, don't have to wait on a vendor or manufacturer.

[daplatapus]

I also have no regrets building mine. As frustrating as the learning curve was, I had an absolute blast in the building process and am VERY pleased with the final result. But it is NOT a process I would recommend for anyone.