My LED Project

Brandon5555 · #1 12-06-2011, 06:25 PM

So, instead of devastating my savings account on an ecotech radion, i've decided to build a DIY LED set up. Does any body have any ideas for a housing? and Im going to have about 24 bulbs over a 40 gallon breeder. 2 watt cree, or 3 watt? It will be for sps.

tang daddy · #2 12-06-2011, 08:27 PM

I recently built a DIY fixture with 3w crees from rapid led.

I ordered the heatsinks from heatsink USA, for a 40g breeder I am assuming it's 3ft long. You will need a heatsink of 10"x30" at a minimum so that its not dark at the ends. If you have a canopy it's easy enough to mount the heatsinks in it using aircraft cables. I would also use 36leds as 24is too little for an sps tank.

You will also need a solder gun and tester to test LEDs and driver when hooking it up, also a controller if you decide to have it do sunrise and sunsets.

You're looking at about $500-600 all said and done maybe alittle more.

Do some proper research before jumping on it and good luck!

Nano · #3 12-06-2011, 08:53 PM

nice this is a thread I can read! I am interested in doing leds on my next tank as well and 3w crees were one of my picks along with modulars. I will be watching your progress!

molotov · #4 12-06-2011, 08:59 PM

I too would recommend Modular LED. I like what he's done by using the boards and eliminating the need for soldering your led's together. I was thinking of building a fixture but will have to wait because my tank hasn't yet been delivered.

I was originally going to use the AI mounting rails.
http://www.modularled.ca/ai-sol-mounting-rails/

However I was recently at Rona and they had different lengths of Aluminum that were "L" shaped that would have worked perfect for mounting the heatsinks. The finish on the aluminum strips are quite nice and would match the heatsinks perfectly. It would almost look like they were made for each other and wouldn't look something like a frankenbuild. The heatsinks would be exposed but wouldn't look much different than how the AI SOL's mounted. Just a thought you might want to consider.

phi delt reefer · #5 12-06-2011, 08:59 PM

speak with milad at ledgroupbuy.

he has some new colors in and the kids on canreef are doing some neat stuff with color blending.

philg3 · #6 12-06-2011, 09:13 PM

Hey Chris,

What combo LED colors did you end up going with. When i bought your halide pendants you were talking about how the Royal Blues were too "Disco-Raveish".

mseepman · #7 12-06-2011, 09:18 PM

I would look into the 24 bulb premium dimmable solderless kit from reefledlights. Pricing is good and after using bjb connectors, I'm loath to ever have to solder again. I wouldn't use heatsinks as they cost a fortune to get here in Canada...I'm using just good sized u-channel and you can customize how that will look for you for cheap.

ponokareefer · #8 12-06-2011, 10:02 PM

Here is a link to my recent build through modularled.ca.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...hlight=125+led

Super easy to deal with and great price. Plus, he is pretty close to you as he is out of Red Deer. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me as I just finished this build.

I went with 38 LED's over a 125 gallon using the new 3 watt Cree HEW's for white's, so I think 24 should be lots if you use the same HEW's.

Reefer Rob · #9 12-06-2011, 10:03 PM

Hey Tang Daddy, did you get you're LEDs hooked up over you're tank yet? I've had mine going for almost a week. Yee-ha, colors on steroids, hopefully the corals grow well.

toytech · #10 12-07-2011, 03:43 AM

Aquastyleled.com is also an option if your not set on crees or your like me and poor. I got 2 of the 24led kits and am very happy