LEDS SYSTEM BULID

[SENILE1]

I've bee researching LEDS Lighting Systems for a few months.. I'm not happy with what i see. Too expensive and not made well . So i decided to build my own.. Tanks is 160 Gallons.. Building 3 Separate LEDS .. Parts list will follow with Pics and detailed instructions for buildout..
Using 24 lights 12 White (107)lumen's 12 Blue 470NM Dimmable Controller.
Stayed tuned should be interesting..

 

[mikem]

I can't wait for the results. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ricwilli]

Welcome to NJRC.
I also can't wait for the build. Will the LED's be your main lighting? How big is your tank?

 

[Nickjr000]

I'll be watchin 8)

 

[gogol]

I have been really looking intently at the option of lighting my tank with LED. If not the MH, I intend to use them for VHO T5 supplements. If a bunch of us like Senile1's design and the PAR values, could we do a group work shop under his tutelage (given that he is OK with it) to create our own LED light arrays? That will really be cool.
Perhaps we can dedicate a month's meeting for the cause.

Thanks a lot Senile1 for sharing your experience.

 

[SENILE1]

The Logic

Build for a 160 Gal tank
Each array will be 8.5 x 12 inches heatsink.
Reason for using heatsink is to reduce the heat produced by the LEDS.
Each array will have 4 rows with six leds white,blue, etc.
In each array has 2 sets of 12 Leds will be wired in series e.g. just like a alarm system controlable pot 2 of them to adjust the light output. Yes i know when one LED goes out they all do.
Each LED burns 3 watts total wattage is 72 watts at 100%
One fan for each array to reduce heat even more.
Less heat means more life for the LEDS and operate more efficiently.
Also using Optic Lens probably 40 degrees not sure yet.
This will increase the light into the tank by 30 %. Not using lens wasting light thru the sides of the tank.
Remember LEDS will last 10 years in ideal conditions.
Using either thermal tape or thermal glue probably tape glue last forever for replacing leds when they burn out.
The benefits
No changing bulbs MD T5S about $100 to $150 a year over 10 years that $1000 to $1500
Lowering electric bill by about 50% maybe even more depending on what you are using .
Less carbon footprint.
Also using 2 royal blue for moonlighting on a controlable pot.
Each array will have a one control for up to 3 arrays .

PARTS LIST FOR EACH ARRAY APPROX COST $300.00

12 COOL WHITE CREE XRE
12 ROYAL BLUE CREE XRE
2 700 MA MEANS WELL 35-70 CONTROL POT
24 LENS 40 DEGREE NOT SURE YET
2 POWER CORDS
1 CAN DRIPPING PLASTIC USED FOR COATING TOOLS CONECTIONS SOLDERED AND COATED IN PLASTIC
8 PCS OF SHRINK TUBING PIPE
1 HEATSINK 8.5 X 12 INCHES

WILL ALSO NEED
WIRE FOR LEDS 16 OR 22 GAUGE IS JUST FINE 4 FEET
WIRE STRIPPERS
SOLDER GUN AND SOLDER

FOR MOONLIGHTS
2 ROYAL BLUE LEDS CREE XRE
1 700 MA MEANS WELLS 35-70 CONTROL POT

THESE ARE ONLY GUIDELINES IAM USING WILL MAKE FINALIZE PARTS LIST SOON.
As with all electric work be carefull !!!
You are on your own and will not be held responsible if someone gets hurt.
As soon as i start the project PICS and details will be posted.

 

[vangvace]

A couple of comments/suggestions:

40 degree optics will give you close to 250 MH light output when the Crees are ran at 1000mA, 60 degree optics are ~ equal to a 150W MH.

Consider upgrading to 1000mA drivers for the whites. I couldn't find the specs for the meanwell pots you listed though so they may do that already.

Thermal paste would give you better heat transfer to the heatsink than tape/glue, but then you would need a tap/die set and screws. The led's are also more secure imo that way as well.

What are the dimensions of the 160g?

I found this writeup while surfing on n-r. http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=188686 It sounds really similar to your build plans and might be of use. There are PAR readings inside without the poster using optics as well.

When is the open house so we can come over and want our own LED setup?

 

[gogol]

Is there anyway you would be able to measure the PAR reading when this is done? Keeping a close tab on proceedings ...

 

[SENILE1]

Update.. I may be using a circuit board for the LEDS.
Also may be changing to different setup for the wiring more work then in series.. Reason if one light goes out the whole string does not.. But then you have the issue with the leds glued down.

 

[rafal07013]

can you post cost of the set up with each part? I want to compare how much would DIY work versus the one I am getting. just curious to compare costs.

 

[bayondai]

Can't wait to see the pics.

 

[vangvace]

can you post cost of the set up with each part? I want to compare how much would DIY work versus the one I am getting. just curious to compare costs.

If I'm doing the math right, he is looking at $900-1000 for his build.

 

[gogol]

Wingo's, (Manhattan Reef) controllable LED light fixture costs somewhere around the same. I had a conversation with him last Friday. Some fellow reefers seem to approve of his lights at Macna.

I am never going to spend that much amount of money on a single fixture, especially if it has very little precedence of working as promised. That's the reason I think LED tubes are a better idea. You gamble with about one-third of the money, if you want to go piecemeal. Seems like a much more sensible approach at testing waters.

 

[premilove]

anyone have a pic of LEDs on a tank comparable to metal halides?

 

[vangvace]

Wingo's, (Manhattan Reef) controllable LED light fixture costs somewhere around the same. I had a conversation with him last Friday. Some fellow reefers seem to approve of his lights at Macna.

I am never going to spend that much amount of money on a single fixture, especially if it has very little precedence of working as promised. That's the reason I think LED tubes are a better idea. You gamble with about one-third of the money, if you want to go piecemeal. Seems like a much more sensible approach at testing waters.

The problem with the LED tubes though is the use of 5mm LEDs, even though there are tons of them. No penetration, and considerably less life than they are stating, and in comparison to high power LEDs. The average high intensity 5mm LED will last 10000 hours before being noticeably dimmer. Also, if they are multi-chip LEDs, they do produce a little heat. Combine that into a sealed tube with no airflow, and that spells a short life. They look great, and I'm sure they look bright, but they don't have the oomph to get the job done. Quantity does not overcome poor individual performance.

Right now I'm looking at supplementing with LEDs.

 

[gogol]

I dont think Wingo uses 5mm. I am expecting a mail from him soon, and could let you know of the different options. I am also looking to supplement with LEDs. But I might consdering supplementing the T5 and not Halide.

I have to say, that things might grow fine under T5, but halides cause polyp extensions like T5 never can. I witness that everytime my light switches over from T5 to halide. I am not overdriving my T5s though, and I dont have inividual reflectors on them.

 

[rkaiser]

anyone have a pic of LEDs on a tank comparable to metal halides?

Here is a pic from the nano tank section. 28g nano with LEDs replacing the single HQI fixture. It's especially nice to go LED since the HQI in this fixture is 150w and heats up the tank due to its compact size.

 

[SENILE1]

Re: LEDS SYSTEM BULID TAKE 2

Hi all been away for some time... Anyway iam just starting the build.. I made the frame with 1" angle aluminum sent $10.00 for 8' lenghts.
Cut them to size tap and screwed together and locked washer and covered with liquid plastic...


Will keep you updated

 

[Olivier]

have anyone look into Luxeon LED? It made by Phillips. They have 1W and 3W LED and can be driven from 1A and 1.5A. Each LED cost about $10/per. with one set of LED (1W) cost about $15 (LED+focusing lens+lens holder) and lifetime of the LED is 100000 hours.
I made a LED light for this in my garage with 1A driver (6 drivers total)and the total cost is $1,500

 

[vangvace]

have anyone look into Luxeon LED? It made by Phillips. They have 1W and 3W LED and can be driven from 1A and 1.5A. Each LED cost about $10/per. with one set of LED (1W) cost about $15 (LED+focusing lens+lens holder) and lifetime of the LED is 100000 hours.
I made a LED light for this in my garage with 1A driver (6 drivers total)and the total cost is $1,500

If you are going Luxeon, the K2, K2 TFFC and Rebels are the LEDs that you should focus on. Though the Rebels are a bit more work to soider with how they are designed. All Luxeon LEDs are available in multiple colors to suit the needs of you application. Most of the time you will be focusing on cool white, blue, and royal blue.