DIY LEDs

[ReefCheif]

Does anyone do DIY LEDs? Im interested in having something built to light my 180gallon mixed reef. Ive played around a little bit with them but I always seem to mess something up when wiring in resistors and such.

 

[cdrewferd]

I can build it if you buy all the supplies. Won't be quick as I don't have a ton of extra time, but I'll do it for a nice frag.


Drew

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ReefCheif]

I can do that. Any suggestions on where to get the LEDs, resistors and boards from? I suually just search Ebay, and maybe thats been my issue, LOL. Any suggestions on what size / sizes we would need, LED types and counts?

 

[cdrewferd]

The biggest thing that YOU have to decide is if you want to do Bridgelux, Epistar or CREE. This will determine how many you need. You could also look into the multi chip LEDs that are 10w, 20w, 50w, and 100w. These work well but require a bit more planning. There is a huge multi chip thread on Reef Central that would be worth looking at.


Drew

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ReefCheif]

Thanks Drew, ill take a look.

 

[lpsouth1978@msn.com]

Let me know if you have any questions or need any advice. I have done builds using Cree, Epistar, Bridgelux, and 50W multichips. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. I would be happy to help in any way possible.

 

[lpsouth1978@msn.com]

Also, checkout RapidLED.com for the cree LED's, Aquastyleonline.com for the Bridgelux LED's, and SatisLED.com for Epistar LED's. These are all sources that I have used and have had great luck with.

 

[ReefCheif]

Do you have any specific reccomendation of one over the other?

 

[lpsouth1978@msn.com]

I LOVE the Cree's, but they are much more expensive and I have had GREAT success with the bridgelux LED's. If I was doing a build for one of my tanks, I would definitely go with the Aquastyleonline.com kits. Just be sure that you get the Meanwell drivers and not the Maxwellen ones they sell.

 

[cdrewferd]

Bridgelux are the cheapest, but you'll need the most. Epistar are right there with CREE in my opinion. Stevesleds.com also has some good prices on the Epistars.

Unfortunately there is no 1 size fits all when it comes to DIY LEDs. You really have to do as much reading as you can, Reef Central has a lot of great threads, and then make your own decision.


Drew

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ReefCheif]

Sounds like ive got my work cut out for me. Let me ask this. Is there any benefit cist wise to build tgese my self as opposed to buying them pre fab.

 

[cdrewferd]

Yea, bang for your buck, can't beat the aquastyleonline.com kits. I believe they have a 120 LED kit and then 1 bigger. You could always do 2 120 kits for around $400 I believe.


Drew

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk