Hi all, I'm going to start a DIY project to build a LED light using 3 watt bulb + optics. Found that taobao selling this kit and looks not bad, includes heat sink casing, stand, and acrylic cover. The same seller has bulbs, drivers and other accessories as well.
I was thinking to buy CREE LED from deal extreme before that, but now might just buy cheaper bulb first to try out my workmanship. If it's not satisfactory, i can still buy CREE to replace in future, and reuse the heat sink.
http://h5.m.taobao.com/awp/core/deta...34&toSite=main
My current plan is to build 19pcs of 3w LED arrange in 3 rows, with 60 degree optics, 57 watt. My tank depth is about 60cm, and I'm going to place the light right on the rim to minimize stray lights.
6500K LED - 10 pcs
10000K LED - 6pcs
Red LED - 3pcs
Any advice or comment ? Especially the color temperature and qty?
Looks good. .. what is your total damage to the wallet like?
I haven't placeorder yet. If i use everything from this seller, including bulbs and driver, around $60 + shipping $20, total estimated $80. About half the cost of a new Green Element Evo 2ft. Worth trying for me. There are also simpler and cheaper heat sink casing.
Reason i choose 10000K LED also because i see Evo using many.
One potential problem is the rate of degradation of the LED.
Sent from my HM 1S using Tapatalk
I don't think $80 is worth it considering you can get very good ready made LED with that amount of money, unless you felt Satisfaction derived from DIY is what you are looking for.
I bought my green element 2ft 2nd hand at $50...
Thanks for bro fireblade and realcaster reply. $50 for a second hand green element is a good deal! I probably wouldn't DIY if manage to find one...$80 wouldn't be able to get a brand new one, right ？
On the other hand, i do enjoy DIY..😜 i just did a DIY surface skimmer using power head.
How about the color temperature ？
Sent from my HM 1S using Tapatalk
DIY is fun...
if price is cheaper by half, then is worth to DIY.. unless can get cheaper supply on the LEDs and driver, else not very worth.
I am not very sure about the colour temperature, looks white to me not yellowish. and best of all my MC is creeping and not growing tall..
can check out the progress here
Ok, so i found another smaller heat sink and total cost will be $30, exclude shipping. It will be able to fit 10pcs 3 Watt LED...hope that it's enough light. I have proceed to buy it and will share the outcome when done. Just another option for those that like to DIY.
Sent from my HM 1S using Tapatalk
So, i have completed the DIY light with the parts from taobao, using 12x 3Watt LED on a casing. It's very bright and able to penetrate to the bottom of my tank, but need to monitor the result. If it is ok, going to replace my existing flood light. If anyone want to try, i would recommend not to use the stripe base, use the star shape instead, easier to custom the LED location. Besides, no optic lens required.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks