LED lighting

[Blue Whale]

if I remember correctly, one of the bro from AQ I think its bro Taz is DIYing his own LEDs light set, maybe can try contacting him

Hmm...appreciate. But in I.T. line we usually try first. Wilfred, one of our newer forumer who just joined AQ have advised me to look into how to calculate wattage based on current. I don't exactly get what does that means since I have no background, but I will do some research first. ^__^ at least give it a try first.

I believe this lighting thingy will be my next month project and Trinity system should be able to complete within the week. Haven't come up with a name yet. hee.

I want light and experience. Not just light alone ^^

[silverphoenix]

3W LEDs are best, but will require a heat sink.

1W LEDs are good enough for most tank sizes, unless your tank is deeper than usual.

Thanks for all the input guys, I have to check out DE Lightings. Do they have a showroom with display tanks using their lighting systems?

[Blue Whale]

>"< Yes will bear in mind the 3W LED thingy.

http://www.delightings.com/ <- Looks like a showroom.
Current viable contact: [email protected]

I almost fall off the chair when I do snooping....the owner lives in Woodlands Drv. 73 ^^" can't tell you the address since it's private. But I can tell you, you could address to Razali.

[eddy planer]

I thinking of DIY LED light , too

Planning to save up at least SGD280 for my 6ft palu and new 5 or 6ft tall x 3x2 palu tank project upcoming...maybe in April. Do you know ..the total wattage for DIY LED for my 2 palu will be less than 70w.

I 'll upload more design plan of my DIY LED light.

[Blue Whale]

Yo Eddy,

Few places you can goto and see.
- SimLimTower. (SLT)
- HomeFix
- Zender
All searachable via web and not too small shops. Last visit to SLT, I almost forget the time with those toys around. End up spending more than $100 including my Solar Test kits...lol.

[BFG]

Guys, remember that you need reflector/optic for led bulb too and I remembered reading that there are 3 types that are available. 90 degree spread, 60 degree spread and 45 degree spread. The narrower the optic is, the more focus the light beam will be from the led bulb. The CREE 3w led bulb are the ones to look out for.

Also, anyone of you could contact Razali at DElighting to enquire whether he could change the blue led bulb to white ones for planted tank use. The G2 version I believe is able to swapped led light bulb as it is not permanently connected to the light set but is connected with a connector. I have also read that the light spread for the 110w and 160w would cover an area of 2ft length by 2ft wide. If you have a 3ft tank, both end might not be covered and for 4ft tank, you'll need 2 of the Maxspect led light set.

There's a picture of the connector in this link.
http://glassbox-design.com/2010/maxs...ght-cree-xp-g/

Hope this helps!

[dkk08]

so if my tank is 120cm(Length)x 50cm(width)x 60(Height)cm, I'll need 2 Maxspect LED set?

[BFG]

so if my tank is 120cm(Length)x 50cm(width)x 60(Height)cm, I'll need 2 Maxspect LED set?

Yes, you'll need 2 of the G2 110w/160w/180w model depending on the intensity of light you require. If you have a 3ft tank, you need to look at the 170w or 230w model, also depending on the light intensity that you may require.

2ft- 1 of 110w/160w/180w
3ft- 1 of 170w/230w
4ft- 2 of 110w/160w/180w
5ft- 1 of 110w/160w/180w + 1 of 170w/230w
6ft- 3 of 110w/160w/180w or 2 of 170w/230w

60w is equivalent to 75w HQI
110w is equivalent to 150w HQI
160w is equivalent to 250w HQI
180w is equivalent to 400w HQI

Hope this helps!

[dkk08]

*faints* that's like at least $996 to $1730 for 2 G2

time to look for sponsors

[ervinelin]

if I remember correctly, one of the bro from AQ I think its bro Taz is DIYing his own LEDs light set, maybe can try contacting him

One of them is me..

You can check out my DIY here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=59437 but it's only for a small tank. I wanted to do the same for my 1m tank but the costs are just staggering.

The rest of the tank setup is here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=62809

[eddy planer]

Hi bro ervinelin

Thanks for your valuable feedback.. very interesting

I saw many interesting LED lights in Sim Lim. There is one type really strike my attention is the small unit which contain of 5 or 7 LED bulbs (5w to 7w) for SGD 38 to 48. I was thinking to DIY them for my present 6ft palu tank and my future 6ft tall palu tank. So I'm thinking to DIY 6 units (5 or 7 LEDs each unit) to each tank.The good new is, this unit is weather proof!! 100% Suitable for my palu.

If possible , can I borrow your light spectometer to measure them after I complete DIY the LED light?

What do you think?

[Blue Whale]

One of them is me..

You can check out my DIY here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=59437 but it's only for a small tank. I wanted to do the same for my 1m tank but the costs are just staggering.

The rest of the tank setup is here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=62809

>"< think my first led modified lights is less than $50. It's one row of LEDs with a 12v adaptor. Yes, I did that precisely after I read your first link. Got hand ichy. It's crude but it works. I put it as a back row light which so far I only know Rama. did it. Yes, I did get positive results from my Christmas moss. Instead of turning to the T5 lights, it turn to LED lights...most interesting.

Ervinelin, it seem you have the technical-know-how. Now I have a background of accounting. So I am seeking to know more of "How an idiot could DIY LED and navigate through the technical-know-how". I believe you will agree that DIY is more of getting that initimate experience. So under non-supervision condition of an unexperienced DIYer, ^^ you think can make it?

[dkk08]

One of them is me..

You can check out my DIY here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=59437 but it's only for a small tank. I wanted to do the same for my 1m tank but the costs are just staggering.

The rest of the tank setup is here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=62809

oh yes I remember you too bro ervine, with the high tech light equipments...

[edwardchuajh]

Haha I got inspired by ervine too to do the lightings and ordered all the required equipment... only problem is the Cree 3W LEDs are now backordered =( and I'm too bought over by that site's low price so I'm gonna wait.. (CNY break is a killer)

I got everything set to DIY a 6 x 3W Cree LED light for my 1.5ft tank, with normal blue LEDs for nightlight. The datasheet for the Cree XR-E Cool White states that it emits a 6500K light, so it should be not too bad for plant growth.

Basically same as ervine's post, the components I plan to use (I have all except the LEDs!! zzz):

1. 6 x 3W Cree LEDs XR-E Q5 Cool White (on star PCB) + Optics
2. Mounted on aluminium bar, screwed on with Arctic silver thermal paste
3. Heatsinks mounted on aluminium bar with Arctic silver thermal epoxy (I wanted the LEDs to be removable)
4. DC-DC Constant current Buckpuck converter with built-in dimmer, can drive 1-6 3W LEDs at 700mA
5. 24V DC wall adaptor salvaged from dead OSIM U-zap (for use with the Buckpuck)
6. Reflector and parts from Aquazonic clamp light (same as ervine)
7. 5V Samsung handphone charger (to run nightlight and fan)
8. 8 Super bright blue LEDs with 100deg viewing angle
9. 2 x 5V 4.5cm DC fan

[Blue Whale]

^^" Think I have to tuck away my 1st LED lights away for a while whilst I rescape with new lights later. Haven't decide yet.

Edward, go go go! You have my full support See if you can come up with something like adjustable arms in terms of positioning.

[edwardchuajh]

HAHA good news!! my LEDs are shipped!

Btw, I'm using the Aquazonic light with the metal "twisty" portion for positioning.. ok, will start my own thread when the stuff is here =)

[BFG]

Found a nice led lamp and fixture in the internet. Just nice for those braceless tank.

http://shop.aquatouch.com/ProductDet...HO_LED+NEO+ARM

Plug and play somemore.

[eddy planer]

Haha I got inspired by ervine too to do the lightings and ordered all the required equipment... only problem is the Cree 3W LEDs are now backordered =( and I'm too bought over by that site's low price so I'm gonna wait.. (CNY break is a killer)

I got everything set to DIY a 6 x 3W Cree LED light for my 1.5ft tank, with normal blue LEDs for nightlight. The datasheet for the Cree XR-E Cool White states that it emits a 6500K light, so it should be not too bad for plant growth.

Basically same as ervine's post, the components I plan to use (I have all except the LEDs!! zzz):

1. 6 x 3W Cree LEDs XR-E Q5 Cool White (on star PCB) + Optics
2. Mounted on aluminium bar, screwed on with Arctic silver thermal paste
3. Heatsinks mounted on aluminium bar with Arctic silver thermal epoxy (I wanted the LEDs to be removable)
4. DC-DC Constant current Buckpuck converter with built-in dimmer, can drive 1-6 3W LEDs at 700mA
5. 24V DC wall adaptor salvaged from dead OSIM U-zap (for use with the Buckpuck)
6. Reflector and parts from Aquazonic clamp light (same as ervine)
7. 5V Samsung handphone charger (to run nightlight and fan)
8. 8 Super bright blue LEDs with 100deg viewing angle
9. 2 x 5V 4.5cm DC fan

So forget the heat compound for mount LED light to aluminum bar.

[ervinelin]

Haha I got inspired by ervine too to do the lightings and ordered all the required equipment... only problem is the Cree 3W LEDs are now backordered =( and I'm too bought over by that site's low price so I'm gonna wait.. (CNY break is a killer)

I got everything set to DIY a 6 x 3W Cree LED light for my 1.5ft tank, with normal blue LEDs for nightlight. The datasheet for the Cree XR-E Cool White states that it emits a 6500K light, so it should be not too bad for plant growth.

Basically same as ervine's post, the components I plan to use (I have all except the LEDs!! zzz):

1. 6 x 3W Cree LEDs XR-E Q5 Cool White (on star PCB) + Optics
2. Mounted on aluminium bar, screwed on with Arctic silver thermal paste
3. Heatsinks mounted on aluminium bar with Arctic silver thermal epoxy (I wanted the LEDs to be removable)
4. DC-DC Constant current Buckpuck converter with built-in dimmer, can drive 1-6 3W LEDs at 700mA
5. 24V DC wall adaptor salvaged from dead OSIM U-zap (for use with the Buckpuck)
6. Reflector and parts from Aquazonic clamp light (same as ervine)
7. 5V Samsung handphone charger (to run nightlight and fan)
8. 8 Super bright blue LEDs with 100deg viewing angle
9. 2 x 5V 4.5cm DC fan

Sounds good bro.. But I think 6 Crees (assuming with the star board) are a wee bit squeezy on the aquazonic light.

In addition, if you do not diffuse the light the crees are actually very directional, so all that light is going to go directly onto the area just under the light, you might want to consider this when you mount the LEDs.

Btw, where did you find thermal epoxy? I was hunting it down but couldn't find any, in the end I used regular epoxy and mixed it with thermal paste!

Anyway happy DIY-ing! If your hands get itchy, can consider doing up my sun simulation device.. haha...

[edwardchuajh]

So forget the heat compound for mount LED light to aluminum bar.

eddy: Yep, forgot to mention it, I am using Arctic Silver Thermal Compound for it =)

In addition, if you do not diffuse the light the crees are actually very directional, so all that light is going to go directly onto the area just under the light, you might want to consider this when you mount the LEDs.

Btw, where did you find thermal epoxy? I was hunting it down but couldn't find any, in the end I used regular epoxy and mixed it with thermal paste!

Anyway happy DIY-ing! If your hands get itchy, can consider doing up my sun simulation device.. haha...

ervine: Yep, I bought some optics for it from www.ledsupply.com, supposedly able to diffuse the light to 47degrees, but I have yet to try it yet. And my Crees from DealExtreme just arrived! I waited a month for them though.. but it is half-priced! Btw my tank is 1.5ft so I think 6 Crees should flood it thoroughly regardless =)

Oh, and the thermal epoxy... I admit I cheated! I just ordered from www.ledsupply.com since I saw that they were selling it too. $13USD if I'm not wrong.

AND YES, my hands are SUPER itchy haha.. meanwhile I have been thinking how I can use my Arduino/Atmega chip to control the sun simulation. Which microcontroller are you using? Atmega or PIC?

I must say ervine's DIY automation post has been the worst poison of all for me =P