My 1st LED project!

[Larry Grenier]

OK, so it was a kit so maybe it doesn't quite qualify as DIY but sort-of.

 

First I want to start with a big thanks to Chris(dakotasreef) who's design I basically copied, Rob(zygote2K) a general LED inspiration, and Mike at Rapid LEDs who answered a zillion emails as I went thru the decision and build processes.

 

I purchased this kit from Rapid LEDS, all blue.

I've had experience with LEDS with my other part-time business as a DJ so I was already sold on LEDS in general.

 

I'll get my camera out of mothballs to take pics. 1st I gotta say, these aren't yo mamma's little LEDs or the ones you see in cheapo moonlights. These Cree 3w leds are bright! When I plugged it in sitting on my work-bench I had to look away and saw spots for the next 10 minutes after they were off. I think I'd like to do another with blue & white and one with warm white for my FW planted tank. I mounted the 12 blue LEDs on a 36"L/1"W aluminum square bar at 2.5" intervals and used 80degree optics. I'm about to put the bar in my hood with a 2" fan at one end blowing durectly into one end of the bar; you can feel a little air movement at the other end.

 

This 36w light-strip is replacing 190watts of VHOs. It is brighter than the 2 VHOs and of-course also produces less heat in my hood. My tank is a NAGA custom 42"W/24"D/22"H tank.

More to come when I find the camera.

Edited November 12, 2010 by Larry Grenier

[dakotasreef]

They are amazing aren't they? How do like the pop it gives your coral? I always try to explain to people there is no comparison to most of those ready made kits available.

 

I can notice a difference with my 24x3w led stip on even with my 8x54w ATI powermodule.

 

Congrats

[Larry Grenier]

I still need to get picks but these 12 LEDS completely blows-away the 2 X 95w VHO actinics that they replaced!

[Incredible Corals]

I love LEDs! I like the low heat benefit too. My T5's used to heat up my old tank up to 83. My tank now doesn't go over 78. I'm going to comepare and bills tonight and see how much I might have saved on my electric bill.