DIY LED "Sparkle Strip"

[OldReefer]

I have read through a bunch of threads but I am still real fuzzy on how to build this particular application.

 

I would like to put a bunch of 3 watt LEDs on a thin strip (3 feet long) an attach it to the back of my ATI power module in order to put some shimmer back in my tank.

 

Some questions I have....

 

• Can I just use an aluminum channel, or do I need a "real" heat sink for 12 or more LEDs?
• If I need a heat sink, where do I get a long skinny one?
• Are blue LEDs usable in this application, or will they just be washed out by the PM?
• The PM hangs about 6" above the water. Would 20% optics be too much or would 40% do?
• Is there a good driver for this that takes 12V so I can rig it for a battery backup?
   
  Thanks,
   
  Bill

[Larry Grenier]

Can't answer all your questions but I put 12 3w blue leds on a 36" piece of aluminum square bar. (Like C-channel but 4 sides & open down the middle). Put a small fan blowing air into the open end at one end. I used 80 degree optice for maximim spread; I would think 20 degree would be too narrow.

 

Mine replaced two 95w VHO actinics and blows them away. Mine supplement only 4 39w T5s so I would think you'd want 2 strips of 12 3W blues.

 

A guy that goes by dakotasreef used 24 3w blues along-side his 8 54w ATI fixture and seems very pleased with it. Hopefully he will chime-in on this dicsussion.

Edited December 8, 2010 by Larry Grenier

[Guest thefishman65]

You can use channel, but I have some thin heat sinks that I can sell you cheaper if interested.

You want ROYAL BLUE just to clarify. Not sure how bright the PM is, but I think they would work.

40 is probably too much either 60 or 80.

The buckpuck or some DIY drivers will work at 12 volts, but they won't be as efficient.

[dakotasreef]

I used aluminum c channel from home depot with a fan to help keep the leds cool. I used 24 of the 3w royal blues over my 120, and could easily be seen over my 8x54w powermodule. I did not use optics due to getting full coverage front to rear. I had mine mounted the same height as my PM. I would think you would want to use 70-80 degree optics for this type of application. You could probably do 12 in front and 12 in the rear.

 

Good luck. Pm me if you have any questions.

[trockafella]

Im using a finnex dl series T5 fixture which has 4 T5's and 21 1watt blue LEDs.. You can definitely tell when there on or off, and there only 1 watt bulbs. You will certainly be able to tell there on, and it will add some shimmer, but not like halides.. As for putting them on the back of the module, I dont know how it will look. My LEDs are in the middle of the 4 T5 bulbs so its even to the other light..

 

 

[Mando77]

http://www.reefledlights.com/

[Guest thefishman65]

FYI their pries are almost double what I just payed for a group buy. Royal blues XR-E ran $3. Now you have to order $75 (IIRC) worth, but that is 25 LED (look a spare).

[basser9]

you must use 40 or less optics to get a good shimmer from your lights......

put them in the front and tilt them to the back with 40/20/or 8 degree optics.

[Larry Grenier]

you must use 40 or less optics to get a good shimmer from your lights......

put them in the front and tilt them to the back with 40/20/or 8 degree optics.

I used 80degree optics with my lights towards the front and tilted slightly inward and get alot of shimmer.

[BowieReefer84]

you must use 40 or less optics to get a good shimmer from your lights......

put them in the front and tilt them to the back with 40/20/or 8 degree optics.

 

 

I have what I would consider good shimmer with no optics. I think it has to do with how close to the water, and the amount of surface agitation.

[trockafella]

You will have the shimmer with or without optics. You dont "have to" have 40 degree or less optics.. Why use narrow optics and give out beams instead a nice spread.

[OldReefer]

I ordered some 60 degree optics. I will try it both ways and post the results. I suppose it will all depend on how I mount the thing. Still scratching my head on that part.

[OldReefer]

I got my sparkle strip figured out. It doesn't add much shimmer but it does add some nice color. I have not seen corals glow like that since the days of VHO actinics.

 

Overall a worth while project. LEDs are very easy to work with. I was able to use 3/4 square tube from Lowes as a heatsink and mount it to the front of my Power Module with a couple of arms that reach around the side and are drilled and tapped into the fixture. Just 2 6-32 screws, but the sides of the fixture are stainless steel so they were a bear to drill.

 

 

Here is a look at the glow they provide. I am using this as my dawn/dusk setting now. And of course this has tons of shimmer without the white light blasting.

 

[Coral Hind]

Both the light and the tank look great!

 

 

[Jan]

Wow! It looks fantastic.

 

Did you get that RBTA from me?

Edited December 28, 2010 by Jan