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DiY LED light for biocube

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Kpotter2, Nov 12, 2012.

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  1. Nov 12, 2012 #1
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

    Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

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    How many LEDs do you all think would be good for a 12gal to 14gl Biocube? I am looking a a kit with 14 leds what do you think?

    Crazy shipping prices on DIY kits what is up with that?




     
  2. Nov 12, 2012 #2
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Depends what kind of LEDs you are looking to use.

    I have 18x 3 Watt LEDs over my 20 gallon standard tank. Grows everything I have well. 1 Watt leds you probably want more then 14.
     
  3. Nov 12, 2012 #3
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    I am looking at this kit with out Heat sink. http://www.aquastyleonline.com/products/Aquarium-14-LEDs--DIY-Dimmable-Kit.html





    What about Optics?


     
  4. Nov 12, 2012 #4
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper

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    There's TONS of good reading on LEDs in small tanks on nanoreefs.com
     
  5. Nov 12, 2012 #5
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    I really don't want to weed through all that, but I may have to. I have been reading and reading and reading. I am getting a mixed up mind and need a break and wanted to see what others have done.


     
  6. Nov 12, 2012 #6
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I have 80 degree and it is 8 inches above the tank. I can pm you my details about the lights if you want.
     
  7. Nov 12, 2012 #7
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    Yes please do!
     
  8. Nov 13, 2012 #8
    Tickyty

    Tickyty Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Kyle keep me in the loop. I will be doing a build for my 90 coming up real soon. Maybe we can succeed or fail together.
     
  9. Nov 13, 2012 #9
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif I think I will be ordering soon from Aquastyleonline. I am just having Shipping shock. lol
     
  10. Nov 13, 2012 #10
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    Ok I ordered. 7white 7blue LED 3w,2 drivers,paste,80 optics and will see what happens. Wish me luck.

     
  11. Nov 13, 2012 #11
    Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

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    Checkout stevesleds.com or even aquastyleonline.com
     
  12. Nov 13, 2012 #12
    Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

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    Lol I just saw that you ordered from aquastyle lol so disregard that last thing lol
     
  13. Nov 14, 2012 #13
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

    Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

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    Yeah thanks
     
  14. Nov 14, 2012 #14
    Tickyty

    Tickyty Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Wow their shipping is a little over the top. Must be shipping from overseas. I can see why you had sticker shock. One of the kits shipping cost was $48 and thats without heat sinks.
     
  15. Nov 14, 2012 #15
    jstngates Toledo Iowa

    jstngates Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Let me know how that works
     
  16. Nov 15, 2012 #16
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    Will do. I did email them and tell them there shipping was too high for me to pull trigger on buying. They gave me 10% off
    Not much, but i do think they come from overseas and are directly shipped as was said earlier in posts. Keep you all posted.
    Kp
     
  17. Nov 19, 2012 #17
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    So got the kits today: Here it is and I have decided to get a Makerled heat sink.
    [​IMG]
    Not sure what this is for!
    [​IMG]
     
  18. Nov 20, 2012 #18
    stargazer

    stargazer Inactive User

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    Kyle that looks so cool! I got goose bumps just looking at it. This is your sons tank right? LOL Sorry this is nemesis, can only edit forgot wife was logged in. LOL
     
  19. Nov 22, 2012 #19
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    Yes its for Michael tank. I need to head up to ACC tomorrow and pick up a MackersLed heat sink.
     
  20. Nov 27, 2012 #20
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

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    Update: I am finished and here are some pictures. Tell me what you think

    Picked up a MakersLED 12" from AC&C on Black Friday. Total cost of Project was around 150.00

    This was my first Layout:

    [​IMG]

    After about 10 other Layout tried I decided on this one. You can also see the Wire layout I put on so i could cut wire length.

    [​IMG]

    After cutting each of the wires and Tinning them along with each of the LED's This is what I ended up with. Testing every step of the way each light after tinning. You can also see the black Grommets I put in after drilling pass thru holes in to take power wires out to the Drivers.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I mounted Drivers on the sides of the MakerLed heatsink then connected Wires:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    After connecting Drivers to Led's and Pots and checking everything it looks good I think.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And here I am lighting up the Bar

    [​IMG]


    Hope you all enjoy and I can't wait to do this for my big tank. Really good lights and will be checking par tomorrow on it.


    Later,
     
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