LEDs

Im working on a brand new setup I started today, and I'm Not finshed and I can take some pictures here over the next couple days

 

I think rapidled.com only sells Cree..... ?? I ordered my LEDS from ledgroupbuy.com but will buy drivers and lenses from rapid.

 

Are there any good threads anywhere that outline all of the options for DIY LED setups. I think I'd like to put something together to go over my frag tank (18" x 36") and I have no idea where to even start.

I've checked out rapidled.com and ledgroupbuy.com and I have no idea what the different options are or what they mean...

-JB

 

Here's another site that Nick told me about that has some great info including wiring and how to setup DIY with the Apex controller, etc...




http://reefledlights.com/

 

I just used Ledgroupbuy.com and the service was actually really good. I use 2 1000ma buckpucks and about 12 leds for my biocube.

 

I am sold on the meanwell drivers (dimmable versions) 120v input to 48 volts DC output for up to 12 1000mA LEDs strings; with 0-10v or pwm input for dimming controllers. Just my two cents!

 

is there a huge cost differance in doing it diy and buying say the AI ones? the limited amount of research i have done shows only about $100 savings doing it diy. Am I missing something or is that about right?

 

What is the pwm input?

 

I am looking at about $280 for a 36 Cree LED light, compare that to 24 LED's with the AI for what about $530. Granted the AI is more controllable.

 

Great site JB, I hadn't seen this one. If anyone wants to group order anything I will be buying a heatsink, drivers and optics in the upcoming weeks. I bought LED's from ledgroupbuy and they should be here in about 15-20 days I guess.

 

Lots of good info here as well:
http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-led-lights/45576-led-facts-questions-please-post-questions.html

 

Joel,

A few questions:

1) Are you planning on enclosing your drivers at all? If so, what are you going to use?

2) What size tank are you going to put the 36 LED's over?

3) What type of optics are you using?

4) How big of a heatsink are you going to use...

I was looking at a 48 LED fixture at reefledlights.com and it was coming out at about $600 shipped, but that was with fans, heat sink, aluminum driver boxes, great optics, etc...

 

There is some great DIY Builds on reefcentral.com and nano-reef.com - The big advantage you have with the AI is the controller and it's pre-built abilities as well as being able to tune the lights to the color you prefer. You can do this with a dimmable DIY kit but not to the same degree with the AI. For a DIY you can do twice as many LED as an AI and at half the cost. The big thing is you have understand what optics you need to avoid the spotlight effect in your tank. I would highly recommend checking out the LED Lighting forum at reefcentral there is also some great resources to help answer questions. 
DIY LED Controller
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1987110
Outstanding Reed on http://www.nano-reef.com
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/ind...pic=186982

 

I am just learning this. I have a heavy electrical background but not in electronics just construction. So a bunch to learn.