My Modest DIY LED build

Also I'd like to see more of your wiring box

 

Nope, the lenses didn't snap on at all. The optics that came with my LED's were just a friction fit around the little square board the LED is mounted to. I used a two part epoxy from Radio Shack that they sell by the solder and thermal compounds. Mixed up a small amount at a time and spread it out a little on the cardboard so I could touch the optic down into it to pick up a very small amount and then set into place. Of course taking care that there was just enough epoxy on the outer ring and not across the opening.

I'll get some better pictures of the wiring box. Is there something in particular you want to see?

 

Yes, McMaster Carr definitely has the right stuff.  Actually that's the brand Lowe's had /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif  I figure if the zinc finish spacers don't hold up to well to the saltwater over time I may order some of the white nylon ones from the catalog.  Lowe's didn't really have the right size stocked in anything other material I was willing to try.
By variable moonlighting I just mean the flexibility to program and alter the colors.  All my prior tanks have had the LED pods that you link together...one color either on or off.  I like the idea of being able to hit real close to the appearance of actual moonlight but vary the intensities and mix up the colors even with a splash of the red at times.  A reef tank can be just as beautiful after the lights go out!  I watched a couple videos on youtube with the moonlighting running on a program throughout the night, similar to what we do during the daytime, and it was a very striking display to say the least.  The days of an aquarium being un-enjoyable after 9pm are over!

 

Cool! I cnt wait till my stuff shows up!

 

Profilux has been ordered!!  Can't wait to put these lights to the test!

 

My LED build has turned into a modest LED build! haha After everything I'm into this project for 2300 bucks. I went for the full acrylic sheilds anyhow, per Bud's info, and so far I have one of them built, a couple of them partially built. Unfortunately I ordered some ENORMOUS heatsinks with huge fins that weigh a fking ton! (16lbs each). So I'm grappling with mounting options, since it's cost prohibitive to send those back and order new. On the main tank things should work out fine, it's the tubular steel supports on my frag tank that I worry about. Anywho, I'm rocking 48LED's +2 moon lights on my main tank heatsinks (there are 2), and 40LED's +2moon lights on my frag tank LED's (x2). I can't wait to get these things hooked up to my APEX!!!!
Here's a couple of pix:


Can't wait to see the rest of ur pix man!

 

That is a hefty pile of parts! Looking good....I'm anxiously awaiting the results of a par meter test in a couple weeks when everything is up and running.

 

I've heard good things about Profilux controllers...   Let us know how it works out for you.
--AJ

 

Andy, where did you get those heatsinks and what are the dimensions...

 

Yea my heat sinks are obnovioysly enormous. They are 10x16 and 2.6" tall. I didn't k double check the dimensions before ordering and just had assumed they were like of the other heatsinks offered at heatsinkusa.com. If I get my main lights mounted over my display I will bring the two remaining heatsinks over for. A shave if we can do that. You think you can buzz em down even the ones that already have leds on them?

 

Since the cost of Andy's build was mentioned I thought it best that I clarify what I spent for those checking out my build. My total cost for everything including the $300 profilux controller is just shy of $1000.

 

Dang you did pretty good on cost man!

 

Sad day!!!

My Profilux II Light just showed up and it was broken. I emailed the sales guy at GHL Direct and he said these are no longer available so I need to return it for a refund. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/sad.gif

I need to come up with plan b for a controller. I used mean-well "d" drivers...any suggestions?

 

Ok, so I followed up with the GHL Direct guy....explained that I wired my LED's and chose drivers with this controller in mind.  I asked if it would be possible for me to attempt to repair and if successful I could keep the unit and receive a partial refund.  A few hours later I have a functioning controller running my custom light cycle!  Not sure what we will work out yet but this tank is BEAUTIFUL!!!  I am in love with the LED setup /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/kiss.gif

 

Well it was like the unit had been slammed down on one end.  The control board with the sockets and ports was jammed into the unit and one of the endcaps was damaged.  The box actually looked pretty good...but i suppose if hit square on the end of the box it wouldn't leave many obvious signs.

As you can see the L1L2 and L3L4 ports were completely inaccessible.  With permission I've opened this thing up and found no further physical damage besides one side of each socket wall that broke as it went past the housing; but the connectors still clip in.  I put everything back in place and all works well /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif  We'll see how GHL-Direct wants to handle it from here...so far they have been a pleasure to work with.

 

40% refund on the controller...AMAZING! Just to make sure there was a little meat left on the bone I asked him to use part of my refund to ship a temp probe. All is right with the world.

 

any updates?