[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

My First Led build


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 ... Last
Results 1 to 10 of 59
  1. #1
    Corvette Reefer - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Dexter, Michigan
    Posts
    421

    Default My First Led build

    Well im building a led i bought all the stuff last thrusday, just waiting for it too get here but heres my plan for all of it

    - 4 of these
    - 6 of these
    - 2 of these (i think these were it)
    - driver
    Name:  LED light.jpg
Views: 3472
Size:  18.3 KB
    i have a old fixture that houses PC's but i scraped the stuff cuz it dont work so im using the aluminum box it was it, and its gona have a switch built onto it.


    Stuff came today heres what i had ordered its all laid out
    random003 - My First Led build

    Here is the fixture and everything i will be using for the build
    random004 - My First Led build
    Last edited by Corvette Reefer; 05-17-2011 at 07:54 PM.
    The names Vette, Corvette. . .

  2. #2
    bluwc - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Clio, MI
    Posts
    829

    Default

    Goodluck! I'll be watching this one as I will have to build something similar one day.

  3. #3
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    U.P. of Michigan.
    Posts
    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    I'm watching too! Git-er-done!
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  4. #4
    2pairs - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Posts
    361
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    So what are you going to use for a heat sink and what are you going to use thermal heat tape or thermal adhesive?

  5. #5
    Corvette Reefer - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Dexter, Michigan
    Posts
    421

    Default

    well with the size of the fixture and how far the bulbs are and that there are only 12 im just gona use a fan to blow over the leds to keep them cool i have a heat sink but, idk if theres really a benefit from anywhere i could put it becuase its small and the heat should stay down pretty good. And im just going to solder the leds onto it or screw them into the fixture if i can.

    Im thinking about how i could get the fixture higher so light it more spread out, im not sure if it will need it yet tho ill have to wait to see once i get my stuff in the mail.
    The names Vette, Corvette. . .

  6. #6
    2pairs - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Posts
    361
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Corvette Reefer View Post
    well with the size of the fixture and how far the bulbs are and that there are only 12 im just gona use a fan to blow over the leds to keep them cool i have a heat sink but, idk if theres really a benefit from anywhere i could put it becuase its small and the heat should stay down pretty good. And im just going to solder the leds onto it or screw them into the fixture if i can.

    Im thinking about how i could get the fixture higher so light it more spread out, im not sure if it will need it yet tho ill have to wait to see once i get my stuff in the mail.

    The problem with what you are going to do is you are skipping two important aspects. #1 is a heat sink this is what keeps the diode cooled to a temp that it can operate at with out getting over heated. #2 the use of a thermal conductive material with out this the emitters will not be able to transfer heat properly.
    Both of these can and will cause premature failure. If you were using the cheep $1 led's I would say ha go for it, but you spent the money for good led's it just makes good sense to do it rite. Then you can add more if needed or wanted because it will still be working.
    Well this is just a thought and I don't want to discourage you, I am only trying to help.
    And I will help if you want.

  7. #7
    motorcityreefs - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    redford
    Posts
    46
    First Name
    brandon

    Default

    +1 on that, If you don't use a heat sink thay will burn out and for the thermal transfer you should be using thermal glue or a thermal past if you are giong to screw them to the heat sink, and good luck on your build.

  8. #8
    Mr. Microscope - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Evanson, IL
    Posts
    256
    Awards Tank of the Month - August 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    +12! You gotta have a heat sink on those LED's. Here's a link:
    Extruded Aluminum Heatsinks from HeatSinkUSA

    They'll cut them to whatever size you need (they even do custom shapes if you need them, but you won't for that). The prices are pretty good too.

    Use your fan to blow on top of the heatsink as active cooling.

    BTW, that color combination is going to look a bit yellow. Here are the standard ratio people use for about a 10-12K look. Cool White:Royal Blue = 1:1, Neutral White:Royal Blue = 1:2, or Warm White:Royal Blue = 1:4. Cool Whites are being phased out of the DIY community and being replaced by Neutral Whites. Cool Whites have a spectrum that overlaps too much blue with royal blue. It washes out the warmer colors and produces a kind of icy look. I imagine you'll probably want to either up the royal blues, or get rid of some of the whites.

    If I were to do a build with 12 LEDs, I'd use 8 Royal Blue and 4 Neutral White.
    Last edited by Mr. Microscope; 05-16-2011 at 03:17 PM.

  9. #9
    Corvette Reefer - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Dexter, Michigan
    Posts
    421

    Default

    The whole structure it is being built on a aluminum case so the who thing acts as a heat sink and i will be getting a fan to blow over the leds to help and maybe ill add the little heat sink i have and put it in the middle on top of it once i build it and see how hot it gets.
    As for the led heat transfer, im going to solder them with aluminum type stuff so it will transfer heat very good. And the leds color im just experimenting, i have read that the cool white wash out corals but i want the power from them, and im just gona do tests and see how i like the color, i cant change any colors now cuz i already ordered them, but im hoppppping it should be appealing to me
    The names Vette, Corvette. . .

  10. #10
    Mr. Microscope - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Evanson, IL
    Posts
    256
    Awards Tank of the Month - August 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    How thick is the Al? If it's at least 1/4 inch where you put the LED's you might be okay. Just be careful. That thing is going to get hot. Also, be especially careful not to cause a short between the LEDs/soldering and the housing or the light is going to turn into one big electrocution machine.

Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 ... Last

Similar Topics

  1. DIY LED build
    By Tom@HaslettMI in forum DIY Projects & Plans
    Replies: 49
    Last Post: 08-30-2012, 12:29 PM
  2. Please help me build......
    By ReeferRob in forum DIY Projects & Plans
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 08-27-2011, 10:41 AM
  3. Mini Reef Aquarium
    (35g-90g)
    My new build
    By peregrinus in forum Member's Reefs
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-10-2009, 10:22 PM
  4. Large Reef Aquarium
    (91g-180g)
    My 120 in-wall build(and re-build) w/pics
    By Reptoreef in forum Member's Reefs
    Replies: 67
    Last Post: 11-02-2007, 01:15 PM
  5. Tanks, Sumps & Refugiums The Build Up!!!!!!
    By MedicMike in forum Basics
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 10-24-2006, 09:34 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us