Fuller Spectrum Rebuild (ver.2.5)

So I have rebuilt my LED again.

A few reasons for the re-rebuild this time:

For the old build, Ive used 420nm from LEDGroupBuy, 398nm from AquaStyleOnline. They both deformed and burned (yet they were both emitting lights) over the short period of time. I dont think I was getting enough effect from them at all. The primary lens was made of plastic, since the wave length range is too short, it just get ruined:



On the other hand, if the primary lens is made of silicon, which Ive chosen this time (420nm from RapidLED, 405nm from LEDGroupBuy), Im more confident that they last much much longer than the last ones (if you feel the lens with your fingertip, silicon is softer than plastic, kinda "squishy". If it feels hard, keep a close eye on it, it will start deformed/browned/burned, shown above).

Ive contacted LEDGroupBuy when I first discovered this issue, they sent me the replacement right away, but I didn't bother to change them out, since I knew it was matter of time. I was told to lower the amperage too, but I doubt that it wouldve solved the issue.

I had:
Cool white (Cree XP) x 12
Royal Blue (Cree XP) x 12
Neutral White (Cree XP) x 12
Blue (Cree XP) x 6
420nm Violet x 6
398nm UV x 8
Turquoise x 4

I will have:
Cool white (Cree XP) x 8
Royal Blue (Cree XP) x 10
Neutral White (Cree XP) x 8
Royal Blue (Cree XT) x 10
Blue (Cree XP) x 6
420nm Violet (SemiLED from RapidLED) x10
405nm Violet (Exotic from LEDGroupBuy) x 4
Cyan (Philips Rebel) x 4
Deep Red (Philips Rebel) x 2
(changes/new in red)

During the build.

Ugly wires are still there..

A few hours later.




I had been running the old fixture
Royal Blue 100%
Cool White 40%
Neutral White 35%

This time around I raised the fixture by 2", so 10" above the water surface, 32" from the bottom, and crank up the output of the whites by 5%. I will make adjustments later on.

Over all, I love the added/upgraded colors! I hope to see some positive effect on corals soon.


In case someone is interested, this is the ver. 2.0.

 

Looking forward to your findings! I have determined that I will go back to LED for my next build. It just wasn't in the budget for my current setup.

 

Thanks Andy! And thats what I like to hear Going DIY??

 

Nice lights!

While I DIY many things, I'm still not yet sure about my LED's.

 

Thanks Todd! Its not that hard. But one thing for sure, tho, its cheaper.

 

Just curious, what were you/are you running the strings at (mA)?

 

RB: 1.0A (dimmable)
CW: 1.3A (dimmable)
NW: 1.3A (dimmable)
other colors 700mA (constant)

 

Looks sweet. I suck at DYI or I might attempt this. Ill just have to buy pre-made. lol

 

Thanks pgoodsell! Again, I know it looks kinda intimidating, but its not bad. You could go solderless LEDs nowadays. All you do is glue leds, connect 'em, and hook them up with drivers.

 

That is exactly what I plan to do. I am a engineer but have always had issues with soldering so went solderless. Cant wait to get it together.