DIY Dimmable RapidLED Kit - Converting from MH's

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by evolved, Sep 27, 2010.

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  1. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    *Thread Updates*
    • Completion pictures begin on page 4, post #38
    • Instructional post is on page 6, post #53 (Price breakdown included at beginning of this post)
    • 5 1/2 Month Growth Update on page 10, post #96




    Alright, so the time has come for me to jump on this wagon. The benefits outweigh any perceived negative impacts at this point for me. Also, the cost will just about be a wash considering it's about time for MH bulb replacement anyway. Once I have the new LED array over the tank, I can sell my current fixture, and recoup some cost. The bill this will leave me will be little more than if I had just replaced my MH & actinic bulbs. But I digress...

    My DT is a 125g deep tank (60"x20"x24")

    Current lighting set-up:
    3 250W DE MH's
    4 65W PC 420 actinics

    Here's my LED plan:
    60 LED's total, 3W CREE's for all
    24 XR-E Royal Blues on 2 dimmable drivers, under one POT
    24 XP-G Cool Whites on 2 dimmable drivers, under one POT
    8 XR-E Warm Whites + 4 additional XR-E Royal Blues on 1 dimmable drivers, under one POT (this will provide the 'secret kick' in this build)

    XR-E's will run 60deg optics; XP-G's will run 65deg optics.

    I will be building 2 array, each with 30 LEDs, on two separate 24"x5.9" heat sinks (heatsinkusa.com).

    I've decided to hang my array's from the ceiling to provide some additional adjustability.

    A couple CPU fans will be used over the heat sinks to aid in cooling.

    Most likely, I will be try to incorporate some moonlights into the arrays, as I have moonlights on my current fixture and I'd hate to lose the night-time viewing.

    I have a clever way to cover the finished array with a piece of glass or plexiglas to protect the array from my rowdy, splashing fish. :)

    To make the finished product look a little better and blend with the room and tank a bit more, I will be having my aluminum components anodized black at a local shop.

    I have already ordered my heat sinks and a piece of aluminum channel I will need, just waiting on the heat sinks to show up so I can get started.

    I will do my best to keep a picture blog/build going here, and feel free to ask questions along the way.

    Stay tuned!
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2011
    1 person likes this.
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  3. malac0da13

    malac0da13 Torch Coral

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    Interested in selling 2 of the 250 halides? I would love to do an led setup but the cost is a little prohibitive. I will definitely be following along though either way.

    Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
     
  4. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    Current fixture is one continuous fixture, not 3 separate pendants. And nothing is for sale until I'm done. :)

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2011
  5. Triggerfish

    Triggerfish Ritteri Anemone

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    So Cal
    I'll be following this thread. I planned on making one myself, but never got around to it. Nice tank too, I really like the anthias.
     
  6. ComputerJohn

    ComputerJohn Panda Puffer

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    Sounds great, just subscribed to this thread....
     
  7. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    x2 , cant wait to see the finished product. good luck!
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. jkat21

    jkat21 Bangghai Cardinal

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    Im with you both. will defiantly be following this. looking forward to seeing the out come...
    try to document as much as you can (with pics of course);D
     
  10. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    Thanks everybody for the encouragement!

    I will be doing periodic updates and plan to document with pics as well. Also plan on "borrowing" some info from a local reefer who has blazed this trail ahead of me. I am building off his advice/experience.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2010
  11. Midwayman1968

    Midwayman1968 Spaghetti Worm

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    I am totally looking over your shoulders on this thread too...
    LED is fascinating in its potential...
    Good luck on build, sounds like you have a great plan so far on the build
    I am looking forward to this and m excited for ya.
     
  12. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    I like it evolved! glad you came to 3reef!