DIY Dimmable RapidLED Kit - Converting from MH's

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

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  1. chappy85

    chappy85 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Ahhh, I didn't think about the fish splashing. I haven't noticed mine being too bad yet, but I've still got a bit of stocking to do.
    Probably safer to plan for the splash guard and remove it later if it doesnt seem necessary.
    Thanks for that!
     
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  3. BayTib13

    BayTib13 Plankton

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    That's what I was thinking about both, but I wanted to make sure it was safe. I'd rather take my time and get everything sorted out instead of blowing 500$.

    Also apreciate the quick response.
     
  4. chappy85

    chappy85 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    oh, another thing I was wonder, how hot do the drivers get while running?
    If I want to put them in an enclosure, would it be possible to put them in a sealed enclosure? or would it be better to have some sort of exhaust fan on it? or would just some simple vent slots be enough?
     
  5. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    I don't think corrosion is the main concern for a splash guard. Anything close to the water will get salt creep, and its a lot easier to clean a piece of plexiglass than to have to clean 36 or 48 individual optics.

    Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk
     
  6. BioFreak

    BioFreak Feather Duster

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    Personally I believe it would matter on the source material of the enclosure. If your solid enclosure is some sort of plastic, or wood I would say exhaust fan with a heat sink. If you are using a metal based enclosure, than a vent hole to help heat exchange but, the fixture itself will be your heat sink.
     
  7. chappy85

    chappy85 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    that sounds fair enough, will see what I can come up with
    thanks!
     
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  9. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    Geez, late to my own party again!

    Yeah, someone already told you right on these questions. I would like to add, however, in regards to attaching the lenses you CANNOT use super-glue; it will degrade the clarity of the diode. Personally, I used Loctite Stick-n-Seal for the optics.

    Corrodes? No, that's not my concern. It's a matter of water getting splashed directly on the array. I'd rather avoid shorting things out.

    The less you have them dimmed, the hotter they run. Up near full blast, they do get quite warn to the touch. I've seen people put them in a project box before, and I've never heard of anyone having any problems. Some ventilation certainly wouldn't hurt however.
     
  10. chappy85

    chappy85 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Thanks for the reply evolved!
    Have got a few ideas rolling around on how to tuck away the drivers.
    Will have to wait til I finally get around to putting things together before I decide.
    will definitely be posting a build thread when I do tho
     
  11. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    So I came to realize yesterday that this evening will be exactly the 1 year mark of when I hung and flipped the switch on these guys...

    A picture update will be coming this weekend. :)
     
  12. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    Looking forward to seeing some pics. Maybe it will finally convince some of the old timers that LEDs can support sps long term ;)