80 Led Cree XR-E Led Fixture

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Dashing, May 28, 2010.

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  1. Dashing

    Dashing 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2010
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Fredericton
    Hey guys,

    To start with here is my original project list, I would have ordered from my self had I of known I was going to open a shop...

    Project List

    Next up are some of the build pics,

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    I don't know why but this next pic is my favorite picture of the fixture,

    [​IMG]

    Here are some shots of the fixture on over the tank,

    White and Blue,

    [​IMG]

    Blue

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    White

    [​IMG]

    The importance of a redundant Thermal Cut off circuit hardwired on LED fixtures.

    In the Cree Data Sheet it says you should keep the temp under 135 deg C at the thermal pad of the led, as well you should aim to keep your heatsink under 60 deg C at the most 37 deg C is better [​IMG]

    With fans we can cool led Heat Sinks down to tempetures that are well within the LED's safe operating range. However especially if we build our heatsinks out of Sheet Aluminum or Aluminum Diamond Plate we need to be cautions of heat issues that could arise if our fans fail to function correctly.

    The other morning I went down stairs to check on my aquarium like I normally do. However to my surprise my Blue LEDs were on. I went in to my fish room to check out the problem only to find that not only were my blue leds on, all fans were turned off. Apparently my Digital Timer had failed was stuck in the on position. Luckily my Blues only run at 700ma and my 1.2 by 3.2 sheet of Aluminum Diamond plate was enough to keep tempetures low enough to not cause any long term effect on led life.

    With that being said all types of technology are subject to Murphys law, with that being said by wiring a 1-10 $ Thermal Circuit...Price depending on where you purchase you can have a fail safe hard wired into your system to shut it down if temp get to high be it from a dyeing fan, non-functioning fan or poor ventilation problem.

    Also by having 2 fans set up with different power supplys you add an extra level of protection to your fixture as well more overall air flow.

    Cheers,

    Richard.


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  3. cdmorrison01

    cdmorrison01 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2009
    Messages:
    46
    Location:
    Florida
    Cool build! I am planning on doing the same kind of thing in the future.
     
  4. jakeh24

    jakeh24 Pajama Cardinal

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2008
    Messages:
    1,428
    Location:
    reno, NV
    thanks for sharing!

    this is an awesome build. LEDs are starting to look better and better
     
  5. mcfarrow

    mcfarrow Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2009
    Messages:
    294
    Location:
    Saint Louis
    Nice project, any chance we can see the build without joining another forum?
     
  6. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

    Joined:
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    Woodstock, Ga
    yeah
     
  7. Dashing

    Dashing 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2010
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Fredericton
    Are the pictures and pdf not showing up? I have them linked to where they are stored on another site but I can upload them to 3 reef.

    Can you guys see the pictures?

    Richard.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
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    Ft Washington, MD
    I can see all but the first pic.
     
  10. corey46

    corey46 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2010
    Messages:
    66
    Location:
    Canton, Ohio
    What did it cost to build this? I really want one for my 90 Gallon tank but I lack LED expertise. I know the long term this keeps the cost down.
     
  11. Dashing

    Dashing 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2010
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Fredericton
    The Cost

    Here is a supply list, I actually sell leds now that are much stronger then the older XR-E p 4's used in this project.

    View attachment 90G_LED_PROJECT.pdf

    Also it is very easy to solder leds here is a brief how to video,



    Cheers,

    Richard.
     
  12. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    943
    Location:
    Woodstock, Ga
    thanks for posting a link to the build list.