How do I LED?

I am really wanting to make an led setup for my 26 gallons swim that I'm turning into a reef tank. I'm looking for a how to for dummies. Can anyone share with me the secrets of diy l e d????

 

26 gallon bow front?

I would recommend going through some LED build threads. Get an idea of how they did everything, what types and color LEDs they used, and how many LEDs were used.

But basically, you need LEDs, a driver(s) to power the LEDs, and a heatsink to put them on. If you want the option of dimming, you'll need either a potentiometer or a PVM controller. Then comes all of the hardware and supplies such as a soldering iron, solder, thermal paste/adhesive, wire, etc...

Once you get some more questions, feel free to ask. Someone will always have an answer for you.

 

rapidled has alot of information but like inertia said check out the build threads in the DIY section.

 

Thanks guys. I guess ill do some more reading and get back to you

 

OK so I have a question. I don't want to over think this led thing. Rapid led had some great stuff but I'm curious to know if a 12 light system will be sufficient. Also read some great stuff on the 30w leds. I actually think think 2 of those would do the trick but both options I held to be great ones but can I get other colors of the spectrum like red yellow and green in those 30w bulbs?

 

I guess I want ask should I get those other bulbs to fill the spectrum?