led build, help me! (1 Viewer)

[juicestain]

i've got the parts now i need help putting it all together. its 6 white leds, 5 blue leds, heat sink, and two 1000mA buckpucks with potentiometer. i still need the drivers but would like to put together what i have so far. would i be able to use a normal power drill to get the holes drilled and tapered?

 

[Reefaddict79]

yup, do you already have the tap?

 

[Quincypunxgirl]

I'm about to jump off into the LED world myself. What tank are you building this fixture for? I'm trying to do a retro fit on a 14g Biocube. I'm not very power tool savvy. :/ I think people do use a drill on the heatsink, but most of what I have read recommends a drill press. I don't know if you have checked out this site yet, but:
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=186982

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=200335

One has various builds, the other is just a guide. Those people are all really nice and know what they are doing. They answer any question I ask with in the day. :] Hope it goes well for you!

 

[Reefaddict79]

Soundwave on RC has a DIY LED thread that will tell you all you ever wanted to know about building a killer LED fixture

 

[juicestain]

this build is for a 12g aquapod. the heatsink measures 8.5"x5". im trying to copy waterproofs build from here http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=188085

the things im doing differently is using the 1000mA buckpucks with potentiometer for optimum power from the leds. im also using two power supplies instead of 1 so i can have sunrise sunset options. im going to try to make it to where im still able to use the stock hoods buttons to on/off things, keeping the 2 moonlight leds that come stock for nightime viewing.

the build is exactly as waterproof has done though besides these things.

 

[juicestain]

does anyone with a drill press want to help me out? i think it would be alot cleaner to go that route.

 

[Quincypunxgirl]

It would be alot cleaner. I'm doing a copy of waterproof/crs2k right now as well. Just got my LED's ordered. Except I'm using the 1000ma's with pots and the 2 power supplies too just like crs2k. I bought 6 cool white/5 royal blues for my 14g. I think some people still did use a regular drill, and I think I might have to. So if you can't use a drill press, I think it will be ok. Let me know how yours turns out and what you decide. Maybe you can post a pic or 2. I'm starting construction for mine on the 23rd. I hear the soldering is the hardest part, so if you haven't ever soldered to look up some you tube videos and practice. Good Luck!

 

[Reefaddict79]

we have a drill press here at the shop, where are you located

 

[juicestain]

richmond, border line katy on westhiemer and 1464. near george bush park and george bush high school.

let me know, i could use someone power tool savvy. wouldnt mind if you had a little electrical experience as i have none.

do you have #43 drill bit and 4-40 tapping bit? if not i could buy em and let you keep after.

 

[Reefaddict79]

THe shop I work at is off of hwy 6 and Groeschke. Fridays we are off early. Let me know if you want to swing by.

 

[sbfuller]

you should look at the 1 watt and 3 watt LEDs from plasmaled.com. they are AMAZINGLY bright and have a 150 degree viewing angle. I have just one on the bottom of my little motorcycle about 6" from the ground and it puts out a cirsle about 4 feet in diameter. It is by far the brightest LED i have ever seen. they are $15 each but they have white and blue

 

[orangegreasemnky]

these guys have the 1 watt led $4


http://www.unique-leds.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=2063

 

[Tempset]

Was sitting down planning a full sized fixture for MY tank.

I just have 1 crucial question:

The excellent shimmer that comes from the breaking of the water's surface when using metal halide lighting...

Do you get the EXACT same effect with LED? Do you get less shimmer? Do you get a shimmer at all?

 

[orangegreasemnky]

i have 21 leds on my 14 gallon for a twilight light its really bright beautiful blue.

it shimmers awesome i think i might shimmer more than the mh. really pretty.

The only prob i see is that i really want blue jello when i look at my tank.