Moonlights (1 Viewer)

[NANAReef]

Ok it seems every Reef Fourm, has a thread concerning moonlights cept MARSH, so I am putting one up here..

I am not one to say there are any benefits, to useing them. But seeing a couple in action, lead me to want one. If not anything then to be able to watch nitetime creatures..

However I am going to try as closely as possible to get it to act as real moonlight.. With research I have come to find the light spectrum needed to do this is 470nm to 480nm.. With that I have found on ebay several people selling "ultra blue" LEDs with a light spectrum of 470nm -/+ 5 (meaning at max it would be 475nm). I have just ordered 20 of these, and they should get here within a few days..

I also have for this project a switchable AC adapter I got at Wal Mart for $8.90. Its a rather nice one able to switch between 1.5 to 12 volts at 300ma (milliampes). I will have mine set at 6v.. From the calculations made (per the spec sheets for the LEDs I am getting) that means I need a resistor of 140ohm 1/2watt with a 5% tollerance. I will be grabbing some of those at my local radio shack.

I will atempt to get a set of 5 up and running for my 45 hex, and update you guys on the progress. Wish me luck .

 

[NANAReef]

OK guys thanks to a friends help and sugestions (thank you scubamedic).. I am going to change the voltage to 12v, with a 330 ohm resistor.. And as I failed to mention it last post. The LEDs will not be run in series, as this tends to lead to some LEDs burning brighter then others. In other words each LED will be ran directly to the powersource.. Once the LEDs arrive, I will let you know how this works out..

 

[Wildfire]

Definitely keep us posted! I am also interested in a project such as this for my new hood / kids' tank but can't find any really good DIY information (not clear enough for my feeble mind)....

 

[NANAReef]

Once I know everything is working, I will do my best to post exactly what I am useing.. And I am not sure how to post pics (do they need to be hosted (if so I need a host)). But I will also try to take pics and document, what it will look like, and the finished result...

 

[NANAReef]

Now I have moved power sources.. I wanted to also add some fans to my hood. And with that the small powersupply I had would not cut it. I am now useing a 300watt ATX computer power supply. Its much more stable in voltage (11.74v to be exact) and at closer inspection to the LED specs, I will be running the resistors at 300ohm 1/4watt at a 5% tollerance. I might mention that I will have extra LEDs after my project is done. and due to the deal, as well as the dificulty of finding 1/4 watt (normally 1/2 watt) I will be ordering the resistors in bulk (100 pieces) So PM me if you are interested in this project, and I will see if I can help you out with (at least some resistors). Although the specs would not change for anyone who wishes to try it with a smaller powersupply at 12v (they are avalible at wallmart).

P.S. Still have not got the LEDs in yet...

 

[ScubaMedic]

I might have forgot to mention that you can use 1/2 watt resistors if that is all you find. It will be ok. 1/4 watt's can handle up to 1/4 watt and 1/2's can handle up to 1/2 watt. They will handle anything below their ratings with no problem.

 

[NANAReef]

True, but when I started looking for resistors. I have yet to find any 300ohm close to me (1/2 or 1/4) I got a 100 pack of 1/4 for $5.00 with shipping. So I will get them fairly soon.. but for the sake of the post I should have been more clear thanks for clairifying.. 1/2 watt will work just fine if you can find them. as well.

 

[scottk]

Why not just use a $2 green or blue glow night light plugged into an extension cord and suspended from the light hood. Stays on all the time, but only shows at night.

If your light doesn't have a lunar timer on it with phases, what's the diff?

 

[bigbird123]

moonlights

My moonlights are super!! I bought them off of ebay. I have three white and four blue on my 110g. They look great especially when there is no other light on in the house. They really open up my sun corals and all of my other corals seem to like them also. I see if I can find the guy I got them from and re-post.


Steve

 

[NANAReef]

OK here is the simple simple version. I got in my LEDs and I dont have the resistors (some screwup with the order) I will not press the matter as I got the cash back (thank you paypall) and I found a way to work them without anything. Heres the short version. The LEDs I got have a normal voltage of 3.5v (4.0 max) (higher then most). With my voltage tester I noted the 3v (normally higher voltage then what it states so check it if you can) was 3.8v. Still being within the needed tollerance for the LED, I decided to hook them up without a resistor. It works just fine.. So as promised here my DIY..

LEDs : I got my LEDs online on ebay they are the "4000mcd 5mm ultra Blue" (make sure on the spec sheet (likely a link) that it can handle between 2.8min 3.5typ and 4.0max voltage.. (The downside to my LEDs is the viewing angle I needed to put 7 ( I was planning on 5) in my tank to light it evenly

Power source : a 300ma selectable voltage power supply (you can get them at walmart or radio shack (just about anyplace that sells eletronics (mostly they are sold as after market AC power adapters for portable radios CD players ect)) mine has voltage from 1.5 to 12v (1.5,3,4.5,6,7.5,9,12)...

You also need wire to hook the system up. Some people sugest useing telephone wire, I personally used some small guaged speaker wire..

Hardest part of the project is soldering the wire to the LED (I have read also some people use those crimp on telephone connectors with the gel inside instead) ::REMEMBER:: On a LED the longer of the 2 leads is the +.. (If you do not have the + and - hooked up properly the LEDs will not light up at all) **NOTE** Please hook up the wireing to the LED with the powersource NOT plugged in I would hate for anyone to get fried.


If I missed anything or if you have any questions feel free to post...