48" LED Array - Up and Running...Mostly

[Ron99]

Originally Posted by OceanicCorals-Ian-

I have created a thread specifically for this type of conversation, if everyone is interested maybe the MODS can move the latter half of this vs conversation to the thread I have linked below.

I feel this is detracting from this excellent build thread......

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...374#post510374

Thanks Ian. Good Idea. Let's move the debate over there.

Originally Posted by Canadian

And Ron, I apologize for derailing your build thread.

No Worries, it's good to discuss it and try to develop real information. I agree that there is lots of manufacturer hype and BS. One reason I built my own array, aside from costs, is that most of the commercial LED lights make compromises of some sort unless you spend big dollars on the high end fixtures.

In any case, let's continue in the other thread.

Originally Posted by Dyspnea

Where did you find most of your reading and research?

nano-reef.com seems to have the most active LED community but more is showing up on reef central now too.

[BKTruong]

Hey Ron great thread I've been following since day 1 but I want to know now that you have your new led fixture up for a few days running, how are all the SPS corals doing? Also do you find that your LEDs miss some light in some areas as your LEDs are spreaded out and LED light rays are directed in a straight focused downward "UFO" path and doesn't light its surrounding area like MH or even T5s. As you may have probably already noticed, the solaris's or any professionally made LED fixtures are all built with its LEDs side by side tightly snug. I honestly prefer to spread them out as you did as it covers more area but wasn't sure if it was ideal.

[DiverDude]

Originally Posted by Ron99

<snip>One reason I built my own array, aside from costs, is that most of the commercial LED lights make compromises of some sort unless you spend big dollars on the high end fixtures.
</snip>

Y'know....sometimes, sometimes it's just fun to build your own stuff. You get to make it suit your personal needs exactly and there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from the design and build process.

After all, this is a DIY forum, is it not ?

[byee]

Totally agrees..........GREATER satisfaction from it plus you the educational aspect.

Probably built better as well.

[Acrylic]

This should shed some light on the subject. (pun intended )
http://www.cree.com/products/pdf/XLa...aintenance.pdf

[Ron99]

Originally Posted by Acrylic

This should shed some light on the subject. (pun intended )
http://www.cree.com/products/pdf/XLa...aintenance.pdf

Pretty much what we have been discussing on the other thread. Keep the LEDs cool and they will last for a long time.

[Ron99]

Time for a quick update. Haven't really had time to work on the controller very much but hopefully soon. But after about 1 month I thought I would post a couple of pictures of the corals.

Here's a shot taken on April 23rd:



And one from May 19th:



It has great colour and some noticeable growth in the last month.

Here's one that was pretty much brown except for the tip:



Now it has a bit of growth but is colouring up all over: