New Custom LED is KILLER!!! DIYed by local friend (not myself)

[Reefie]

WOWZERS!!! Check this out, 100W LED! They also have 50W LED, but the 100W got my attention.
http://www.ledssuperbright.com/30w-l...ower-led-p-226

[tinman]

Very cool may i ask what the cost was on the unit and where on line did u find 10 watt units or will your guy build me one too!
Thanks

[mike31154]

Aha, I've been waiting for a build like this since I have 4 similar 10watt LEDs kicking around (cool white I think) that I ordered as samples to try out. Haven't done anything with them except hook a 9 volt battery to each to make sure they work. I'm assuming they're the same form factor as the 100 watt ones Reefie links to in his post? Would they look something like this?



Sounds like your friend has used aluminum channel to mount them with only a couple of fans? This is my plan as well. So no optics at all? I ordered mine with glass optics and some sort of plastic bracket the optic fits on to. If you end up having success without optics, that's a bonus. Also got a couple of heatsink/fan integrated gizmos that one of these 10 watters could be mounted directly on to. Might be more useful for the higher wattage arrays like 30 & above.

I'll be watching your progress with keen interest. I have seen threads on various forums that dismiss these 10 watt arrays as not having sufficient penetrating power, but going by your par readings, they may be talking through their hats. Some hobbyists have been beating the Cree drum for quite a while & it's nice to see positive results from something other than discrete 3 watt Crees or comparable Bridgelux etc.

The huge advantage I see in using these 10 watt LED arrays, is that the operating voltage is typically between 9 & 12 volts DC, so you could theoretically run them off a standard battery bank charged by solar, wind or whatever. Wouldn't need drivers or power supplies to convert AC to DC and dimming is possible with a simple variable resistor. Although for peace of mind, a current or voltage regulator to limit those paramaters if something goes awry would be a good thing. Definitely interested in more details of how your friend has constructed the fixture!

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Reefie

WOWZERS!!! Check this out, 100W LED! They also have 50W LED, but the 100W got my attention.
http://www.ledssuperbright.com/30w-l...ower-led-p-226

These arrays have actually been around for a while now, but I think the 100 watters are a bit overkill for our application and they need a very good heatsink with fan. I would choose multiple 10 watt arrays over any other due to the 9-12 volt DC operating voltage. Makes it much easier to drive them and while they still need a decent heatsink, you might be able to get away with one fan for multiple units of these LEDs. The 100s need some weird voltage like 36 VDC to drive them and power supplies/drivers in that range are less common. Plus, with the 10 watters, your colour mixture can be better customized. Price is better as well & if one 10 watter burns out, it's not as much of a kick in the a$$ to replace. Make a mistake with the 100 & burn it out, it's a few $$s more.

[lockrookie]

you guys def have mad skills i would love to have someone buildme a light set for my 180. i have thought of tryngt build a set but lack the knowledge. of soldering maybe one day ill get brave lol. looks great tho maybe you and your bud shoudl make a side buisness and sell a few for us lest fortunate ones

[mike31154]

Plenty of alternatives to DIY a LED build without soldering these days. Modular LED is one & there are PAR, MR16 & E27 base spotlight bulbs available. I think there are even star LED boards available with leads already on there for quick connection.

[Bblinks]

DUDE! That looks amazing. LED are the future of this hobby. I am a stronger believer once you try it out you will never go back to anything else. Tank looks good. I hope that powder blue is doing good.
BTW I just installed all 9 of the AI on my tank and boy is it ever bright. I fricken love it. Come by and check out the new 300 some time.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Just remember to dim it down or you risk bleaching out your corals.

[Bblinks]

I think 5 hours at full blast should be okay, don't you? I got mine amped up from 10-12 the 12-5 100% 5-11 amp down.