DIY LED light for Frag tank.

deputy1234 · #1 07-06-2010, 01:15 AM

I thought I share my DIY LED build for a fag tank in my Sump . The dimension is 12”x10” with a depth of 10” for a total of approximately 5.1gallons. The plan is to have the frags at the halfway mark about 5” from the bottom of the tank.

LED equipment List:
1- 5.9" x 9" Aluminum Heat Sink
4- CREE XR-E Royal Blue 3W LED
4- CREE XR-E Q5 Cool White 3W LED
8- 80 degree white Cree XR-E Optics
1- Mean Well LPC-35-700W driver
1- Arctic Alumina Thermal Adhesive
2- 120mm Fans + 1 DC adapter

Tools
40w Soldering Iron
Rosin core 60/40 solder

Extra:
White acrylic
Clear acrylic

Total cost is around $160 at this time.

deputy1234 · #2 07-06-2010, 01:17 AM

double post

deputy1234 · #3 07-06-2010, 01:19 AM

I just built the fixture today. Here are some pictures of the build.

The package that arrived today, after I marked the placement of the LEDS

LEDs planed placement

LEDs attached to the heat sink with thermal adhesive

All wired and soldered. Not the best looking job but it will do.

LEDs first time with power

With 80 degree optics

Another one, up close

deputy1234 · #4 07-06-2010, 01:22 AM

5 feet away from the wall (with out Optics)

5 feet away from the wall (with Optics)

Temporary housing over the sump (untill I am able to build a cover for the fixture)

and materials I will be using to build the housing of the LED fixture. Also I am stilling waiting for my fans to arrive.

lockrookie · #5 07-06-2010, 03:44 AM

if you dont mind my asking where didi you purchace your kit from?

Ron99 · #6 07-06-2010, 04:20 PM

Looks good. Be careful not to bleach the frags as the LEDs can put out alot of PAR when that close. Keep an eye on the corals and you may have to go with a short lighting period and slowly increase it.

deputy1234 · #7 07-06-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockrookie

if you dont mind my asking where didi you purchace your kit from?

I ordered mine form www.rapidled.com. They currently have a sale on right now ( I ordered a few days to early and had to pay full price.) But if you're looking to build a Led set they have some great prices on their kits.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron99

Looks good. Be careful not to bleach the frags as the LEDs can put out alot of PAR when that close. Keep an eye on the corals and you may have to go with a short lighting period and slowly increase it.

Thanks for the warning. I will be observing the frags closely. I've looked into you build and your tank seems to be doing well with the Leds. Have you ever run into a problem with the Leds?

Ron99 · #8 07-06-2010, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deputy1234

Thanks for the warning. I will be observing the frags closely. I've looked into you build and your tank seems to be doing well with the Leds. Have you ever run into a problem with the Leds?

Mine is doing great. I need to get around to an update some time

No problems with the LEDs yet except for a few loose wires during the crazy wiring job of 80+ LEDs on 8 drivers. That and some of the optics needing a small dab of silicone to stay on the LEDs.