DIY LED moonlight info

[prof]

LED sources:

http://www.mpja.com/productview.asp?product=12568+OP

http://www.lc-led.com/View.jsp?idProduct=94

LED how to:

http://www.kaotica.com/frag/diy/moonlight/

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=205488


There was some discussion about moonlights at the meeting. I pulled together some links with good info and sources. All you need to find is a power supply and the correct resistors.

Enjoy...

[omoreno]

Thanks....This is great info. :D

[malofish]

I love my PFO moonlight, I'm not knocking DIY, but mine rocks a@@!!!! I will be buying another one for my clam tank!!!

[malofish]

P.S. my moonlight has a blue halide effect to it, and from what I've noticed all DIY moonlights have a "spot light" effect vs. a "flood light effect", mine was enough to fill a 4x4x2 tank just fine, ask dan!!!(ask dan he donated his reef for test)

[TexasState]

I've had LED from: PFO, Ebay, Blue-line. The PFO is blindingly excellent!

[malofish]

I know I got it from you texasstate!!

[TexasState]

Have you tried to use it over your 7G Bowfront?

[malofish]

No, but I tried it over a ten, too brite!!! I'm gonna use it over a 54gal. cornerbow!!

[prof]

Store bought is usually better than DIY not to mention a lot easier. I just enjoy the DIY part.

LEDs have a specific viewing angle. Most commonly available LEDs are a very narrow angle and produce a spot light effect. The ones in my second link have a 60 degree viewing angle. This will give a wide spread light pattern.

[TexasState]

ARe you using any kind of reflector on the LED that you're building?

[Henry]

I've also done the led moonlight for about $10. pretty cool. Here is my latest project. I put it together in about 30min. It has 2 13watt actinic bulb. I bought everything but the bulbs and box from homedepot. Total cost about under $30. I need to order the correct holders for the lamps but that they general setup.

[prof]

I am going to place the leds in my current fixture and aim them up at the reflector. This will help dissapate the spot light effect and give a better wash across the tank.

[StephenA]

I built a DIY one with high intensity LED's. I had to put a pot on it to turn it down it was so bright.

[RobertG]

Anyone ever seen the Blue LED's that come with the new Viper Alarm systems, I have a bunch of them. Just dont know if they might work with our hobbie. they are very bright, all they need is low voltage. Mine in my truck glows so bright it luminates the back seats. Super Crew Truck Any ideas about these?

[prof]

They will work. You just need to know the specs on the LEDs so you can power them correctly.

[RobertG]

Cool Will find out or just experiment. LOL whatever works

[RobertG]

I found that you can use a 1k ohm resistor & 12 V. Real Bright will try out see if looks cool. Is there a spectrum were looking for.

[RobertG]

I tried it & Think I like it. :-D

There are 8 leds across the backside of the light rack.
I think I'm going to add 8 more on the other side. As it is the backside is brighter.

[StephenA]

Looks good!