Bridgelux LED

[Divan_24]

http://www.aquastyleonline.com/products/48--LEDs--DIY-Dimmable-Kit.html

Found this kit and now I'm not sure if DIY T5HO or try these LEDs. Anyone have some experience feedback ? I have a 55 gallon, would 48 LEDs be enough?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

very nice LED diy

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?74943-Beginners-DIY-LED-Build (http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?74943-Beginners-DIY-LED-Build)

[BBQHILLBILLY]

http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18915&d=1359741861 (http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18915&d=1359741861)

[Big_Pun]

go t5 less of a headache if your not into wiring and soldering

[Divan_24]

What ballast are yu using ? I don't want to overdrive my bulbs. Was considering using some programmed start Sylvania

[Big_Pun]

I use workhorse ballast

[Divan_24]

Thank you. And your reflector??

[reefreak]

I would do the led you might want to try halides if you like led more it will probably save you money if you upgrade later.

[Divan_24]

I don't want to get MH :/ the heat, money etc. Could I possibly mount the LEDs on a wood canopy with fans??

[Fracture]

You should look in the DIY section my bf tempset has a thread where he is showin step by step how to build a led set up

[reefreak]

Yes, there is a way you can hang those aquastyle LEDs or you could just pull the trigger and buy some ai sols like I did ;).

[reefreak]

Also someone was doing a order on some dimmable bridgelux led modules for $185 a piece.

[ducati996]

Or u can order one the China leds with dimmable leds cheaper than diy kit

[Big_Pun]

Thank you. And your reflector??

I have a current USA fixture so factory reflectors I may change up and try and get tek reflectors. sunlight supply closed there aquatic side but still has their horticulture side open, so that may be option. or online retailer may have some still. you may have to search around see who makes t5 kits still.

[noles1983]

For the price, I dont think the value fixture from reefbreeders can be beat. I have the controllable version and its awesome.

http://reefbreeders.com/bridgelux_value.html

[BBQHILLBILLY]

wow lotta folks are now building and selling these fixtures. grate prices but know what your getting. In my opinion, to get the LED to last 17 years you need a heatsink.
At the same time, if an LED does go out you can bypass it with a wire. That is the advantage of the diy kit. Parts are easily repaired.
These complete fixtures dont have heatsinks and they put the LEDs so close together that you will probably only get 30000 hrs if an LED never fails. Thats still a lot of time.
Will the LED last 17 years at 8 hrs a day? Also, It will happen, When an LED goes out, how do I repair it? If the driver goes out can I get another one?
Again this is the advantage of the diy kit and the one I purchased. Actually I have 4 of them and cover an 8ft tank and I only use 400 watts of power.
I will never ever have to buy a bulb again. Im done for 17 years.:bigsmile:

[Louis-210]

wow lotta folks are now building and selling these fixtures. grate prices but know what your getting. In my opinion, to get the LED to last 17 years you need a heatsink.
At the same time, if an LED does go out you can bypass it with a wire. That is the advantage of the diy kit. Parts are easily repaired.
These complete fixtures dont have heatsinks and they put the LEDs so close together that you will probably only get 30000 hrs if an LED never fails. Thats still a lot of time.
Will the LED last 17 years at 8 hrs a day? Also, It will happen, When an LED goes out, how do I repair it? If the driver goes out can I get another one?
Again this is the advantage of the diy kit and the one I purchased. Actually I have 4 of them and cover an 8ft tank and I only use 400 watts of power.
I will never ever have to buy a bulb again. Im done for 17 years.:bigsmile:


Well said, that is a great point!

[Big_Pun]

wow lotta folks are now building and selling these fixtures. grate prices but know what your getting. In my opinion, to get the LED to last 17 years you need a heatsink.
At the same time, if an LED does go out you can bypass it with a wire. That is the advantage of the diy kit. Parts are easily repaired.
These complete fixtures dont have heatsinks and they put the LEDs so close together that you will probably only get 30000 hrs if an LED never fails. Thats still a lot of time.
Will the LED last 17 years at 8 hrs a day? Also, It will happen, When an LED goes out, how do I repair it? If the driver goes out can I get another one?
Again this is the advantage of the diy kit and the one I purchased. Actually I have 4 of them and cover an 8ft tank and I only use 400 watts of power.
I will never ever have to buy a bulb again. Im done for 17 years.:bigsmile:

ok but will they last that long exposed to salt water, i dont see how having exposed connections to salt water can last "years". if your going led buy a fixture of some sort with everything neatly placed in a case with some type of protection from the elements. my diy i had over my pico started rusting at connections in just 7 months. it was suspended over a 3g pico still got salt spray.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thats a good question. custom cover of some sort should be on an add on they havent designed yet. heres a pic that I posted using glass covers
http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18915&d=1359741861 (http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18915&d=1359741861)

[rrasco]

I always put a splash guard on my fixtures.

[KING]

Who has even had an LED that long..i hear ppl say all these yrs wen they aint even ben around that long..

[BBQHILLBILLY]

its designed that way

[allan]

It's an estimation. Alton posted some interesting facts about deterioration of the LED over time, and percentage of output expected after a few years. Sound reasoning. But the guarantee on the box is a huge source of solace for most.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I agree, how cool you keep the LED and that includes if you at max or not. Based on information from engineering on the LED, 2 factors influence the life of the LED.
You need to properly cool the LED and absolutely do not run at max power. That will, for sure, cut the lifespan down. Other than that, you scheduled to have an LED between 50000 and 70000 hrs.

[rrasco]

Even if they only lasted for 5 years that would offset the cost of bulb replacements in most cases.