How are these LED's

[jrossjr79]

I was looking around at http://www.drsfostersmith.com and I came across all of these cheap LED options. I was originally going to do DIY to save some money, but when I saw these, I figured why would I DIY when these are already cheaper then what I would spend DIY. I linked several of them here.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+24113&pcatid=24113

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+21598&pcatid=21598

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+23550&pcatid=23550

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+25737&pcatid=25737

And since I know its a determining factor on how deep my tank is, I will get back soon with those measurements.


To the top of my sand bed its roughly 19"

[350gt]

I was looking around at http://www.drsfostersmith.com and I came across all of these cheap LED options. I was originally going to do DIY to save some money, but when I saw these, I figured why would I DIY when these are already cheaper then what I would spend DIY. I linked several of them here.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+24113&pcatid=24113

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+21598&pcatid=21598

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+23550&pcatid=23550

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+25737&pcatid=25737

And since I know its a determining factor on how deep my tank is, I will get back soon with those measurements.


To the top of my sand bed its roughly 19"



Aquatic life, never seen them, but have read good things, you will need multiple strips for any reef..

ecoxotic stunners, great supplemental lighting for nano tanks...

marine land, garbage........

Fluval, new product.... Don't expect much though....

[350gt]

It all depends on the size of your tank...

Post your dimensions up and maybe we could recommend something.

[jrossjr79]

Kinda figured that Marineland, is basically, with concern to majority of their products, is like a beginner level on a budget type product.


As far as Aquatic life, I knew I had to get multiple strips, just did not know how many. Here is the dimensions of my tank:
12 1/2" X 48" X 20 3/4"

And as stated the top of my sand bed is roughly 19" down.

[350gt]

Your depth wouldn't be a issue with maybe the aquatic life or stunners but I wouldn't use them a primary lighting.. Maybe supplemental.... And with 48" you will need a few of them... By then your not really saving money..

[350gt]

Your not going to save money any route in this hobby, just a heads up....

Cutting corners will lead to unwanted results..


have you ever thought about searching for a used t5 setup?

You can find them pretty cheap and are proven..

[jrossjr79]

I thought about a T5 setup, but I know T5s use alot of wattage. My concern with this is that this is an old house that I am renting, and where the tank is setup at is in the living room, where alot of wattage is already being utilized on the same circuit. TV, DVR, Blu-Ray, Kids computer for home schooling, then my massive computer system which consist of my main tower with two monitors, router, two servers with one monitor for each, printer, (all for work) as well as a bass sub-woofer for the TV.

As you can see I have already lots of wattage being used on this one circuit, I dont want to keep tripping the fuse. So as low as wattage as possible becomes my concern.

[Big_Pun]

i have a full blown reef on a 15 amp no issues....... and yes i run old technology 2x 250w mh and 4x 54wt5, and all my other gear running. t5 for that tank would be the best bang for your buck all the way around.

[jrossjr79]

i have a full blown reef on a 15 amp no issues....... and yes i run old technology 2x 250w mh and 4x 54wt5, and all my other gear running. t5 for that tank would be the best bang for your buck all the way around.

I see you are running all of Reef Equipment on same circuit, but I didnt see you mention anything beyond that. Can you clarify that you have other stuff on that same circuit, with all of it being on constantly. The only two things that are not on all the time on my circuit is just the two servers, I only run them when I need to transfer certain files around. And on the weekends the kids computer is off.

[Big_Pun]

I see you are running all of Reef Equipment on same circuit, but I didnt see you mention anything beyond that. Can you clarify that you have other stuff on that same circuit, with all of it being on constantly. The only two things that are not on all the time on my circuit is just the two servers, I only run them when I need to transfer certain files around. And on the weekends the kids computer is off.
tv lights surround sound sometimes a vacuum

on the reef 2x mp-40, 2 rturm pumps a skimmer pump, 2x reactor pumps, ato top off pump as needed a heater a reef keeper controller fuge light led

[Big_Pun]

im sure my light fixture out consumes anything combined on your circuit lol its a beast when fully powered

[jrossjr79]

aww ok, then I should have no problems then. since I dont forsee me using a reactor at all on this setup, let alone two of them, definitely not two skimmers, I mihgt not even get a skimmer cause the way this tank and stand is setup, unless someone can help me come up with a way to get a skimmer on the bottom where it is not hanging on my tank. ( I will post pictures later to show what I mean on why I dont think I will be able to). And I very seriously doubt I will have a controller. Would like to have one, but on this 55 I dont think I will go that route.

[rrasco]

I wouldn't buy any of those fixtures...

I have way too much stuff on a single circuit. A 105 reef, a 125 fw tank, a 150 fowlr, computer and equipment, as well as my home theater system with surround sound, receiver, game consoles etc....luckily I have not overloaded it. One of the outlets in my reef room also shares this circuit. However, I do want to wire in a new circuit to ease the load.

[Big_Pun]

aww ok, then I should have no problems then. since I dont forsee me using a reactor at all on this setup, let alone two of them, definitely not two skimmers, I mihgt not even get a skimmer cause the way this tank and stand is setup, unless someone can help me come up with a way to get a skimmer on the bottom where it is not hanging on my tank. ( I will post pictures later to show what I mean on why I dont think I will be able to). And I very seriously doubt I will have a controller. Would like to have one, but on this 55 I dont think I will go that route.
limitation on your set up is the hob filter, its not very efficient filter in the reef hobby. unless its a cpr aquafuge. you have to very careful what you put in your system and not over load it and stick to softies.

[jrossjr79]

I wouldn't buy any of those fixtures...

I have way too much stuff on a single circuit. A 105 reef, a 125 fw tank, a 150 fowlr, computer and equipment, as well as my home theater system with surround sound, receiver, game consoles etc....luckily I have not overloaded it. One of the outlets in my reef room also shares this circuit. However, I do want to wire in a new circuit to ease the load.

Well see, and here is the side of the argument that I was on, and now, starting to lean back to. Other than a total of 3 tanks, I have all the same stuff, plus a bit more, well the three tanks and reef room.

[350gt]

No skimmer???...... Good luck!


do a 4 bulb t5 fixture..... You will be alright. Leave the guess work on LEDs for your next build..

Chris is right, it's the best bang for your buck.... I would have recommended a 6 bulb t5 but your depth is too small...

my house is old!!!.... And my tank is on the same circuit with my stove, microwave and toaster oven somehow.... I'm not sure who was the idiot who wired this house.... Either way with my LEDs I trip the circuit when I turn on the microwave and toaster oven at the same time......

Like Rrasco, my next tank will have a dedicated circuit..

[jrossjr79]

limitation on your set up is the hob filter, its not very efficient filter in the reef hobby. unless its a cpr aquafuge. you have to very careful what you put in your system and not over load it and stick to softies.

As far as setup based on electricity, or because of the stand?

If it is because of the stand, I think I found a way to remedy that while I was just taking pictures of the stand on the inside. Cause I really hate HOB type filters, sucks that I already have on the tank that I did not really want.
19753

As you see here, my original assumption about putting a sump tank, or any kind of equipment I could some what hide is because of this stand. Its cool because the bottom glass will light up, but beyond that I dont like it. Glass bottom, mirror on back, glass doors, and glass walls.

But I did notice that the glass walls can easily come out, only being held in by swivel clips. So I could either A take one of them out completely, or drill holes into the glass (I cant, no diamond bits, and every time I work with glass I mess up).

Question now is, is the stand high enough on the inside. Total height room I have on the inside is 22 1/2".

Sorry incomplete question, is that enough height to put in a sump tank as well as a skimmer?

[rrasco]

Sure it is. Just pick your equipment carefully. Definitely sump it if you can.

[Big_Pun]

that glass is more than likely tempered so you would risk shattering it drilling it. you could get a 20 long and mod to a sump

[jrossjr79]

Ok, so no drilling, just remove the glass pane.

@rrasco, its what I rather have, the way I imagined how I would set up my 145G is how I rather have things on all my tanks, including this starter 55G. Sump/Skimmer/Refigium/. I had made a 3D render of how I wanted to set it up a while back, stupid me lost the file cause I did not back it up before I upgraded my system from XP to Win7.

Only different thing I have with plans on the 145G and this 55G is that my 145 is pre-drilled. So I am guessing I will have to have some sort of over flow box hanging on the back of this 55G. Or is there another way with out drilling the 55G

[EpicWin]

Checkout reefbreeders or evolution LEDs. Best bang for buck
http://reefbreeders.com/value_led_fixtures.html

[jrossjr79]

Checked it out EpicWin, I think I like, lol. Looks good. Can anyone point me to a place that defines what degree of optics you need for what size tanks?



NCM I answered my own question on that already.

Thanks for the link though.

[rrasco]

I wouldn't go with anything less than 80*.

[jrossjr79]

I was thinking about going with 90*. With the link that EpicWin provided there was not alot to choose from as far as optics. 90* seemed the better fit with my tank. Just cant figure if I should get three of those, or if two would be enough.

[350gt]

I would go with a more narrow beam... Your tank is not that wide, a little over 12" if I read it rignt...


Unless you like light spilling all over the room.... 80 or 90 would be too much IMO

[jrossjr79]

I would go with a more narrow beam... Your tank is not that wide, a little over 12" if I read it rignt...


Unless you like light spilling all over the room.... 80 or 90 would be too much IMO

Yes you read right, a lil over 12" wide. But wouldnt the depth of my tank be more precise with a 90*? So do you think I should go with a 60* then?

[cowboy572]

Checkout reefbreeders or evolution LEDs. Best bang for buck
http://reefbreeders.com/value_led_fixtures.html

I agree, I'm trying to get a big tank build going and want to light it with LED's. I was impresed with their prices and there build quality. I also like they have a USA Warranty. So I'm going tokeep these guys in mind.

[350gt]

Yes you read right, a lil over 12" wide. But wouldnt the depth of my tank be more precise with a 90*? So do you think I should go with a 60* then?


I would, your not covering much area....

I would also look into 1 watt LEDs as well, it will keep price down and powerful enough as your tank doesn't need that much punch...

[rrasco]

I would avoid 60* optics. I have them on my 105 and there is still light spill, plus, they are essentially death rays. I run power at 50% blue and 30% white. I want to change them. That's why I recommend a wider optic. They do work though.

[jrossjr79]

I would avoid 60* optics. I have them on my 105 and there is still light spill, plus, they are essentially death rays. I run power at 50% blue and 30% white. I want to change them. That's why I recommend a wider optic. They do work though.

ok, so which optic would you recommend?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

get a cone or make a cone and put a light at the small end. The angle depends on height and depth and were the placement of the coral will be. 60 would be cool for coral on the sand but not the ones up high, unless you put sps up high and keep the mushrooms down low. diy allow you to change the lense at your convenience. I think the lens is a dollar for 1 LED.
You can have 60, 80, 90, or none at all. I normally put 60 on the outside and none on the inside.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Use all the lenses on 1 diy. Place corals accordingly. Tomorrow if you change your mind rearrange the lenses to match the coral placement.

[rrasco]

What are your options? If you are looking at specific fixtures, I don't know what they use. I want to try 80* on mine. I have only used 60* so I can't say for sure, but I know 60* is too narrow.

[350gt]

Ai sols have a mixture of 40 and 70 degree optics and many ppl have great results.....

[350gt]

I would avoid 60* optics. I have them on my 105 and there is still light spill, plus, they are essentially death rays. I run power at 50% blue and 30% white. I want to change them. That's why I recommend a wider optic. They do work though.


you have to factor in your width, his is only 12".......


why not send all that light into the tank rather than the floor? And the wont be death rays if he goes with 1 watt leds.....

[rrasco]

I'm not against some narrower optics, especially if a lower power LED is used, I'm just warning against high powered concentrated beams, because in my experience, it is too much power. Mixing and matching optics for various colors and positions is a great idea. Ideally I would do a puck style design with wider optics on a higher power white with narrower optics on lower power royal blues. Mix in some other colors with wide optics to spread the color.

[350gt]

I'm not against some narrower optics, especially if a lower power LED is used, I'm just warning against high powered concentrated beams, because in my experience, it is too much power. Mixing and matching optics for various colors and positions is a great idea. Ideally I would do a puck style design with wider optics on a higher power white with narrower optics on lower power royal blues. Mix in some other colors with wide optics to spread the color.



YA, thats why I recommended 1 watt.... He will be less likely to toast stuff....

3 watt will work but you would want a less concentrated beam on such a narrow tank....but then all that light is useless as it will be everywhere but in the tank....

Just go 1 watt with a narrow beam......


Or t5 like I recommended earlier till you get your feet wet.....

[BBQHILLBILLY]

so many choices. I have used 1 watt LEDs and their great for shallow tanks. 3 watt dimmable is perfect. Im sure others have experienced different.
Remember 3 watt does not mean 3 watt. If you get 1watt thats it. You adjust the 3 watt and is upward compatible.

[350gt]

Remember 3 watt does not mean 3 watt. If you get 1watt thats it. You adjust the 3 watt and is upward compatible.


How so??>....

And you all are forgetting the dimensions of his tank....... Why would he need 3 watt let alone more power?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

The same reason you use them.:bigsmile:

[350gt]

I need them cause my tank is deeper and more wide.....


Hes trying to budget his build and 1 watt are affordable and will give a newb better results than recommending over powering 3 watt LEDS that will burn all his coral....


So how can 3 watt be upward compatible?

[350gt]

From the ppl that usually post that have ALL LED, I have yet to see a tank that impresses me....


including my own...(but its getting there)

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thats 2 bad . There everywhere on this site. 55 is a tall tank allmost as tall as yours. fyi
Leds dont have to cost $500 for 2x2 coverage and be 3watt.

[reefreak]

I would have gone with those 1w chinese led fixtures there is a few people on here that can get them. I was going to run 2 on my 55 gallon.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Actually 55 is a very awesome tank. Its allmost 2ft tall.
I ran a 4ft marineland reef led. Here is is my evaluation of using the product. It nice. I had to take it back 3 times.
1st was because some LEDs went out and I couldnt repair it. The 2nd was because the powersupply burned up the connection on the fixture.
I wished I know now, back then,, I would have made a much wiser decision. I am telling you this from experience. I build LEDs now for personal use. and love it.

[350gt]

Thats 2 bad . There everywhere on this site. 55 is a tall tank allmost as tall as yours. fyi
Leds dont have to cost $500 for 2x2 coverage and be 3watt.



nearly 6 more inches....... and I had to raise my units close a foot off the tank cause everything was burning......


Whats this got to do what my units cost? I am not the one recommending 3 watt leds.


AND ANSWER MY QUESTION....

[Big_Pun]

the way I see it is $500 is a bargain, you get customer support, you get firmware upgrades, a lot more controllability and per written programs and the clean look of a clean fixture. that goes for led, mh, t5 lights any quality product is like that. also you get someone who has worked out most bug in R&D

[350gt]

I wished I know now, back then,, I would have made a much wiser decision. I am telling you this from experience. I build LEDs now for personal use. and love it.


you have only used marine land.... please those are CRAP fixtures.....

you cant compare DIY to that.....

I understand some DIY to save a buck or 2, hey I will never knock that.... but for anyone to try and build a fixture that mimics a VEGA OR RADION..... good luck, it won't happen... you cant beat the clean look and features of the unit, you can't beat the wireless functions.......

YOu get what you Pay for.... and I paid for CLEAN LOOKING UNITS, AWESOME CUSTOMER SUPPORT and ACTUAL R&D BEHIND THE UNIT....so IMO it was $500 well spent on each fixture......

Lets see your DIY company front you some LEDS cause yours burnt out... AI sent me a whole new fixture without nothing but my name and email and serial # on the faulty unit....

[350gt]

I would have gone with those 1w chinese led fixtures there is a few people on here that can get them. I was going to run 2 on my 55 gallon.


I would do that before DIY on this tank....... there are a few ppl that are running 1 watt led fixture with decent results.... sinister LOU is one of them... I was impressed by his setup and even more so when I found out they were only 1 watt LEDS.....

Why? because he hasnt burned everything trying to over power his tank..... and spread he will admit isnt great on the fixtures, perfect for a tank like this...

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I must add that Marineland did replace the fixture everytime. So A+ on customer service there. So if are going to buy a fixture that is important.
A marineland reef led is 400 or $500 now with timers. maybe 400 havent checked latley. It is a sleek fixture very nice. Not bulky. very kool look.
Get the timer if you get the Marineland. That way you can run just the blues without a switch. get the timers.

[350gt]

I must add that Marineland did replace the fixture everytime. So A+ on customer service there. So if are going to buy a fixture that is important.
A marineland reef led is 400 or $500 now with timers. maybe 400 havent checked latley. It is a sleek fixture very nice. Not bulky. very kool look.
Get the timer if you get the Marineland. That way you can run just the blues without a switch. get the timers.


dont matter what they cost, still junk...


for that price get a ai sol, or first gen radian..... way more features..

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I need to add, diy LED you can build anything you want. Dont let anyone tell you different. lol You can cover any spead and any depth.:bigsmile:
Plus you take a lot more in accomplishment because you didnt buy someone's build. You did your own. gtg

[350gt]

I need to add, diy LED you can build anything you want. Dont let anyone tell you different. lol You can cover any spead and any depth.:bigsmile:
Plus you take a lot more in accomplishment because you didnt buy someone's build. You did your own. gtg



and thats what I was trying to do.... ADVISE him on going with less watt leds.. since his foot print isnt that big, he doesnt need to run over powering LEDS and then have to dim them.... pointless, especially since his trying to save a buck.....


if youve built enough leds, you should know this...


Just cause I buy LEDS, cause I can, doesnt mean IDK what Im talking about..... Ive owned a few unit myself..

[350gt]

Oh and I take accomplishment in knowing that when I look at my units, I dont see exposed wires everywhere......

I see clean looking units with warranties that have a awesome resell value......

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Its all good. we share our knowledge. Its better if we have diversity.:bigsmile:

[350gt]

Its all good. we share our knowledge. Its better if we have diversity.:bigsmile:


diversity by far......


so answer my question, how are yours upward compatiable like you say?


cause last I checked... I can hop on AI's website and custom make any color configuration puck and have it delivered... about 6 screws and its in and controller automatically notices.......

I dont have to turn a knob.... i can hop onto the controller or soon on my MAC or iPhone and configure the colors just where I like them...... NO DIY'er can ever do that.....

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I cover 8ft tank, growing sps, lps, and softies. I paid $700. How much did you pay to cover 6ft. Its an alternative. I can change a single lense, a single led, each optic can be changed,
Again I cover an 8ft spread fraction of the costs. Its in a canopy I never see my wires. If you like vegas thats great. I prefer to build my own.

[350gt]

I paid $750


why is that... cause of the AI SOLS awesome resell value....

I didnt bring my units into this... you mentioned what I paid for mine, so apparently its on your mind.


Oh wait you tried to delete where you mentioned my units.... LOL too bad I caught it...

[Big_Pun]

Its all good. we share our knowledge. Its better if we have diversity.:bigsmile:

very true you did a great job with info on your thread about the build process and final out come. I'm hoping to do the same with my new led fixture and see if you can go from mh to led smoothly. only thing that had me pulling hair was programming it tonight, Austrian built light crappy instructions!
so jrossy keep up the research and the questions. I know we come off as blunt but it's hard to tell tone in text!

[reefreak]

very true you did a great job with info on your thread about the build process and final out come. I'm hoping to do the same with my new led fixture and see if you can go from mh to led smoothly. only thing that had me pulling hair was programming it tonight, Austrian built light crappy instructions!
Dude Ditto i was getting frustrated somewhat programming my SOL.

[350gt]

how about AIs no instructions....lol

[350gt]

Dude Ditto i was getting frustrated somewhat programming my SOL.


should of called me.....

[reefreak]

I was, but i think i got it ill let you know.

[350gt]

IMO keep whites down a little lower than the blues... I burned stuff with the whites to high...

might want to pm that guy with those awesome pics of growth under the sols...

He for sure is doing it right.

[jcnkt_ellis]

Don't be afraid of 3 watt LEDs, sometimes it's a less is more type of thing. The fixture I have on an 8 gallon Nuvo has 5x 3 watt cree LEDs running at full blast (dimmable but controller is separate and extra), 4 of the LEDs have 90* optics and the center blue is lenseless (~120*, I think). I can't tell if there is a lot of light spilling out, but I do know that I have sps, LPS, & zoas growing and coloring up nicely without any burn up issues. My 5 LEDs are also spaced out like an X across a 6 inch square. Long story short, look at the number of LEDs and how close they are to one another as an important factor before deciding all 3 watts are bad on little tanks :)

[Big_Pun]

funny you mention that. the vertex I have actually under drives the 3w Crees a lil to improve life

[350gt]

Don't be afraid of 3 watt LEDs, sometimes it's a less is more type of thing. The fixture I have on an 8 gallon Nuvo has 5x 3 watt cree LEDs running at full blast (dimmable but controller is separate and extra), 4 of the LEDs have 90* optics and the center blue is lenseless (~120*, I think). I can't tell if there is a lot of light spilling out, but I do know that I have sps, LPS, & zoas growing and coloring up nicely without any burn up issues. My 5 LEDs are also spaced out like an X across a 6 inch square. Long story short, look at the number of LEDs and how close they are to one another as an important factor before deciding all 3 watts are bad on little tanks :)



no one ever said 3 watt LED were BAD.....

Just saying since hes getting into this hobby and trying to save... 1 watt leds will be just as effective as 3 watt leds dimmed down and he can save on his build....

[jrossjr79]

Wow, seems I asked about a touchy subject here? BTW, not my intention, now obvious, brand new to the hobby I wouldnt know to much. But to clear away some of the arguments here, thought I throw in a little something.

One, its not the cost factor to much on why I brought up this topic, I was looking at wattage budget since everything is on same circuit, correct me if I am wrong, but T5s and Metal Halides pull alot more wattage compared to LEDs? However this has already been covered for my wattage budget, and some what eased my mind if I did go a route that was not LED that I would not blow a fuse.

That being said, I still feel better off with LEDs, as long as it will benefit my tank, which I know that alone can go to arguments, its all over the web, as well as here on this forum.

Now as far as DIY vs Pre-built name brand, there are pros and cons to each. However, I saw it a few times on this thread alone that it was implied that DIY will never be as good or look as good as a name brand vendor. Well, I have to disagree with that statement.

Reason I have to disagree with that is history. At one point in time, everything around us had been a DIY project of somebody's. Just certain people are able to get a good product they built, and took off with it and made sales. And from what I understand, alot of the equipment Reefers use today, was DIY, and it was not to long ago.

Now me, I am not afraid of any DIY project, well, I wont build a tank, I am not good with glass or acrylic, can never seem to cut it right. But that is another story. (hell look at my very first post on the forum a few years back, lol), and that should tell you I am not afraid to get my hands dirty, but I do my research. And go from there. I work from home, run 2 small businesses (which dont make me alot of money right now, but gets me by), and homeschool 2 kids. SO I have plenty of time to do DIY. But I also believe in cost effeciency, if option B will be cheaper, and be just as good as option A, well I choose option B, no matter what it may be.

[350gt]

I was originally going to do DIY to save some money, but when I saw these, I figured why would I DIY when these are already cheaper then what I would spend DIY. I


I guess I was mislead.....


And I was not talking down on DIY.... its not my cup of tea but hey I understand trying to save..

I never said DIY would not look as good as a Name brand.... well maybe physically but its all the same bulbs and such but there is more to buying a good quality fixture. if your ever around your more than welcome to stop by and see what I mean.

to think of it, I never brought my fixture brand into this.... someone else mentioned what I paid.


eitherway lighting is always a heated subject for some reason, I find it fun and entertaining. Me and Chris(big pun) will go at it on texts if were not arguing on here..... but its all in fun and a little knowledge thrown in..

[jrossjr79]

I guess I was mislead.....

No no, not entirely misled, as quoted here:



But I also believe in cost effeciency, if option B will be cheaper, and be just as good as option A, well I choose option B, no matter what it may be.

Why spend $300 when something can be done for $120. Thats all I was saying, or rather implying. In all honesty, I still somewhat rather do DIY, for the full customization, but so early on in a hobby which I barely know about, is not cost effective at this time.

Oh and I am not trying to imply I can afford this and that, wish I could, but that is not feasible. I just believe in getting it done right. So no matter what my final cost is, if it is done right and I like it, that is all that really matters. And I will just have to bite the bullet to save the money to get it.



And I was not talking down on DIY.... its not my cup of tea but hey I understand trying to save..

I never said DIY would not look as good as a Name brand.... well maybe physically but its all the same bulbs and such but there is more to buying a good quality fixture. if your ever around your more than welcome to stop by and see what I mean.

to think of it, I never brought my fixture brand into this.... someone else mentioned what I paid.


eitherway lighting is always a heated subject for some reason, I find it fun and entertaining. Me and Chris(big pun) will go at it on texts if were not arguing on here..... but its all in fun and a little knowledge thrown in..

lol, o ok, well the way you were saying some things, like at least my unit its clean and sharp with warranty and you wont see no wires, to me, and sorry if you did not mean it that way, implied that hey I have a name brand, and your DIY will never look as good as my unit. :)

But ya, I will take you up on that invite sometime and take a look. If anything, I imagine I will learn alot more than what I know now, lol, which is limited, even if I did do 2 years of reading books and forums and articles. I didnt have the one on one talks. First time was today when Steve came over to do my Nitrates test, and that alone I learned alot.

[350gt]

Why spend $300 when something can be done for $120.


Numerous reasons...... and I understand some cant justify it. But once you have one, I dont think you would want lesser....

[jrossjr79]

Numerous reasons...... and I understand some cant justify it. But once you have one, I dont think you would want lesser....

I can understand paying for more features, thats one thing. But what I was trying to say, if I can buy something for $120, and it does everything that the $300 one can do, or better, why would I spend the bigger amount.

[350gt]

I can understand paying for more features, thats one thing. But what I was trying to say, if I can buy something for $120, and it does everything that the $300 one can do, or better, why would I spend the bigger amount.

one reason, It cant do everything do the higher dollar fixture can do....

[jrossjr79]

ok, I cant pull no examples out for the marine world, simply because I dont know enough. So I will bring it towards something else, and seemingly all markets are fairly the same.

Lets say Julian bought a highgrade computer that is propitiatory, either HP, Dell, Gateway, or Alienware, or what ever. Julian paid $2,400 for it. I could take just half of that amount, build a computer and have it doing alot more stuff and being more powerful. $2,400 vs $1,200, yet the $1,200 machine is alot better. But lets take the DIY out of it. If you bought a Dell with all the same stuff that a certain Alienware computer has, well you be paying alot less than what Alienware has in their tower. And it is simple brand name, most people buy because of a brand name, and they pay a premium price for it.

This doesnt just apply to computers, this has applied to every little market I been in, I am sure I will find here in this hobby as well. Just my 2 cents, but again, I cant pull any examples out, since I dont know this hobby well enough to do so

[350gt]

RADIONS


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEHwuCAHoDE


Vegas


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUaALDVaUz8

[jrossjr79]

Very nice setup, Iwill give you that and agree

[350gt]

Very nice setup, Iwill give you that and agree

not my setups but some examples of 2 quality units....

It would be many wires and other stuff for any DIYer to try to mimic what these fixtures can do... and they still wouldnt be able to do everything.....

[350gt]

Sure a DIY fixture can work..... it might not have all the bells and whistles but it will get the job done....


Only reason I posted in here was to recommend some different routes... I never once recommended a EXPENSIVE fixture.....

Like I said someone else brought up how much I paid, like it matters.... **** I have a AI NANO as a fuge light, cause I like it and wanted it.....its not everyones cup of tea but this is my hobby and I pay for quality.


I also recommended doing a DIY with 1 watt leds as they work too and i was under the impression you were trying to save. 1 watt leds are cheaper than 3 or 5 watt leds....

[350gt]

good watch


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nngna3WdYhs

[Big_Pun]

i wanna join in now!! I have a cool light now I can talk about without getting heat and electricity waste bashed now. show me a DIY with all these features


http://youtu.be/vQTUExnQxLY

[jrossjr79]

Sure a DIY fixture can work..... it might not have all the bells and whistles but it will get the job done....


Only reason I posted in here was to recommend some different routes... I never once recommended a EXPENSIVE fixture.....

Like I said someone else brought up how much I paid, like it matters.... **** I have a AI NANO as a fuge light, cause I like it and wanted it.....its not everyones cup of tea but this is my hobby and I pay for quality.


I also recommended doing a DIY with 1 watt leds as they work too and i was under the impression you were trying to save. 1 watt leds are cheaper than 3 or 5 watt leds....


Oh, I know, I saw all that, rather read all that.

@Big_Pun I just got back in from the store, bought to watch your vid, is this your setup, or an example of yours?

[350gt]

its an example of his......


he went quality for one reason.... HIS TANK IS FILLED WITH CORALS DIY'ers can only dream of growing....

Plain truth..... hes takin a big risk but he would never gp as far as doing a DIY setup over his investment..

[jrossjr79]

NVM, I see its a demo video, and to answer your question, actually I have seen a DIY controller/LED system that does all that. Even had a big touch screen to go with it. With an arduino. Although, I dont know crap about programming, and that is what that would entice. :)

[350gt]

NVM, I see its a demo video, and to answer your question, actually I have seen a DIY controller/LED system that does all that. Even had a big touch screen to go with it. With an arduino. Although, I dont know crap about programming, and that is what that would entice. :)


LOL good luck with that.....

[jrossjr79]

LOL good luck with that.....

on which part, me doing it, or someone has already done it with an arduino?

I cant do it, but I have seen it already

[350gt]

on which part, me doing it, or someone has already done it with an arduino?

I cant do it, but I have seen it already



where have you seen it? locally?

what happens if something goes wrong?...... I doubt there is customer support. or modular parts available to get you back and running...

[jrossjr79]

not locally, I wish, but seen it on the web, trying to find it again so I can post it

[350gt]

not locally, I wish, but seen it on the web, trying to find it again so I can post it


I found it... just google "DIY LED reef controller adruino" it was the first thing that popped up

http://reefledcontroller.com

[350gt]

got to love the disclaimer


Meanwell Dimmable Drivers - ELN60-48D or 48P. The key here is that if your driver requires 0-10 volt signal. In case with 48D... 0-10 volt analog signal. And with 48P... 0-10 volts PWM signal. Also, someone said that it is not good to use Arduino PWM with 48D. Because Arduino have PWM signal and 48D requires analog signal. Some say its not good but it also does not mean that it wont work... So warning, please use your own disgression if you want to do it or not. A bunch of us did, and so far so good. Dont blame me if you kill your driver....

[jrossjr79]

Are you talking about the web serach or video search, if you googled with video search, no not that one, I like the lightning they have for that one, but it is very dim, and it seems that is all that one does. There was one I found that did everything, including wireless interaction that Chris posted above.

[jrossjr79]

Cant find the exact one I was looking for, so I will post these two, first one is a very clean look, lightning storm, remote controlled.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpzhxPp-SJI

And this other one is randomly cutting some off, dimming so, etc, of course the color variation is not there, however all that takes is changing out some leds for other colors:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKuL14L4AOE

Tired for now, so tomorrow I will find the exact one I was looking for and post it.

[350gt]

that looks pretty good but would like to see all the hardware and wires needed... and of course cost.

And its probably way beyond the knowledge of many DIY'ers.

[jrossjr79]

Still have not found the exact one I was looking for, but here is one that was close to it. You will also be able to see a detailed setup journal for it provided in the links of the video itself. Not sure if cost is in there.

As far as beyond the knowledge of many DIY'ers, I frankly dont see the majority of DIY'ers be able to pull it off with out having some sort of struggle. But then again, it all depends on where their skills are at certain things.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN4XQHNijxw

Apparently I did not take into count that I was embedding the video, and not providing a link to the video itself, anyway, here is description of the video, as well as a link back to the original.

Published on Apr 7, 2012
This video is an overview of my aquarium controller, named the Jarduino Aquarium Controller v1.1. This controller / aquarium hood not only lights my tank, but does so at the proper levels and in a controlled way that mimics the way nature would do it. That is, it has a sunrise and a sunset, and a lunar cycle that changes in accordance with the current moon phase. This hood also monitors and controls the temperature of the heatsink(s) because I want those LEDs to last at least a decade. It also monitors and controls the water temperature, and even controls water currents (DIY Wavemaker). The hood also feeds my fish, and also controls the lighting in my sump/refugium. Finally, the controller / hood is easily upgradeable and expandable.

I detailed this DIY build in the following thread on UK Reefs:
http://ukreefs.com/index.php?topic=117.0

And once again on Reef Central UK:
http://www.reefcentral.co.uk/showthre... (http://www.reefcentral.co.uk/showthread.php/26598-44-Gallon-Pentagon-Corner-Tank-LED-Hood-DIY-Build-EXTRAS%21-%28Sump-amp-Wave-Maker-etc))


The JARDUINO CODE is located here:
http://code.google.com/p/jarduino-aqu... (http://code.google.com/p/jarduino-aquarium-controller/)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN4XQHNijxw

[Big_Pun]

I couldn't write any code to save my life not even flash SOS with a flashlight lol

[jrossjr79]

lol, I think that would go with alot of us, including myself :). However code snippets are provided in the link as well. But I would still think you would need some coding experience to troubleshoot :(

[350gt]

This thread again??... Lol
Lol I had nightmares of DIY LEDs..... Lol jk

[jrossjr79]

This thread again??... Lol
Lol I had nightmares of DIY LEDs..... Lol jk


Just keeping to my word that I would start looking again after I woke up :)

[BBQHILLBILLY]

a= mh b= led if a = 1 year goto LFS buy bulb or if b = 1 year goto coast Now run the loop for 10 years yahooo:bigsmile: