DIY Luxeon LEDs

[Bill S]

OK, I need to understand something. Are your LEDs mounted on boards/stars?

In any case, they need direct contact to a heat sink. You can either fasten them mechanically (screws) or via silver epoxy, or like I do where the star is put on the heat sink, and then kept down with epoxy (no epoxy between the star and the sink).

For many/most uses other than keeping your fish confined to your tank, silicone is a poor choice.

[wesheltonj]

The need a huge heat sink and you will need a fan to move air over the heat sink.

[QuickSilver525]

are led's as good as mh? or t5?

[wesheltonj]

If you are asking me, my answer is very bit as good, but way more expensive.