54 x 3 watt led build

zsteph · Jan 8, 2013

I gotta ask, why use T5's at all? You have 36 of what I assume is 3 watt CREEs and that should blast a lot of luminosity into the tank. I'm not an engineer but don't you need some sort of ventilation across the top to express heat? 100+ Watts of LED lighting puts out a bit of heat.

TechDiver · Jan 8, 2013

The metal housing is a large heat sink for the modules. Then the large pc fans are actively cooling the heat sink.

Mr.BAdams · Jan 8, 2013

zsteph said:
I gotta ask, why use T5's at all? You have 36 of what I assume is 3 watt CREEs and that should blast a lot of luminosity into the tank. I'm not an engineer but don't you need some sort of ventilation across the top to express heat? 100+ Watts of LED lighting puts out a bit of heat.

The T5's are for supplemental lighting. The same concept used with metal halide lighting. Im actually running 54 leds, 18 leds per heat sink and the color of them is around 10000k, not crisp white, more of a yellowish when its actually over the tank, at least IMO. The only reason I'm using leds vs metal halides is because of the heat output. my canopy doesn't seal off in the back, there is about a 4-5" gap. The leds I'm actually running call for 700-1000ma of current I'm only pushing 680ma, this is another way of reducing heat output. Believe it or not, the 54 leds actually run cooler then the one over driven T5 I'm replacing. I have had the leds on and running non stop for 3 days to test heat, the highest it reached was 108 F. You have to keep in mind the fans are 70cfm's a piece, I have two per heat sink. most people don't run any and just use passive cooling. Air movement will not be an issue, their will be 12 of these fans total and, only 19dba

Cruezn · Jan 8, 2013

Cool thread, and nice project. It's a bit out of my league as far as the DIY part. Apparently I didn't get that gene passed down to me... I'll be saving to upgrade my lights on my 75, that's for sure.

Raquel12771 · Jan 8, 2013

We just ordered an Aqua Illuminations Sol Super Blue LED lighting and a Reef Octopus BH 100 protein skimmer. We are going to have thunderstorms in our 30 gallon Nano.

zsteph · Jan 8, 2013

What's your thought on lenses? Do you think it would make a difference to put say 60 degree ones on? Have you thought of adding a dimmable drive and rheostat? I hear if you have a 0-10 dimmable driver you can hook up to a neptune system to control the lights and doo things like a sunrise-sunset cycle.

Mr.BAdams · Jan 8, 2013

Raquel12771 said:
We just ordered an Aqua Illuminations Sol Super Blue LED lighting and a Reef Octopus BH 100 protein skimmer. We are going to have thunderstorms in our 30 gallon Nano.

I'm super jealous!!! Thunderstorms would be awesome. I'm currently balling on a budget

Mr.BAdams · Jan 8, 2013

zsteph said:
What's your thought on lenses? Do you think it would make a difference to put say 60 degree ones on? Have you thought of adding a dimmable drive and rheostat? I hear if you have a 0-10 dimmable driver you can hook up to a neptune system to control the lights and doo things like a sunrise-sunset cycle.

I looked at different lenses but couldn't decide... I suppose its all personal preference when it comes to aquariums that are not as deep, This is one field I'm not to knowledgeable In. How many leds are in the unit you bought?

Mr.BAdams · Jan 8, 2013

Ok lights are wired and, no house fire... yet... lol.

Mr.BAdams · Jan 8, 2013

I have A neighbor coming over in a few to help me man handle this canopy back over the aquarium

I'll get pics on here as soon as Its done.

itszbAIn · Jan 8, 2013

cant wait to see the result

zsteph · Jan 8, 2013

Mr.BAdams said:
I looked at different lenses but couldn't decide... I suppose its all personal preference when it comes to aquariums that are not as deep, This is one field I'm not to knowledgeable In. How many leds are in the unit you bought?

Get this... Only 24 and yet it pushes 75 Watts and the equivilent of a 250 watt MH! 8 White, 8 blue, 8 royal blue. I'm still looking into if I can control all three channels or just the blue and white. I got a Neptune VDM module to control it and am going to use a script on their forum to base sunrise and sunset on the seasonal tables in my apex unit and have occasional storms. I am excited!

Mr.BAdams · Jan 8, 2013

zsteph said:
Get this... Only 24 and yet it pushes 75 Watts and the equivilent of a 250 watt MH! 8 White, 8 blue, 8 royal blue. I'm still looking into if I can control all three channels or just the blue and white. I got a Neptune VDM module to control it and am going to use a script on their forum to base sunrise and sunset on the seasonal tables in my apex unit and have occasional storms. I am excited!

24 leds Will be awesome over your aquarium! The fact that you are fortunate enough to own a Neptune Apex is even awesomer! lol... I cannot wait to see this.