7.5g led build

MobyMD · Dec 23, 2011

I am going to start another nano. I just finished ordering a Mr. Aqua 7.5g rimless bowfront a other goodies. A DIY 12 Cree LED kit from Rapid LED with 6 XT-E royal blue (the newest version), 2 XP-E blue, 3 XP-G R5 cool white, 1 XP-G neutral white. A Koralia nano 240. Heater, thermometer, glass scraper.

I will post pictures as I get stuff in and set it up.

MobyMD · Dec 29, 2011

Just got my tank and LEDs yesterday. The tank arrived great with no problems. Marine Depot packed it very well. I build the LED array last night. It am getting faster it only took me two hours. Next task is to build a hood for the lights. Enjoy

Tank- 7.5g Mr. Aqua bowfront

Top view

LEDs

LEDs on

RB------B-------RB-------RB

CW--------NW-----------CW

RB------RB------B--------RB

MobyMD · Dec 30, 2011

Just finished making the hood and light hanger. I am pretty happy with the way that it turned out. I just need to veneer the hood. I am going to get some sweet looking burl veneer to cover it with. Next step is to get some live sand and live rock then the water will come!

Let me know what you think and any suggestions you might have.

Johnthebaptist · Dec 31, 2011

How are you finishing the light fixture?

revhtree · Dec 31, 2011

Dude this is cool!

MobyMD · Dec 31, 2011

Johnthebaptist said:
How are you finishing the light fixture?

I will fill in the countersunk holes with some filler then sand it down smooth. I have worked with veneers in the past with good results. I am thinking of getting a dark wood veneer like walnut burl or even a maple burl. After glueing the veneer I will finish it with wipe on poly. It should look nice and unique.

MobyMD · Dec 31, 2011

revhtree said:
Dude this is cool!

Thanks Rev. I'm excited to see how it turns out.

MobyMD · Jan 7, 2012

I found the walnut burl veneer today. After lots of measuring, cutting and glueing here is the result. I still need to sand and finish but this gives a nice preview. I am happy with how it came out.

Reef Breeders · Jan 7, 2012

Looks good!

Johnthebaptist · Jan 10, 2012

Beautiful. What finish are you using?

MobyMD · Jan 10, 2012

I think it is Minwax wipe on poly. I am up to four or five coats with sanding in between. It really brought the grain out and darkened the wood more.

I am planning on painting the back of the tank. Any suggestions as to what color? Black, blue, gray, etc..... Thanks for your thoughts

Reef Breeders · Jan 10, 2012

Black works every time, and blocks most light. Gray would be cool though

Y-Diver · Jan 10, 2012

I tend to like blue and have done both black and blue... The blue seems to give a cleaner look in my opinion. Where did you find the veneer if you don't mind me asking,

MobyMD · Jan 10, 2012

Anemonekeeper- I was leaning toward black (already have the paint) but agree that gray would be cool. It would be closer to the color of the rock and might give the tank some depth.

Y-diver- it is good to hear someone has liked the blue background. Did you do a dark blue or light blue? I got the veneer at Woodcraft. It was $45 for four sheets of sequence matched veneers. It was quality veneer for sure.

uxdesigner · Jan 10, 2012

Really digging the hood finish! Nice build!

MobyMD · Jan 11, 2012

Well I decided to just go with a black background. Although blue and gray might have been cool I decided to go with the tried and true black background. I am finishing up the last few coats of finish on the hood and then will post some pictures.

MobyMD · Jan 14, 2012

Finally after a great deal of work I have something to show. There are many coats of poly on the hood and I am very happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think.