DIY AI Hydra 26 HD Diffuser!

[Smiz]

Hey all, just thought I’d share my diffuser I built for my hydra. So far I’m very happy with the reduced shimmer and color blending.



Still need to do some heat testing along with par readings.



Feedback welcome!

 

[Smiz]

Update: Laser Thermometer arrived yesterday and the temperature of the diodes is running 20 deg hotter on the light with the diffuser. Anyone have any insight as to the effect of running 20 deg hotter? I am going to try to cut some vent slots on the next design and see how it goes. My concern is since heat rises it will not change much??

Par meter should arrive tomorrow for some real testing.

 

[iTzJu]

dang the looks awesome, if you ever want to sell a pair, i'd be interested.

 

[Smiz]

dang the looks awesome, if you ever want to sell a pair, i'd be interested.

Thanks! Wasn't really planning on making any but if I have left over material I might as well! Also have got a few people interested so we will see!

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Update: Laser Thermometer arrived yesterday and the temperature of the diodes is running 20 deg hotter on the light with the diffuser. Anyone have any insight as to the effect of running 20 deg hotter? I am going to try to cut some vent slots on the next design and see how it goes. My concern is since heat rises it will not change much??

Par meter should arrive tomorrow for some real testing.

A 20*F increase sounds significant. I would personally try to find a way to get rid of some of that heat. AI likely did not design the fixture to last under such conditions.

 

[jjflounder1]

Nice work ...

 

[jjflounder1]

I'm curious how your measuring the temperature of the diode when did diffusers in place ....
And what is the temperature getting up to ?

 

[Smiz]

I'm curious how your measuring the temperature of the diode when did diffusers in place ....
And what is the temperature getting up to ?

Im using a laser thermometer and removing diffuser and gunning the diodes. Temp was at 118F compared to 100F on the one not running one.

 

[Acameron2]

Very creative! I like it.

 

[jjflounder1]

118F doesn't sound too bad ..

 

[Coastie Reefer]

I wonder if you could put an air gap between the diffuser, a spacer of some sort to allow air to flow between the diffuser and face of the light.

 

[Smiz]

I wonder if you could put an air gap between the diffuser, a spacer of some sort to allow air to flow between the diffuser and face of the light.

I was thinking about doing that, having an open layer. I'm only hesitant because I like the fact it doesnt bleed as much light into the room atm.

 

[coral408]

Would you mind being asked? what material of the diffuser and where to get?
I like to give mine a try !

 

[Caddie]

I would also like to know what frosted acrylic was used please.

 

[JinxReef]

I’m interested in getting one, will you make more and sell them?

 

[erichuyn]

I was thinking about doing that, having an open layer. I'm only hesitant because I like the fact it doesnt bleed as much light into the room atm.

You could make the gap only at the back/wall side of the diffuser.
That way you'd still limit the light spill

 

[Jacked Reefer]

https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/387982-ai-hydra-hd-diffuser-new-design/
Saw this idea in the... other place. The second rendition Is open so it doesn’t make the light look any thicker and it doesn’t influx heat. Will be building one for an ocean revive t247 soon

 

[erichuyn]

True but you would still get light spill. Also dust and stuff would probably build up, but that wouldn't be a major issue.