diy led
- Thread starter tanksman
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ReefLEDLights
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Most who DIY do it so they can have the best and latest LEDs. You also have the flexibility to add to or change out a few LEDs.
If you are not fluent in soldering I would highly recommend you go with a solderless build.
PM sent.
Bill
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Honestly? I think people do DIY because they like DIY. I rarely see DIYs that offer what PNP can offer. No doubt that there are some who can put together wicked fixtures. If you love DIY then go for it! To say ones better is asinine. I respect anyone who can built their own furniture but if you like a more polished appearance buy PNP. Don't let anyone tell you DIYs are superior. Don't let anyone tell you PNP is either. It all depends on you.
ReefLEDLights
Valuable Member
Most Manufacturers do not Bin their LEDs. If you DIY you can choose specific Bins.
This I find a superior advantage if using Cree X series LEDs. Most people think there is only 1 type of Cree XT-E Cool White or Royal Blue this is simply not the case.
Bill
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I've had this chat a few times. I say if your comfy with DIY go for it. Wanna go quality PnP do it! And then someone throws out generalizations about PnP... forgetting that there are garbage DIYs also. There can be advantages to either depending which you chose. Ignore anybody who says otherwise. The need some DIYers have to put down/criticize/generalize... I don't get it. I sometimes wonder if there's a DIY club that gets points for conversions. I know what the response will be to this... we all do.
Liquid360
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That should open the door to specific advice. And remember there are only opinions here. Be wary of "facts". Despite what they say when it comes to micro ecosystems there are only opinions. Otherwise we'd all have the same setups. We all want the same end result. Best of luck!!
bhazard451
Active Member
If you want to build a DIY fixture, read, a lot. Research everything you possibly can, and then research even more.
Liquid360
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Anytime! Sorry I couldn't assist further but DIY lighting is something I've got no practical experience with. I use the Maxspect Razor 27in 160w 16k. I LOVE it but its most likely not suited for your situation.
c_healy
Valuable Member
I just built a.setup for mdbannister for around $150. That included him buying me some leds and a driver for the work. If you would like I would be happy to help. Shoot me a pm and we can talk if you are interested.
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Daniel@R2R
Living the Reef Life
^^A guy who knows what he's doing and is an absolutely great guy to deal with. ^^Highly recommend!
ReefLEDLights
Valuable Member
For Two Fixtures and with 48" Coverage and 200 PAR on the Sand Bed your looking at closer to $650.
If you DIY with little experience you have to go solderless there are several options the BJB Solderless Connectors or Stars with the Solderless Connectors Built in.
If $300 is your budget and dont mind paying more in the long run there are a lot of MH Fixtures for sale Cheap!...This will Hold you over for a while and just like memory chips LEDs are getting better and less expensive.
If you do go LED now the go with the higher end 5 watt Cree or Luxion. They are much brighter than the 3 watt Bridgelux and more often than not cost the same for total Lumins or PAR.
Take you time and research other builds.
Bill
