Help with diy LEDs for 10 gallon

[Toybuddha]

I'm wanting to build a led fixture for my 10 gallon tank. I d like to be able to keep whatever I want as far as corals. I was thinking maybe 10 or so LEDs, definate key dimmable so I don't fry corals.

 

I've been looking at rapidleds and aquastyle but I'm not sure what the best route to go is. I'd like to go saulderless and be under $100.

 

Anyone have a good plan or parts list?

 

Thanks

[Horerczy]

If you want it done right it probably wont be under $100. Still given a choice for solderless work I'd say LEDGroupBuy or RapidLED.

[Toybuddha]

Gonna check out ledgroupbuy

Thx

[Nano sapiens]

I can highly recommend LEDGroupBuy since they did a great job of getting me the components I needed. If you want to keep 'any coral', then take your time and research to make sure you will have enough intensity and a proper, well balanced spectrum for the corals as well as being pleasing to your eye.

[Toybuddha]

What about this kit? It requires soldering, but I was thinking I could use it as a parts list for a solderless build. http://www.aquastyleonline.com/products/Aquarium-14-LEDs--DIY-Dimmable-Kit.html

[Horerczy]

They still make that junk?

 

Cool white with royal blue used to be all the rage. Not so much now.

 

For more output if use rebel es or cree X-lamp leds. Ledgroupbuy sells some nice Nichia neutral whites as well. These options seem to cost more but you need fewer for the same results as the cheapo leds.

 

There are many good Chinese premade lights out there but if you're building it yourself there's no reason to skimp on quality.

[Toybuddha]

I'm planning on using neutral whites and royal blues. Probably CREE. I'm just trying to get a parts list for a dimmable, solderless kit that will give me good coverage on my 10 gallon.

[Toybuddha]

What Chinese pre made lights?

[Toybuddha]

A few things I'm trying to figure out-

 

How many LEDs should I use? I am thinking 8 royal blue CREEs and 4 neutral white CREEs.

 

In order to try and eliminate any disco, how far apart should they be mounted from eachother?

 

What size heat sink would make sense? Could I go without a fan?

 

Thanks for your help

[Toybuddha]

Just found this nano Reef Breeders fixture. http://reefbreeders.com/shop/nano-lite/

 

They say it covers an 18x18 area.

 

I have the value fixture on my 20 long and really like it.

[Gilligan]

You should be able to find something for around that price, maybe not dim-able.

IMO make your search for a light easier and aclimate the corals to the light another way.

 

I saw this off-shore light in person at my LFS, it has a really nice colour. 3w LEDs

http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5813/c231289/p17707384.html

 

I should have got it over the Marineland "reef-capable" LED I bought at the time. The Marineland light is actually decent too, just a little too white for my preference. I now have it on a shallow frag tank as I have upgraded to a Kessil.

[CrazyEyes]

That nano light would probably work well. I have a regular value light over my nano and while it's far from the best the corals have all been responding very well under it.

[Toybuddha]

With a depth of just 12", is there any need to have the most bright CREE LEDs? I mean, they would never be turned all the way up without frying everything. What's the disadvantage of using Bridgelux in such a small tank?

[Gilligan]

While I am a big proponent of quality, you should be concerned with the wattage and colour temperature, then pick the best manufacturer.

 

3W LEDs will be useful

1W might be useable, but with 3W LEDs being common why bother.

<1W, not worth the complexity, kinda waste-full to have this many LEDs when the 1W and 3W keeps the parts count down.

 

I would be more concerned with the quality or reliability of the driving hardware then the manufacturer of the LED.