Is this all it is to a basic DIY LED setup?

[AquaVaj]

No prior knowledge of this but from my research it seems this is what I need for a plain setup. I don't need dimming and on/off will be by a timer.

Supplies:
LEDs
Heatsink
Wiring
LED driver
Optics (optional)
Thermal adhesive

Steps:
1. Glue LEDs to heatsink
2. Wire them together in series (+ to - to +....ect)
3. Snap optics on if required
4. Wire LED driver output to first and last LED making sure of polarity
5. Wire 2 prong outlet to input of LED driver
6. Plug it in and enjoy

Anything else I'm missing or anything I should pay more attention to? I have basic electronics knowledge and soldering skills so if this is really it then it should be a snap.

 

[xmas_one]

I think you forget the steps where you burn stuff up and obsess about color mixing, but yeah that sounds about right. There's a wealth of info and some very well versed members over on nano-reef. I'd suggest doing a little more reading there before you dive in with both feet, or you're going to be spending a lot more money than you intended for tuition, lol. Good luck and please post your build here!

 

[dbone]

you should test all LEDs before glue/solder them to heat sink.
check for continuity before power it up. Good luck.

 

[peter]

Get a good soldering iron

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I think you forget the steps where you burn stuff up and obsess about color mixing, but yeah that sounds about right!

Lol. That's the hardest part. No joke

 

[AquaVaj]

I priced everything out last night for 15 LEDs and man it got pricey real quick. Probably gonna hold off on this unless the led fixture I just ordered can't cut it. This is was just an idea to supplement that fixture if needed.

 

[bugeye]

What fixture did you get?


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[SchnitzelReef]

you should test all LEDs before glue/solder them to heat sink.
check for continuity before power it up. Good luck.

I've installed over 300 LEDs and never had one not work when it was new

Get a good soldering iron

I have a cheapo radio shack one, and it works fine. It's really all in the technique. Learning when to clean the tip, and properly tinning is the key to success.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I priced everything out last night for 15 LEDs and man it got pricey real quick. Probably gonna hold off on this unless the led fixture I just ordered can't cut it. This is was just an idea to supplement that fixture if needed.

-15 Phillips luxeon LEDs x$3= $45
-aluminum c/u channel from Home Depot $8
-wire $10
-meanwell APC 35-700 non dimmable driver $12
-DIY thermal adhesive $5

 

[reefledlights]

I priced everything out last night for 15 LEDs and man it got pricey real quick. Probably gonna hold off on this unless the led fixture I just ordered can't cut it. This is was just an idea to supplement that fixture if needed.

You really get what you pay for.

If you DIY you have complete control over quality

The Fixture Is Simple
-HeatSink
-Fan
-LEDs
-Drivers
-Optics

Take the heatsink you can use U channel but to optimize thermal efficiency a quality heatsink will keep things cooler and offer greater light per watt and longevity...The hotter an LED gets the less light it produces....

The Fan...45db 10,000 TBF or spend 5 bucks more and you have 20db with 50,000 hours TBF

Cree XT-E v Knockoff Bridgelux 3 watt...No comparison as the Cree are Less Expensive!, If you consider reliability, spectrum and watts per lumin.

Many EBay Imports use drivers that simply do not last and are not Class II... A quality driver costs only a little more and will not set your class room on fire...Yes, This did happen...

Optics are a force multiplier, quality ones are well worth the investment.


All said and done you can pay twice the cost of some imports but you will have a fixture that is at least twice as bright, last three times longer and is more efficient. It will also out preform any MH and not require a chiller.

15 LEDs are a bit on the lite side (Excuse the Pun)

Generally 25 Cree X Series Driven at 700mA will give you a 175-250 watt MH Equivalent with optics.

Cheers

Bill

 

[Wankel]

Nothing compares to a company that actually puts R&D into the looks of their products. I love my Razor Nano and you sure as hell wouldn't get something like that design with a DIY, worth it in my opinion. Could have had a AI Vega for cheaper and still went with the Nano Razor due to the streamlined look and feel of the unit.

 

[AquaVaj]

What fixture did you get?


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Just a cheapo Wave Point 12" 16w fixture for my 8g nano. Not looking to grow SPS or clams here