CREE LED 3' DIY setup

[apuda2010]

Ok...so here's the take. Have decided to shift from T5 to LED for my planted tank. This is my second major project for the planted tank , the first one being the Burkert solenoid+Swagelok fittings CO2 setup which I posted separately only on Aquapetz.

Hence one more Aquapetz exclusive for my hobbyist friends - a 3' CREE 14 LED setup for my 60 gallon planted tank. Unlike the CO2 setup, this time I am going the journal route. So I will share the developments of each stage from procurement to testing to installation. This is going to be one long journal and post....so bear with me.

Suggestions , technical data and importantly a spare PAR meter are most welcome.

For the benefit of the newbies and the uninitiated , wherever possible , I will mention the easiest way to procure the stuff , alternate products if available and fabrication ideas to keep the cost low.

My next post will be on the basics of LED lighting, the concept of lumens per watt , PAR reading for deep tanks and lighting for freshwater versus saltwater tanks. I am not an expert , I have simply done detailed reading and reached some understanding which I want to share. So if I am wrong , don't kill me , correct me

[jack]

excellent effort. this will help hobbyist a lot. cheers

So if I am wrong , don't kill me , correct me

[fishy.man]

I was thinking to post pics of my LED for my planted tank. I bought 50 watts EPI STAR led assy.
EPI STAR has a lower lumen value as compared to osram but the price difference was too much. A 20 watts let set by osram was costing me around Rs 7000 and I bought EPI star for inr 2700.for the higher lumen value i increased the wattage.and 50 watts is doing a good job in my 50x40x40 (cms) tank.
I also checked some 70 watt LED, pretty decent, may be i put them on my 6 footer.
The best part about led-
1. No heat at all, so my rooms is much better now to led
2.lesser electricity bills
3.spectral distribution of led is much better than any phosphorus tubes available.

regards

fishyman

[parthapratim22]

I am very new to LED...will follow the thread, well done, keep it coming...

[marsaiko]

Thanks a lot, will be awaiting very eagerly ...

would love if you can just make a table of comparison with below headings, so that beginners can choose their choice just like that

Equipement***MAKE***initial Cost *** Replacement cost *** Cost per five years(including the cooler if any)
LED | | | |
T5 | | | |
PLL | | | |
MH | | | |


Ofcourse you can include more columns like PAR,LUMENS, efficiency though it will be more scientific for people alike.

[SCORPIO]

Thanks a lot, will be awaiting very eagerly ...

would love if you can just make a table of comparison with below headings, so that beginners can choose their choice just like that

Equipement***MAKE***initial Cost *** Replacement cost *** Cost per five years(including the cooler if any)
LED | | | |
T5 | | | |
PLL | | | |
MH | | | |


Ofcourse you can include more columns like PAR,LUMENS, efficiency though it will be more scientific for people alike.

I would like to have the Lumens, Kelvin and other parameters of each type of LED.

[syed.ali]

I would love to know LED with all those ratings.

The one available here in bhagirath place, they have no clue as they are all bulk packed

[anuragsonik]

Thanks a lot, will be awaiting very eagerly ...

would love if you can just make a table of comparison with below headings, so that beginners can choose their choice just like that

Equipement***MAKE***initial Cost *** Replacement cost *** Cost per five years(including the cooler if any)
LED | | | |
T5 | | | |
PLL | | | |
MH | | | |


Ofcourse you can include more columns like PAR,LUMENS, efficiency though it will be more scientific for people alike.

[aamir]

Any update Apuda subscribed this topic.

[apuda2010]

@Amir....my mom has suddenly been hospitalised...so am out of action for some time.All items for the build are almost procured. You will hear from me soon after I get some time to photograph and catalog all the build items.