Need help on LED

[b_e_c_t]

Hello to all!

Planning to make a DIY LED light for my tank but has almost zero knowledge. I hope you can share your personal knowledge to answer the ff:
1. What is the basis for the no of led bulb per driver?
2. Any brand of choice for LED and Driver
3. Reccomended color (e.g. Cool white or blue)
4. Suppliers for Led bulb and driver

Maraming Salamat Po!

[seth]

Well natabunan na ito but let me help:

1. Output voltage of the driver dictates how many LEDs it can power. For example a driver with an output voltage of 48V can usually power 12-14 3v 3wLEDs in series. Every driver is different though. The output current of the driver must match the needed current by the LED. If the driver states it has an output current of 700mA, then it can only power LEDs of the same current. For example, you cannot use a driver with a constant current of 1.5A to power a 350mA 1w LED. (Unless you can directly change the voltage and current of the driver, as with Meanwell ELN series drivers)

Again there are different drivers, and the output current of the drivers and the LED you will use should match.

For 10w multichip LEDs (see my build) that use individual drivers, the output voltage and output current of both LED and driver should match. Driver must also be constant current.

For 1w LED, they typically are 300-350mA so you would need the matching driver for them. 3w LEDs are typically 600-700mA.

It can get confusing, but if you will build an array yourself it is best to consult the seller of LEDs/Drivers before buying. If you will order online, read the description of the items first. The sellers usually indicate what LED to use with the driver and how many LEDs it can power.

2. Philips Luxeon Rebels, Cree, Osram and Semileds are good choices for 3w LEDs. They are typically not available here, you have to order them online. Epistar and Epileds are also fine to use. You can even use generic chinaleds from ebay or check out godeal's items. They are still fine to use. (I am currently using generic china LEDs) But your mileage may vary.

As for the drivers, Meanwell and Inventronics are good brands. There are also generic drivers in Raon (ICTech). Choose the driver/s that would suit your application.

3. You may want to search the "evil cluster build" in nano-reefs. Royal blue, blue, cyan, violet and neutral white are the typical colors used. For basic builds, royal blue and white are usually used. (2:1 RB:W, some use 3:1 ratio, depending on your preference.)

4. Check out godeals (a sponsor here), and ICtech in Raon. You can also order online through ebay, or if you are looking for branded LEDs, check out rapidled or ledgroupbuy.

Any LEDs rated with lower currents would be fried.

[b_e_c_t]

Maraming salamat!