I would like to share some projects we did. Credits to roy_gt and username12345 for the photos.
It all began around mid 2011, when roy_gt and I were discussing other lighting alternatives to our MH fixtures. My tank was still offline during that time since I was busy with work. Anyway, 3w arrays are today's standard but being the lazy poor bum that I am, I tried looking for cheaper and more convenient alternatives. Then I bumped into this thread on NR:
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/267432-g ... ay-lights/
Very extensive and exhaustive thread. And the good news? You can even grow SPS corals and clams without problems, given the right placement and right amount and combination of bulbs. This is proven. You can also find the PAR readings there.
roy_gt managed to order some fixtures from two different sulit.com sellers, but around that time the fixtures were costly compared today.
I would also like to give credit to jep22 for making this thread: http://www.reefphilippines.com/forums/v ... =8&t=11478
@jep22 bro, you unknowingly gave me an idea where to buy cheaper fixtures.
Salamat sa thread mo.Salamat din kay bro RonSax dahil kung hindi sa tip niya hindi ako sisipagin pumunta ng Raon.
BEFORE YOU PROCEED: I am not liable for any accidents such as electrocution, injuries and missing fingers and eyeballs due to ignorance and negligence on your part so please, if you are not familiar with electricals or are uncomfortable with drilling, doing wirings and stuff, just have someone knowledgeable (like an electrician) to do this project for you.
Enough chitchat and on with the builds!
What you need:
Aluminum angle bars for the light frame
Rivets
E27 bulb sockets
Wires and plug
220v AC fan for cooling
E27 LED Spotlights
Where to get the LED lights: IC Tech at Raon, Manila. (Check jep22's thread) You can have the fixtures customized. What we did for username12345's bulbs was combine 2 RB LEDs and 2 CW LEDs on a 4-watt spotlight with the standard 30-degree optics.
See here: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=15418&start=105#p193263
Price of fixtures: 200 for 4w spotlights, 220 for 5w spotlights. PAR38 fixtures and downlights are much more costly since they have bigger heatsinks.
You can buy individual 1w diodes for 65 pesos each. But buying a whole fixture is way cheaper and more convenient. You don't have to solder anything, all you have to do is tell the salesclerk what you need and they will do everything for you. Just don't forget to thank them afterwards. And buying them snacks would be nice too.
If you are really lazy or inept at electronics/electricals (like I am), just order some downlights at cntco.sulit.com.ph
My 7w downlights are only 260 pesos each, including the driver. The downside is you only have two color temperature options: Warm white and Cool white. CNTCo also has other LED fixtures which you may also find suitable for marine tanks and FW planted tanks.
Anyway, here are some pics of the arrays:
roy_gt's previous config on his 30g cube: (He has been using it since 2011)
which was modified for his 2x2x2' cube:
This was prior to our discovery of ICTech.
Here is a more refined version, username12345's array for his 10-gallon nano reef:
Current Config: 4x4watt spotlights (RB and CW) and 4x1.6watt spotlights (RB) plus sunlight.
How to make one:
-Measure your tank
-Buy some angle bars at your local aluminum and glass supply store (a foot of aluminum angle bar costs around 25-35 pesos)
-Make some measurements for the fixture dimensions, cut the angle bars and drill some holes for the rivets.
-Assemble the frame: Rivet the bars, attach the fan, do the wiring and attach the bulbs.
-Enjoy your new light.
The beauty of our project? They are very cheap, highly customizable and modular. If one fixture fails, you can immediately replace it with a new one.
Just keep in mind: You will get what you pay for. Do not expect any replacement warranty from ICTech, (they do have service warranties though) nor expect this to be at par with higher-end 3w LED fixtures. Be realistic and manage your expectations. Don't expect these fixtures to magically and immediately change your corals' colors or promote super fast growth if the amount of bulbs you will use are insufficient for your tank size, the light distance is too far or your tank is too deep. These bulbs work - like any other light fixtures, but you have lots of factors to consider.
I will be posting more pictures and details soon.
Cheerio!
