Discus Dan's complete DIY set up.

[discusdan]

cheers Nath

 

[Andy D]

Looks superb!

 

[tmiravent]

Hi,
9W led bulb's can eat a lot!
I would dismantle the bulb and put some new termal paste.
I would bet in 3W and 4W led bulb's (6500ºK) with good lens on it.

I use 2 cheap bulb's like these:
http://www.miniinthebox.com/pt/gu10...tual-220v_p831302.html?utm_campaign=cartcross
And they are very powerful and very decent depth penetration! [check CovaMoura]
You can safely put your hand in any bulb at the end of day! (this is one of my criteria for choosing bulbs)

I also (very cheap 3W) have 2 like this:
http://www.miniinthebox.com/pt/gu10...-led-light-bulb-pontual-220-240v_p723099.html
But they don't have lens. Even without the difuser the light power is miserable! (I can measure in lux's if you want, sorry but no PAR meter!)

The colour led's can be inside water? did you try with the light fixture?

One more opinion, (sorry!) i used also the metallic fixtures for the bulbs but they were a little bit disturbing (for watching and photos).
Maybe more 5 -10 cm of black wood...
I have redone my light system a few times an still have some issues to deal! (but this is also the funny part of the hobby)

Thanks for sharing your project,
cheers
tiago

 

[discusdan]

cheers for the replies chaps.

I'm still undecided on which LED's to go for, I might just bite the bullet and get some quality ones but I'm not sure on the best place to buy them from is?
All the GU10 led's on ebay seem to be fake Chinese rubbish.

 

[tmiravent]

Hi,
your work is amazing! You're really talented for DIY.
Light can be tricky and take some time to understand your specific tank/system.
I believe most Led's are made in China or Asia. They should be equal quality for model/power.
The assembling quality control is a different game!
Your 9W Led should be equal to a good Brand. But the thermal paste and assembling quality/materials and cheaper and with less control.
Before take to the garbage can open the bulbs and glue them properly to a nice aluminum.
Now to steps down, tomorrow your tank will run!
cheers

 

[sciencefiction]

I came across GU10's in IKEA, maybe they are better.

 

[discusdan]

cheers for your comments

i've been experimenting with fans

i think its down to having so many high powered leds in such a small space, they are over heating

I'll report back with how it goes

 

[ADA]

Couple of laptop fans would do it, one either end, and reverse the polarity on one

 

[discusdan]

I had a couple of 140mm computer fans laying about so thought i'd give them a go.
2 was probably a bit over kill, 1 would have been enough I think but oh well more cooling the better

Space inside the unit was to tight to fit the fans inside so I had to raise them above the box slightly.

The fans come on when the lights come on, seem to be working so far.

I'll have to wait and see how they go but so far so good, no led's have shut off yet. fingers crossed.

 

[Edvet]

Man you could have done with out the posts, just hover it in place

 

[discusdan]

haha I think I need the posts there to stop it taking off!

 

[Maxlaf]

Man, I wanted my canpy to look like yours... but it'S getting out of hand! Too awesome for me !

 

[discusdan]

Pulled the camera out tonight to take some photos of the fish.

While the cool white LED's make the tank look really crisp and bring out the greens in the plants it totally washes out the colour of the fish, I might try a couple of warm white LED's to see how it changes things.

Oh and the fans seem to be doing a great job,not had an LED fail since installing them.

 

[Vinkenoog1977]

Looking awesome Dan!

 

[Edvet]

I'd throw in some floaters i think

 

[discusdan]

cheers Vin

I'd throw in some floaters i think

That''s a good idea didn't think of that.
I'm not to clued up on floating plants what would you suggest?

cheers.

 

[tmiravent]

very nice!
cheers

Enviado do meu GT-P3110 através de Tapatalk

 

[Edvet]

I'd say some red rooted floaters Phyllantus fluitans

 

[tim]

Lovely scape dan, excellent diy thread got to be one of the best diy LEDs I've seen, good work mate.

 

[discusdan]

cheers guys

I'll have a look into the floating plants advet.