rebel
Member
- Joined
- 4 Aug 2015
- Messages
- 2,269
Hi everyone,
DIY is not my strong point but since I've been aquariumised (again) since 2013 after long break, I have been dabbling a little. So this project is slightly more advanced than my previous attempts.
Goal was to make a nice looking low light for my low-tech shrimp tank.
Material Used
1. Heat sink - Bunnings fluted aluminium 3mm - I bought only 1metre
2. LED strip - left over 4500K 'waterproof' strip - similar to this
3. Connectors - simple male to female connectors
4. Power supply - 84W because I had one
5. Clear acrylic 6mm thickness
The simplicity of the build comes from the fact that the drivers are all built in to the led strips and you can cut them along the lines without any issues.
Learning points
1. Ebay ip67 strips are not water 'proof'; They rust and seem to discolour the silicon lining and lose their brightness and color eventually. My previous build fell into the water and completely rusted (my fault also).
2. The fluted aluminium is a good heat conductor but may not be enough for 4 strips that I have fixed - I can put my finger on it for 3 seconds before the heat is too much. - Time will tell whether there will be premature LED failure (possible)
3. Corded drills are infinitely better :O - After my cordless ran out of battery (OZito from Bunnings but apparently they don't have the same batteries anymore!), I got a corded drill and I am a convert.
4. Soldering skills have a steel learning curve (See pictures below and laugh)
I will let the pictures do the talking.
Now, your challenge, if you wish to accept it, is to try and better this design, both/either aesthetically and/or functionally, and post your results and instructions here.
DIY is not my strong point but since I've been aquariumised (again) since 2013 after long break, I have been dabbling a little. So this project is slightly more advanced than my previous attempts.
Goal was to make a nice looking low light for my low-tech shrimp tank.
Material Used
1. Heat sink - Bunnings fluted aluminium 3mm - I bought only 1metre
2. LED strip - left over 4500K 'waterproof' strip - similar to this
3. Connectors - simple male to female connectors
4. Power supply - 84W because I had one
5. Clear acrylic 6mm thickness
The simplicity of the build comes from the fact that the drivers are all built in to the led strips and you can cut them along the lines without any issues.
Learning points
1. Ebay ip67 strips are not water 'proof'; They rust and seem to discolour the silicon lining and lose their brightness and color eventually. My previous build fell into the water and completely rusted (my fault also).
2. The fluted aluminium is a good heat conductor but may not be enough for 4 strips that I have fixed - I can put my finger on it for 3 seconds before the heat is too much. - Time will tell whether there will be premature LED failure (possible)
3. Corded drills are infinitely better :O - After my cordless ran out of battery (OZito from Bunnings but apparently they don't have the same batteries anymore!), I got a corded drill and I am a convert.
4. Soldering skills have a steel learning curve (See pictures below and laugh)
I will let the pictures do the talking.
Now, your challenge, if you wish to accept it, is to try and better this design, both/either aesthetically and/or functionally, and post your results and instructions here.