sherman

Another LED light fixture using LED on rectangular metal core PCB.

The LED light fixture when lighted

Aquarium LED light fixture using LED on round metal core PCB

With a light casing and above the above mention components you should be able to build an LED light set for your tank.

Add a exhaust an exhaust fan for every 1 ft of the light case

Add some heat sink will be better

Most of the aquarium light need more then one single led . In order to hold the total number of led together and at the same time keep the led array reasonably cool you need an aluminium plate of the size you require(Based on your tank size)and at least 2 to 3 mm thick. This is usually available in most hardware store

For larger light array it is more convenience to use this type of DC power supply unit

If you choose DC type constant current driver you will need a DC supply. For small circuit you can use the DC adaptor (12 vdc or 24 vdc,1A to 3 A)

Or the BuckPuck(Another DC constant current driver available on market)

DC type constant current driver need a DC power supply of output voltage and current need by the driver All DC constant current driver can be dim by PWM. This is one of the DC constant current driver with PWM circuit attached

Meanwell constant current driver with build in dimming function

Most AC type constant current driver do not have dimming function and cannot be added. So choose this driver if your light set need no dimming function. (So far Meanwell is the only AC type driver that have build in dimmer function) AC type constant current driver available locally

The next must component for the led light DIY is the constant current driver You can of course use basic resistor circuit to run led array. It still will work. The led still light up. But any changes in the temperature of the led will result in a change in the circuit current.When this current go above the rated current of the led,the led life is shorten or the led is kill. The changes in the wall socket voltage over the day due to changes in demand at different time of the day will also result in the changes in the DC power supply output.This changes can result in the fluctuation of the circuit current which when over the rated current of the led spec will kill the LED useful life. So it is wise to invest in a constant current driver .There are many constant driver available on our market today. You can choose a AC input type or a DC input type.

Above are some of the common led package we can use for DIY. Tomorrow we will continue with other components for the LED light DIY

LED on round metal core PCB.

LEDs on metal core PCB for easy installation

The AC led(4 watt)

Basic components for the DIY The basic LED on star. 1 WATT LED on star

Many of the reefers have write to ask on how to DIY a LED light fixture for an aquarium. Although there are a few write up here and there in this forum But there are still many not sure what they need for the DIY or what components they need and how each component look like. So I hope to take this opportunity to do a simple illustration and some step by step illustration for those interested to DIY the led light themselve.

Well say bro. Often we end up very busy and spend more then initially plan. But the satisfaction is something what you will never get if you get something off the shelf.

Never feed LPS .Only dose 5 in one coral food every Saturday

Should be no issue. I remember seeing someone using it

Its a long wait but worth waiting? When really put more pic?

5500k to 7200k led is in the normal price range. The closest the led is to 10k range the price is about 2 to 3 time the normal price . Have to special request and there is a MOQ