LED Builds

[troywalkerphoto]

I heard great things about rapid LED. http://www.rapidled.com/ Build your own. The only thing is that its a double edged sword. On one hand you can make it specific to your system and tastes. I also am thinking of heat sinks from Makers. http://www.ledsupply.com/makersled.php
More uv, more blue, more drama/ intensity, and its variable in configuration. change the positioning, output and location of individual lights. On the other hand, if you consider everything and leave room for growth then you pay as much as if you bought a prefab just with out the satisfaction of having done it yourself.
Personally, I think that I will make the LED switch gradually. Shipping costs will prob. kill me but I will buy piece mail to build specific to my pain in the ass 76 half round tank that rectangular lights really dont fit.
I got into this hobby to build my own slice of the ocean. Making my lights is the next step. Does anyone here have any words of advice or experience in this? Would like to know the pitfalls.
Also do you know a better site to buy quailty LED that have soderless connections?

 

[lnevo]

You can get the t-slot heatsinks now from heatsinkusa.com i believe. Just do a google search. Not a complete kit like makers, but that just gives you more ways to customize....just a route Ive been considering. The biggest reason for me wanting to a diy is to control it from my ReefAngel. I don't need or want all the bells and whistles other manufacturers are putting in there lights...i can do it all within my existing controller code (already doing most in fact...) . I just want to get a full spectrum and enough led and coverage for my tank. I currently have a blue/white only fixture and shady spots on the sides of tank.

 

[lnevo]

As far as paying the same as prefab...no way. If you compare what you can put together diy vs a few vegas or radions...you'll pay half to diy.