Is LED DIY worth it? How long do they really produce?

[AnthonyAce]

I am on the fence weather to buy a new LED or make one? Is a diy really worth it?

Also, how do we really know how long a LED produces the right light for growth? I read they can last upto 50,000 hours if properly cooled, yadda, yadda but a metal halide or T5 can give you many hours of 'light' after its usefulness. Some say to replace a MH bulb after 6-8 months of use shouldn't the same rule apply to LEDs?

 

[Tonyscoots84]

pretty sure wingo can give you a good answer....

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Response in BLUE

I am on the fence weather to buy a new LED or make one? Is a diy really worth it? (Depends how much time and how valuable is your time. Are you inquisitive type of person. I have a doctor buddy who mod his own house light with my parts even though he worth couple hundred dollars an hour and he never have enough time to sleep. Most, minus those got water soaked, DIY lights we built 3 years ago are still going strong-the commercial interior LED bar in my workshop has been running about 5 yrs)

Also, how do we really know how long a LED produces the right light for growth? I read they can last upto 50,000 hours if properly cooled, yadda, yadda (Correct because of the nature of this technology even when the spectrum shift in the shift is still in the good part for supporting coral. We cannot say the same to art museum application with this shift though.)

but a metal halide or T5 can give you many hours of 'light' after its usefulness. Some say to replace a MH bulb after 6-8 months of use shouldn't the same rule apply to LEDs?

The major enemy to DIY lights are where and how the finished electronics are located, most of DIY parts are not splash proof and that aquarium application always splash water everywhere. So as long as you can put it in a right place where water splash and accidental dripping is not a problem, it is not too hard. There are a lot of Youtube DIY tutorials but majority lack the soldering tips. Search Youtube the proper way of soldering wires, use solid wire for interconnect as much as possible or simply buy DIY PCBs to minimize work and accidents.

 

[AnthonyAce]

leds

Thanks Wingo the diy explaination was helpful but what are your thoughts on the longevity of the 'effective usefulness' of the LED? Would you know why LED's don't seem to have an 'effective use period' similar to needing replace T5's or MH after a certain period of use?

 

[ming]

T5's contain phosphors which are being burnt. As they get older, they burn out (quicker if they get too hot).

MH is similar which they have metal vapors instead but also expire from heat or burning.

LED's aren't burning a gas like T5 or MH

 

[mikezanga]

wingo...i just got a red sea max 500....any retrofit options for this setup available?
Thx.
Mike
917-455-3909
[email protected]