StirCrayzy
Well-Known Member
Well, OK disclaimer #1, CHEAP is Relative. I ordered extra hardware when I built my DT fixture, and I work in a prototype automotive shop where scrap materials are plentiful So when I say cheap, it's just the components I've purchased as cheap as I can find them. I'm sure a black box Chinese fixture can be had cheaper, but can you fix it for $3 if an led goes bad, or $30 if the driver goes out ? Probably not, and it'll take a couple weeks to get what you need from China. But I digress... I like building stuff, because it's fun, and I like my product to have a few mandatory requirements...
1.) Simple
2.) Quality components (exponentially compatible)
3.) Easy to repair
4.) Interesting design
5.) Fun to build
So I found some scraps around the shop that got my juices flowing, and I cut some radii to pretty them up. Poly carbonate splash guard on the left 1/4" aluminum base structure on right.
Ive wanted to build a QT fixture that could serve a few purposes. I have a 20g tall that currently has a 10g hood sitting on it sideways using a single CFL. and the salt air keeps shorting out bulbs which is very annoying. So I need a replacement, for new fish arrivals (not much demand for quality there), for emergency, and new coral QT ( slightly higher demand ) .
I placed an order with RapidLED for some goodies that I know will keep corals going strong at low power and shallow depth.
I'm open to suggestions and ideas, I also have a thought that I could use this as a full spectrum fixture if I build a Nano for my kids in the future. I haven't decided on mounting yet, maybe a slick little acrylic arm type , but not sure.
There are bronze bushings to use as spacers for the splash guard., and otherwise I'll be using all stainless hardware.
Now only 10 LEDs are to be used in this application (Layout below), which made me realize the list above was not entirely for this build, since the reds are for additional ATS light coverage on my sump. Also I might swap the cyans in place of the Royal Blues or Cool whites in this fixture, depending on what it looks like once lit up. Also I wanted a couple spares just in case. These are mostly compatible with my DT LEDs though terribly under powered in this application it gives a scavenging option if something goes wrong.
1.) Simple
2.) Quality components (exponentially compatible)
3.) Easy to repair
4.) Interesting design
5.) Fun to build
So I found some scraps around the shop that got my juices flowing, and I cut some radii to pretty them up. Poly carbonate splash guard on the left 1/4" aluminum base structure on right.
Ive wanted to build a QT fixture that could serve a few purposes. I have a 20g tall that currently has a 10g hood sitting on it sideways using a single CFL. and the salt air keeps shorting out bulbs which is very annoying. So I need a replacement, for new fish arrivals (not much demand for quality there), for emergency, and new coral QT ( slightly higher demand ) .
I placed an order with RapidLED for some goodies that I know will keep corals going strong at low power and shallow depth.
I'm open to suggestions and ideas, I also have a thought that I could use this as a full spectrum fixture if I build a Nano for my kids in the future. I haven't decided on mounting yet, maybe a slick little acrylic arm type , but not sure.
There are bronze bushings to use as spacers for the splash guard., and otherwise I'll be using all stainless hardware.
Now only 10 LEDs are to be used in this application (Layout below), which made me realize the list above was not entirely for this build, since the reds are for additional ATS light coverage on my sump. Also I might swap the cyans in place of the Royal Blues or Cool whites in this fixture, depending on what it looks like once lit up. Also I wanted a couple spares just in case. These are mostly compatible with my DT LEDs though terribly under powered in this application it gives a scavenging option if something goes wrong.
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