DIY acrylic housing for DIY LED fixture?

Hi guys. Going to purchase a DIY kit from rapidled and was wondering if anyone can share some ideas/plans on building a acrylic box/housing for the fixture? I've seen many finished products over on the nano reef forum but don't really have an idea how to put any of them together. I'm planning on something with 4 sides and a splash guard. Will the acrylic splash guard effect the color spectrum at all? And which adhesive would work the best? I've been looking at the different types of weld-on adhesives. Any ideas on building legs or mounting system for the fixture? Not too sure if I want to punch holes in the wall or ceiling to hang it. Thanks!

I also don't have too much access to drills, saws etc. So a simple, durable design would be the best. =]

 

First, you can't house the LEDs in a 100% acrylic enclosure, as they must have a thermal conduction path for cooling. IE - you need a heatsink to conduct the heat away to cool them.

You can definitely use lexan/acrylic for a splash guard without any significant light loss.

Same idea with my build; see completion pictures on page 4, note the splash guard: http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-dimmable-rapidled-kit-converting-mhs-96138.html

 

Thanks for the info. Yes, I will be using a 4.25"x16" heatsink for this build. I'm just having trouble coming up with how to hold the casing together. I will be using 40 degree lenses as well, and did not know if I just build the acrylic housing, and just let the fixture sit on the splashguard or how it should be held together.

 

How did you attach the slide things to the side of the heatsink for the splash guard? Simple yet ingenious =]

 

Thanks. Just a couple screws (one at each end) with a plastic spacer inbetween the angle iron and the heatsink.

 

awesome! Thanks a lot! Will be ordering the rapid LED kit over the weekend. Can't wait to get started on it =]

 

Ordered a 12 LED kit from RapidLED this weekend! I ordered 8-RB and 4-CW bulbs, w 40degree lenses. Any ideas on the placement of the LEDs? I bought the heatsink drilled and tapped in 3 rows.
Any suggestions? I will be using 40 degree lenses. Thanks!