DIY LED Build...

If one goes out, which really should not happen (they have 50,000 hr life and Cree's are very reliable), it will not necessarily take out the whole string. Depends on what type of failue the bulb had. Worse case scenario would be busting out the voltmeter and finding the bad one. Running them in series like this is the best option.

 

I think if one LED shorts out, it would be easy to measure w/ a voltmeter, but if one goes to an open circuit then it'll be a bit more work. No current flow should produce no voltage drop across any of the LEDs in the series network. On the other hand, there are only six LEDs per string... if there were a lot more LEDs it would be a pain. hope you don't mind my rambling...;D
Looks good though, can't wait to see it over your tank!

 

This one is going over someone elses tank . I am still kicking around the idea of doing one for my 65g. I figure 48 LEDs on a 30"X12" heatsink would do it...but then there is the lack of funds. It would probably end up being a $700 build . I will just stick with my 2x150w HQI setup for now.

 

I like it. Why did you go with two of the Meanwell 27's instead of one 48D or P that would run all 12 of the Crees? To keep the dimming of the blues and whites separate?

 

This is awesome! I've been looking into building a 6 light strip just to add some shimmer. Great thread!

 

Exactly. With the dimming of the blues and whites seperately you have literally infinite control of the heat color of the tank. Want it a little bluer, just turn the knob. Also this will allow for sunrise/sunset control.

 

bookmarked this bad boy. I'm definitely trying this.

 

Man, I wish I could afford to make a dimmable LED setup. Very nice.

 

Thanks for the compliments. It is not much more expensive to go dimmable with the meanwells, just a little extra work.