Luvmyreef's 20g Nano Build - Page 3

Ok, I will wait to order the kits until I can get you all pics of the stand with the tank. I want it to look nice and neat, so if the 1/2 in would be better......  I had to order the stand, and it will be in on thursday.

That is because I did most of the posting with all my questions LOL. :)

Well, I have decided to do a DIY LED build for this tank. I am compiling a list. I will probably end up using the plug n play options from rapid led. No soldering...yipppee.  Thanks to all the helpful people on here, I believe I can do this. If it works out, I will build one for the 180g later. So, there will be no rush on this build. It will be done right. So, lets update the list of what I have or have ordered.

20g high glass tank

10g sump

24in high stand-ordered

24in DIY LED fixture

Brackets for light mount/with arms (will be able to hang the light as high or low as I need it)

Super nano overflow kit-ordered

mag 3 pump

1/2 in return kit-ordered

Nano and/or koralia #1 pump

Remora C skimmer-unsure if I can use, but have it for now.

5lbs live rock

base rock

fiji pink sand- maybe BB?

So, looks like I got a winter project lol.

Ok, should I just post the end result or would anyone like for me to do pics, etc. along the way?  I am placing the order today for everything. I can show the list if anyone wants me to. This DIY build will consist of 24 3w cree leds, and will be dimmable.

Thanks, I am trying to plan this well, so when it all comes together it should be easy sailing lol. Ok, here is the list.

24 LED Plug-n-Play Retrofit Dimmable Kit- comes with everything but heatsink, fan,potentiometer, and 10v adapter

*comes with: 6-xp-g cool whites, 6-xp-g neutral whites, 6-xp-e royal blue, and 6-xp-e blue. MY choice BTW. They give you options.

*Whites will come with 65 degree optics, blues with 80. My choice BTW, you can choose out of the options.

*2- Mean Well 60-48D Dimmable drivers (included in the kit)

fan

Multimeter

DIY 2 color dimming kit

Drilled and tapped 4.25" x 23" heat sink for 24 leds.

10v ac adapter -I already have one.

That is about it. I am gonna check on gutting out my old 2 bulb t-5 fixture and try to mount the heatsink in it. It will save me from having to build a box, and should look nice and neat. What do you think of the list?

Yeah, this will be my first time at a diy project like this. If it works out like I think it will, then I will start a build for the 180g and get rid of the electric sucking metal halides lol. The overall cost to make this led seems fair. I can actually minus 40.00 of it because my t-5's are due to be changed and to get good ones, that is what they would cost me. :) Will post lots of pics along the way since you asked.

Replies in red .

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 

I think I don't want to completely get rid of my t5s. So I'm considering doing a combo of the two lights. I know what you mean, however, I am willing to try it for us both lol. It will be hard to let go of the metal halides too.

 

Looking forward to it!  Your building the tank I wish I had. Lol. Wait, what? You have a 20g!! And you seem quite the DIY guy.

 

I absolutely suggest looking into an auto top off. Especially with a small sump. When she's all done I will. :) Right after the algae scrubber LOLOLOLOL

Ok, just received notice that my overflow kit and return kit has been shipped....should be here in a couple days. Stand should be in tomorrow. Finally seeing some progress. 

No, I was just teasing you about the scrubber lol. The stand is actually 25.8 x 14 x 30.5. Standard black aga wood stand. Ah, plans for the future huh? Yep, looking at the empty tank now and thinking about what needs done to it. Wondering why I just didn't go with a nps build....LOLOL

Yeah, I couldn't resist!!

Well, my stand didn't come in today :(  Tomorrow probably, and I will be at work.

Yay? It's not here.... This is a pic of what I ordered. Just the standard 20g high pine stand...Nothing fancy...