DIY LED Moonlight

danbaatar · 02-07-2008, 01:21 PM

Does anyone know about the LEDs they use in the professionally built moonlights? I'm thinking about putting something simple together myself.

I was thinking about using these LEDs for the blue color:
http://www.besthongkong.com/product_...722311b79fe9c1

I would probably put 3 or 4 of these inside of my fluorescent hood, so that it the light would be a little more diffuse.

I've also considered adding some ultraviolet LEDs too. I have some glofish, and I think it would be cool to see them flouresce at night under the softer moonlight. Does anyone know if there are any health issues that would arise for my fish or plants by using UV lights? Just for a reference, the UV LEDs I would probably use are these:
http://www.besthongkong.com/product_...722311b79fe9c1

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions, especially if you have component/mounting ideas that might make the project better.

Thanks.

new2me · 02-07-2008, 04:23 PM

You need a 420-460 LED to replicate the moon. I was considering doing this before but needing a new fixture which had them already.

If you google DIY Moon light you will find all kinds of stuff on them.

One of the DIY's I found said Radio Shack had the LEDs but when I tried to get them they told me they were discontinued. (Just a heads up)

danbaatar · 02-07-2008, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the idea. I had started looking on google, but I guess my search wasn't specific enough (or maybe too specific). I found some good stuff.

Do you have a source for the 420-460 nm figure? Someone else was saying that it should be between 470 and 480 nm.

new2me · 02-08-2008, 08:36 AM

There is this page for a walk threw on how to build them. http://www.kaotica.com/frag/diy/moonlight/ Or this site talks alot about the specifics on the LED's and putting them together.

The best place I have found for the lights is this guy on eBay. http://search.stores.ebay.com/BestHo...685472QQsofpZ0

I have bought from them before with no problems. With all those led's you start looking around and what you can put them into. ha ha

Sleepy · 02-08-2008, 03:49 PM

Hi, this is Sleepy. You can check out my tank's picture in" Aquarium Picture" section for your reference.

501scionxb · 04-06-2008, 08:06 PM

cool stuff

andysutt · 04-07-2008, 12:17 PM

Im interested in doing this myself, but by the look of those LEDs you have to buy a socket or make your own wiring for it?

Is there anything where you can just drill a hole in your hood, or replace the plastic snaps that hold the reflector to the hood? (like putting the LEDs inside your hood but fastening them thru the holes that would be there if you removed the factory fasteners)

tropical1 · 04-07-2008, 06:37 PM

hey sleepy, is that just a led light bar in your tank or individual light s that you mounted? if it is a light bar, where did you purchase?

chadf · 04-07-2008, 08:15 PM

I know I guy that uses a blue rope light mounted in his canopy for moonlighting. Just another idea.

tropical1 · 04-07-2008, 08:46 PM

does it work as well as the led lighting?