DIY LED light panel

annesmiley · 05/01/2018, 12:26 PM

Hi! I'm trying to build a light panel that gets up to 700 microeinsteins/s. I've got one built using LED light strips, but it's not quite bright enough--I'm only getting about 250.

Specs for LEDs: 72W, 12VDC
Power adapter output: 12V, 3.0A

I was thinking that according to the P=VI equation, the max current the lights can handle is 6.0A. So I ordered a new power adapter with an output of 12V and 6A to see if that works at all. I'd appreciate any input on how to make these ones brighter!! But I may need more powerful lights all together.

Thanks

mcgyvr · 05/01/2018, 07:45 PM

No part numbers or a link to said led strips?

Buy 2 more strips

Gorgok · 05/01/2018, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annesmiley

I was thinking that according to the P=VI equation, the max current the lights can handle is 6.0A.

Even if that were the case, you won't double the light output from doubling the current. Get more strips.

annesmiley · 05/02/2018, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

No part numbers or a link to said led strips?

Buy 2 more strips

IMG_2465.jpg

IMG_4747.jpg
https://www.lightingever.com/12v-led...066-ww-nf.html

Screen Shot 2018-05-02 at 10.09.31 AM.jpg

These are the lights I have and the set I have for the light panel.

annesmiley · 05/02/2018, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

No part numbers or a link to said led strips?

Buy 2 more strips

Here are the lights:
https://www.lightingever.com/12v-led...066-ww-nf.html
IMG_2465.jpg
IMG_4747.jpg

And this is the set up I have for the light panel:
Screen Shot 2018-05-02 at 10.09.31 AM.jpg

mcgyvr · 05/02/2018, 08:31 AM

annesmiley,
This site has a spam protection feature that jails a post like you just did that included external links..
We can't see your post yet but I know you just posted after Gorgoks post because I'm a wizard with magical skills..

Typically a moderator will approve/unjail your post within 24 hours then it will show up for us..

But due to the fact that this site has a new quote notification feature I got your post sent to my email so I can see the link you tried to post..
https://www.lightingever.com/12v-led...066-ww-nf.html

The current that those types of tape lights needs is fixed by the tape itself and changing to a power supply with a greater current rating will have NO effect on the brightness of the strip.. It will however allow you to run more strips on that power supply..

bblumberg · 05/02/2018, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annesmiley

Hi! I'm trying to build a light panel that gets up to 700 microeinsteins/s. I've got one built using LED light strips, but it's not quite bright enough--I'm only getting about 250.

Specs for LEDs: 72W, 12VDC
Power adapter output: 12V, 3.0A

I was thinking that according to the P=VI equation, the max current the lights can handle is 6.0A. So I ordered a new power adapter with an output of 12V and 6A to see if that works at all. I'd appreciate any input on how to make these ones brighter!! But I may need more powerful lights all together.

Thanks

You might also want to consider at what distance from the source you want 700 umoles/m**2/second and what spread you want the illumination to have at this distance. Also, are you certain that the spectral properties of these LED strips are adequate for what you want to accomplish in your tank?

Alex3344 · 05/07/2018, 08:09 AM

I wish I could do such a thing by myself

05/01/2018, 12:26 PM	#1
annesmiley Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 3	DIY LED light panel Hi! I'm trying to build a light panel that gets up to 700 microeinsteins/s. I've got one built using LED light strips, but it's not quite bright enough--I'm only getting about 250. Specs for LEDs: 72W, 12VDC Power adapter output: 12V, 3.0A I was thinking that according to the P=VI equation, the max current the lights can handle is 6.0A. So I ordered a new power adapter with an output of 12V and 6A to see if that works at all. I'd appreciate any input on how to make these ones brighter!! But I may need more powerful lights all together. Thanks

05/01/2018, 07:45 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	No part numbers or a link to said led strips? Buy 2 more strips __________________ Who me?

05/02/2018, 08:31 AM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	annesmiley, This site has a spam protection feature that jails a post like you just did that included external links.. We can't see your post yet but I know you just posted after Gorgoks post because I'm a wizard with magical skills.. Typically a moderator will approve/unjail your post within 24 hours then it will show up for us.. But due to the fact that this site has a new quote notification feature I got your post sent to my email so I can see the link you tried to post.. https://www.lightingever.com/12v-led...066-ww-nf.html The current that those types of tape lights needs is fixed by the tape itself and changing to a power supply with a greater current rating will have NO effect on the brightness of the strip.. It will however allow you to run more strips on that power supply.. __________________ Who me?

05/07/2018, 08:09 AM	#8
Alex3344 Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Netherlands Posts: 23	I wish I could do such a thing by myself