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Zephrant · 11/17/2017, 05:52 PM

This is a prototype light base for growing phytoplankton

I've always wanted to grow phytoplankton, but didn't want to do the typical PVC pipe and shop-light setup. And I was looking for something new to design and print. This is printed in PVA, but I'll probably move to PETG for the final prints.

There are 14x3 LEDs (42) running at 12v. It was pulling almost 1 amp, and they were getting too hot. I put in a 5 watt 5 ohm power resister in series, and that dropped the current down to 550ma. Still a little warm, but not baking at least.

In my next version I'm going to try to use some 3w Red/Blue LEDs like these on a heatsink:
http://www.topledlight.com/3w-660nm-...amp_p1488.html

Here are the LEDs that I actually used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XHRYX2O

And these are the power connectors I used:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GO56CCE/

Here is the rendering of the base from Fusion 360:

And some completed pictures:

The neat part of this design is the micro-switch. When the bottle is placed on the acrylic lens, the lights turn on. They turn off again when the weight is removed. It takes about 5 oz (400ml) to turn on the light, so the 1 liter flasks I have will work perfectly.

I don't know yet how much light I'll need. I'll give this a try, and change the intensity and lighting hours as needed over the next few weeks.

My phyto culture is coming in next Wednesday, so I'll get started then. Should have another one or two printed by then too.

11/17/2017, 05:52 PM	#1
Zephrant Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,234	DIY Phyto LED base This is a prototype light base for growing phytoplankton I've always wanted to grow phytoplankton, but didn't want to do the typical PVC pipe and shop-light setup. And I was looking for something new to design and print. This is printed in PVA, but I'll probably move to PETG for the final prints. There are 14x3 LEDs (42) running at 12v. It was pulling almost 1 amp, and they were getting too hot. I put in a 5 watt 5 ohm power resister in series, and that dropped the current down to 550ma. Still a little warm, but not baking at least. In my next version I'm going to try to use some 3w Red/Blue LEDs like these on a heatsink: http://www.topledlight.com/3w-660nm-...amp_p1488.html Here are the LEDs that I actually used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XHRYX2O And these are the power connectors I used:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GO56CCE/ Here is the rendering of the base from Fusion 360: And some completed pictures: The neat part of this design is the micro-switch. When the bottle is placed on the acrylic lens, the lights turn on. They turn off again when the weight is removed. It takes about 5 oz (400ml) to turn on the light, so the 1 liter flasks I have will work perfectly. I don't know yet how much light I'll need. I'll give this a try, and change the intensity and lighting hours as needed over the next few weeks. My phyto culture is coming in next Wednesday, so I'll get started then. Should have another one or two printed by then too.