Moonlight questions - Aquarium Advice

75gMKT · 04-02-2006, 01:34 PM

I have just purchased a bunch of blue leds to make a moonlight set up with and my only question is what do/should I use as power source?

Wizzard~Of~Ozz · 04-02-2006, 06:29 PM

What value are the resistors, if you don't know then you can post the colour bands and I'll tell you what the values are..

I think I made a detailed post in one of the other moonlights threads here.

Ahh, here it is
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewto...r=asc&start=25

krap101 · 04-02-2006, 07:01 PM

lol i remember that thread

greenmaji · 04-06-2006, 07:22 AM

Shweet work there ozz :P
And JProx didnt even have to answer LED questions this time LOL :P

75gMKT · 04-06-2006, 02:40 PM

All I am wondering is what i need to get use to power the lights, like an inverter or something of that sort, the LEDs that i bought already have the resistors installed, so all i can tell you right now is that they are of the 10mm size, unless i cut one open i cannot tell you the resistor color/size, so any general advice is welcome. Thanks

Wizzard~Of~Ozz · 04-06-2006, 04:04 PM

Did the package come with a note about recommended voltage? if it was a sealed unit then it should have.

75gMKT · 04-07-2006, 03:07 AM

they are of the home made variety, and the heat-shrink tubing is already on them, the info said that they can take any where for 6-14 volts, i don't know how that correlates to plugging them in to a wall socket type fixture, will any one work?

greenmaji · 04-07-2006, 06:51 AM

With the correct number of LEDs and the correct size resitors you can calculate out what size inverter needed.. the calculations are in the other LED threads.
HTH

Wizzard~Of~Ozz · 04-07-2006, 07:38 AM

You will need a transformer. If you can get a universal transformer (one with a voltage selection switch) then you can start at 3v and keep moving up until you feel the resistor get warm (don't worry, you're gonna feel it through the heatshrink) or the LED pops. then you know it's too much.

The resistors I would have to guess are designed for 14v so a 12v transformer would *Probably* be correct, tho 9v would be safer, you would just need more LEDs

Also keep in mind LEDs are polarity sensitive, so if you hook one up and get no light, try reversing the power wires.

DO NOT hook an LED up to AC Voltage, and never directly to a 120v outlet. you will exceed the forward and reverse limits and at best burn your hand, at worst you will send plastic shrapnel flying everywhere.

TwoHobbies · 04-07-2006, 09:22 AM

Any 9-12 volt DC adapter 200ma or higher will work, RadioShack about $15, or I have a few laying around if you would like one.

04-02-2006, 01:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
75gMKT Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Mankato, Minnesota Posts: 15	Moonlight questions I have just purchased a bunch of blue leds to make a moonlight set up with and my only question is what do/should I use as power source?

04-02-2006, 06:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Wizzard~Of~Ozz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,015 Images: 2	What value are the resistors, if you don't know then you can post the colour bands and I'll tell you what the values are.. I think I made a detailed post in one of the other moonlights threads here. Ahh, here it is http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewto...r=asc&start=25 __________________ 120 Gal SW, 150lbs Prem. Fiji, 23Gal Sump, 2x250w 15K MH, 4x65w Actinic 3 x Halichoeres Chrysus (1 surfed), 3 x Nemateleotris magnifica, 1 x Centropyge bicolor, 11 x Scarlet Hermits, 6 x Zebra Hermits, 40 x Astrea Snails, 6 x Nassarius Snails, 3 x Cerith Snails

04-02-2006, 07:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
krap101 Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Roscoe, IL Posts: 3,825 Images: 12	lol i remember that thread __________________ Wizards first rule-People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true. Wizards second rule-The greatest harm can result from the best intentions. Wizards third rule-Passion rules reason. Wizards fourth rule-There is magic in forgiveness the magic to heal! In the forgiveness you grant, and more so in the forgiveness you receive. Wizards fifth rule-Mind what people do, not only what they say, for deeds will betray a lie. Wizards sixth rule-The only sovereign you can allow to rule you is reason. Wizards seventh rule-Life is the future, not the past Wizards eighth rule-Deserve victory. Wizards ninth rule-Contradictions don't exist, in whole or in part.

04-06-2006, 04:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
Wizzard~Of~Ozz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,015 Images: 2	Did the package come with a note about recommended voltage? if it was a sealed unit then it should have. __________________ 120 Gal SW, 150lbs Prem. Fiji, 23Gal Sump, 2x250w 15K MH, 4x65w Actinic 3 x Halichoeres Chrysus (1 surfed), 3 x Nemateleotris magnifica, 1 x Centropyge bicolor, 11 x Scarlet Hermits, 6 x Zebra Hermits, 40 x Astrea Snails, 6 x Nassarius Snails, 3 x Cerith Snails

04-07-2006, 07:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
Wizzard~Of~Ozz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,015 Images: 2	You will need a transformer. If you can get a universal transformer (one with a voltage selection switch) then you can start at 3v and keep moving up until you feel the resistor get warm (don't worry, you're gonna feel it through the heatshrink) or the LED pops. then you know it's too much. The resistors I would have to guess are designed for 14v so a 12v transformer would Probably be correct, tho 9v would be safer, you would just need more LEDs Also keep in mind LEDs are polarity sensitive, so if you hook one up and get no light, try reversing the power wires. DO NOT hook an LED up to AC Voltage, and never directly to a 120v outlet. you will exceed the forward and reverse limits and at best burn your hand, at worst you will send plastic shrapnel flying everywhere. __________________ 120 Gal SW, 150lbs Prem. Fiji, 23Gal Sump, 2x250w 15K MH, 4x65w Actinic 3 x Halichoeres Chrysus (1 surfed), 3 x Nemateleotris magnifica, 1 x Centropyge bicolor, 11 x Scarlet Hermits, 6 x Zebra Hermits, 40 x Astrea Snails, 6 x Nassarius Snails, 3 x Cerith Snails

04-06-2006, 07:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
greenmaji Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,937	Shweet work there ozz :P And JProx didnt even have to answer LED questions this time LOL :P

04-06-2006, 02:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
75gMKT Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Mankato, Minnesota Posts: 15	All I am wondering is what i need to get use to power the lights, like an inverter or something of that sort, the LEDs that i bought already have the resistors installed, so all i can tell you right now is that they are of the 10mm size, unless i cut one open i cannot tell you the resistor color/size, so any general advice is welcome. Thanks

04-07-2006, 03:07 AM	#7 (permalink)
75gMKT Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Mankato, Minnesota Posts: 15	they are of the home made variety, and the heat-shrink tubing is already on them, the info said that they can take any where for 6-14 volts, i don't know how that correlates to plugging them in to a wall socket type fixture, will any one work?

04-07-2006, 06:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
greenmaji Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,937	With the correct number of LEDs and the correct size resitors you can calculate out what size inverter needed.. the calculations are in the other LED threads. HTH

04-07-2006, 09:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
TwoHobbies Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Western New York Posts: 357 Images: 9	Any 9-12 volt DC adapter 200ma or higher will work, RadioShack about $15, or I have a few laying around if you would like one.

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