DIY Lighting

[spencelee10]

I've been doing a lot of research lately and have really gotten into electronics. I read a few threads on here and decided I am going to actually do something with my summer and make my own lighting for my 15 gallon nano reef that I am about to set up. My main question is can I use these bulbs:

LEDs, LED Holders & LED Assemblies | RadioShack.com


and if I do would I need to use a driver and what type? Also how many bulbs would be recomended?

 

[krap101]

You don't want to buy your leds from radio shack. They'll be very weak and very expensive. Most common are cree, luxon, and seoul leds, but I think cree's are considered the "best".

As for a driver, most commonly used are buckpucks, but there are also meanwells and thompsons (used by nanotuners). You can also make your own driver if you're so inclined.

 

[huma-huma]

+1 on not using radioshack leds ...not saying they atent good..but compared to the brands that krap mentioned, the radioshack leds don't even come c lose