May 2009

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Can A Camera Be Put Inside Me To See My Womb

40. LEDs in the aquarium: first update

ECOSYSTEM LIGHT LED LIGHT

The e-magazine AquaFlash began its journey on the Internet precisely research on LED light. In the prototype image AquaFlash screen panels for capacity to adapt to any aquarium, whether by size or biotope © AquaFlash

In this article we will report on new and silly ideas for implementing this type of lighting. Our purpose for the current and following chapters, is to make an exhaustive on this technology. The more we know, the better prepared we are when it comes time to create our own LED screens. Never before have we had the opportunity to apply the light with such precision and ease for each biotope maintained artificially.

For strength, LED prices should go down much further. Its use is spreading to all areas of our lives. Be a real revolution of the same quality artificial light to natural light.

Before proceeding, let's recap a brief reminder on the LED. Very briefly, let's review what we have learned in this research notebook. For those who are familiar with the subject can skip the next paragraph.

REVIEW OF CHAPTERS

LED LIGHT

04. Creating an LED reflector AquaFlash

In this chapter we talk about sustainability in the creation of an LED screen. To our regret, is a chapter still open (as we noted earlier, we are waiting for prices to moderate over).

The two major factors to consider:

1. The color of light. call is measured Color Temperature in Kelvin (K) or Wavelength with the unit of nanometer (nm). One of the big advantages is that it offers a LED light color exactly calibration. In nature, sunlight is pure white, consistent with 5500 º K . It happens in aquariums candy is the best color for the growth of aquatic plants. The range that is currently applied to other lights is between the 4500 and 6500 ° K. In marine biotopes should be added blue light, for the reason that many organisms live in the photic zone of the ocean (where they still get the sun's rays). The color of light blue submarine is proportionately with depth. This light is called actinic .

Each biotope has unique bright

2. light output. LED lighting technology is relatively new. LEDs are increasingly being made more light output at prices more affordable. The light output is measured in units of lux and lumens. To get an idea, a 115 liter marine aquarium requires a bit more light output of 3000 lumens. However, the luminous power of an aquarium due to variables depending on the height and content of the aquarium, keep living species (as biotope), etc.

The Z-Power P7 Acriche, was one of the first high-power LEDs 900 lumens light that left us speechless with 10W ... but this was the beginning, because from that moment a new generation of diode

This chapter proposes a scheme in the configuration of an LED screen in view of the photoperiod (length of light radiation in ecosystems dependent Sun, which lasts between 10-12 hours and is equivalent to daylight hours.)

Presentation

simple outline of a 3D photoperiod © AquaFlash

explained that the LED can be applied without problems to aquatic ecosystems (and others). The advantages are many (light perfect color calibrated, direct targeting, low consumption, less heat projection ...), but the problem right now is economic investment.

Another scheme, designed for a reef aquarium, taking into account the colors at all times of day (photoperiod 3D)

also propose the innovative idea of \u200b\u200ba 3-dimensional lighting because it is the natural way in which rays are projected. This idea is based on the translation and rotation movements engaged in our stars. To understand easily, an object is illuminated following a linear circuit semi-dome-shaped pan east to west, from the perspective of arc in the sky, with different stages of color during the day. That is, the Sun is not fixed on the zenith, as always present lighting displays. Our spaces maintained should follow the same pattern of natural photoperiod in 3D. With the LED lights is very easy to replicate this natural effect.

rays of light should affect an inclination that varies over the hours of photoperiod. In this way, they avoid the perpetual shadows and dark corners always

06. Actinic light LED: What is actinic light?

This chapter defines the effectiveness of the actinic light LEDs. The so-called underwater light, is among the 18,000 and 22,000 K (or what is equal in wavelength to be found between 400 and 480 nm).

As a curiosity, the actinic light offers interesting degree of fluorescence in living color, highlighting a dramatic appearance in the aquarium.

actinic light besides being necessary, offers spectacular color in

marine aquarium reef aquarium this blue light is vital for many photosynthetic organisms such as corals, anemones, etc. It seems that it is important for the vision of the fish in this habitat.

An example testing and measuring the ability of a 1W Luxeon K2 LED color Royal Blue (440-460 nm).

07. Depth analysis of the LUXEON K2 LED

The Luxeon K2 LEDs have been the most used for lighting aquariums

the footsteps of the LED screens that are marketed, we analyze these diodes capable to be part of the electronic light reflectors as SOLARIS. These LEDs 1W consume and provide approximately 100 lumens of bright light.

Examples aquarium illuminated by the famous SOLARIS

But we find the first problems:

1. A consumed more power, more light produced, but also generates more heat in proportion. standard LEDs do not have this problem (hence they are called cold light). But the high-brightness LEDs require a heatsink, otherwise it will melt at the time.

A heat sink

A date (advances are enormous in a few months) are making 10 LEDs (900 lumens) to 500W (20000 lumens !!!). This means that the heat dissipation must be an inherent factor to consider. The LEDs are mounted on a metal structure to allow for evacuation of high temperatures (only occur on the side of the LED).

new generation LEDs are becoming very different in appearance to what we know. This is a 100-watt LED, which with its sink and connection is a real focus on thumbnail able to offer up to 6000 lumens

100W LEDs provide approximately 6000 lumens of light (the equivalent of four fluorescent lamps of 40W T5 or T8 or two halogen type HQI 175W each)

2. heat sinks. As stated are absolutely necessary. May be appropriate plates of different metals, of various shapes and sizes. In many cases, are accompanied by one or more fans for PCs.

An example of LED with heatsink

3. prices of these LEDs are still expensive compared with other luminaries. To his credit, say that it is a long-term investment, for these LEDs have a long life and requires no changes to last about 10 years. Anyway, is a new technology that is being imposed and should bring down prices for their high production.

08. Comparables reflector LEDs suitable for an aquarium?

In this chapter we look that LEDs are suitable for an aquarium light standard, SMD, high gloss ...

09. An alternative LED dichroic reflector for LEDs?

Another interesting proposal is the dichroic diode (LED has adopted the typical halogen bulb).

An innovative system to replace LED fluorescent dichroic © SIRIUS

These bulbs are becoming more widespread and therefore become progressively cheaper. Increasingly offering high output and may be an option to illuminate ecosystems. Another advantage is that they have incorporated into their electronic device very good heatsinks.

11. The latest in LED spotlight

stakeholders to show the picture of the LED screens on the market. In this chapter we will extend this information.

12. LEDs illuminate

knowledge

Summary: What is an LED? Advantages and disadvantages.

13. LED KITS

A review of the proposed LED assemblies. Is it worthwhile to get an LED screen with a mounting kit?

15. Practical experiment: a mini-lit LEDs

An experiment step by step on the LED light in a mini (micro) aquarium.

01. Introduction to light in the aquarium
02. Mimicking sunlight
03. The ecosystem of a Coral Reef
10. Light, colors, water and life
16. The freshwater aquarium lighting
19. Solar tubes: direct sunlight in aquariums

Our goal must always be accurately reproduce the conditions offered by nature. For this we help the zootechnical

These chapters provide important data on the natural light in biotopes water.

17. What is the photoperiod?
18. Systems to create the photoperiod

Virtually all living creatures on our planet are sensitive to photoperiod

Analysis on the meaning and the creation of photoperiod on aquatic biotopes.

LED NEWS

We are living a revolution in LED lighting. Is so rapid progress every few months to be updated information.

Although not yet commercialized, have already begun to experience called Biol. At the University of Cincinnati Professor Andrew Stekl, along with the U.S. Air Force, have developed new Biol distinguished by its high brightness prodigious. The most striking of these diodes is using salmon sperm DNA.

Images in which you can see the comparison in the projection of light with Biol

On the other hand, another innovative luminaire Luxim's emerge with spectacular results illuminated with low consumption: the new bulb ( capsule) of plasma. A single, tiny capsule provides 140 lumens per watt. It is for the first time the use of plasma technology for lighting aquariums, in particular reef. This lamp offers a light range that produces accurate to our Sun Lumenarc firm is developing a reflector with this technology.

A single capsule of plasma (much like an LED) provides 140 lumens per watt © LUXIM'S

Following the development of high power LEDs, and can be found in the diodes market up to 500W:

The new high power LEDs are sold with the reflector (which works as a heat sink)

Technical Data LED 100W, as an example:

100W High-power White LED with Super Brightness and Forward Current of 3000mA
type high-power LEDs
color temperature:
6000 to 7000K Voltage: 34 to 35V
Current: 3000 mA
Luminous Intensity: 3000 to 4000 lm
Lens Color: water clear focus
Angle: 140 degrees
Power: 100W
Current Application: Urban lighting

10 and 20W LEDs

recommend visiting this video of our friend Aaroon, which provides an excellent demonstration of power LED light with 20W 20W on Aaroon's nano

LED DISPLAYS CURRENT

Reflector Paradiso
T5S This hybrid system and LEDs are creating a stir in the sweet densely planted aquariums in Japan. Can also be applied in reef aquariums if added proportionally actinic light. But the interesting thing about this system is that you can attend for a dimmer to create the effect of photoperiod, the Sun Dimm professional.

ECO lamp LED
Another proposal made in Hong Kong, offering a lighting quality. Its design is reminiscent of other reflectors LED market.

Vitrea
LED lighting brand presented in the classroom Vitrea Bologna ZOOMARK new design with only 10 high power LEDs. This happened earlier this month (May 2009).

TMC Aquaray
The high brightness LEDs are becoming the solution for lighting aquarium. Here you can see an interesting proposal, especially the nuances of color of plants.

Mame Desing Ecolyte
All display an example of high-power LEDs, arranged in a heat-dissipating platform. In front of the LEDs is a clear glass to protect from moisture. The design is worthy of praise. In principle only one set will be manufactured with 500 units, with a starting price of $ 900. It has RGB LEDs that can change its color to taste, including the option of imitating night light cycles of the moon.

We can say that we monitor all these brands, with great excitement, both for its quality and design.

LED KITS

As described in Chapter 13. LED KITS , an economical choice for those who wish to use LED technology in their tanks is to build their own screens.

started with a very interesting proposal

KIT High power LED Boost Driver

Price: 16.95 € (KIT 3W -225 lumens) / € 64.95 (KIT 9W - 675 lumens)

Robotecno The company specializes in LED lighting offers Two kits very interesting to be applied to aquariums. The kit comes with a very useful integrated circuit, SD 42509 (a Boost Driver ensuring that all LEDs are given the same current so that perfectly matched their brilliance).

LED Type KIT: 1W LED
lúmenes.350 75 mA. Lambertian Start: 5000-7000 º K (white)

KIT LEDs can be purchased by choosing color. Marine aquarium can be requested for the same price, 1W LED Blue 465 nm of 20 lumens.

WHITE + BLUE LED Aquarium Reef corals grow light panel

Price: $ 145 KIT LEDwholesalers reef aquarium

Without doubt, specifications and we have a product by price highly convenient and accessible. The company also LEDwholesalers offers another version of white light intended for photography, but candy is excellent planted aquarium.

in an aluminum plate of 25 x 25 cm, are presented 1W 36 LEDs each, combined with white light (5500 º K) and actinic light (455 nm). Served ready to connect directly to a plug. Its consumption is only 40W. This version should provide about 2000 lumens (counting the actinic light has less light output).

Brightest LED Day White Light Photography Video Panel

Price: $ 155 KIT LEDwholesalers useful for aquarium planted sweet and as a focus in photography

Like the previous model, the LEDs are 1W Edison-5500 ° K (daylight just the best for the development of aquarium plants).

For the automotive world there is also a great development of LEDs (SMD type normally). Some may be interesting, but we must consider whether the color of light is consistent with our interests and for now, the power falls somewhat short. Today's call is being imposed Xenon light, with widely varying target ranges in ° K which is necessary to know exactly what color calibration for the LED.

So we find this option, the mini platform (30 high brightness LEDS) SPIDER 2W consumption and offers approximately 140 lumens.

Continuing

type SMD LEDs, 1W already exist and are available in kits plug. This example shows a 6W device that offers a light output that the seller claimed was 60,000 lux, or 5574 lumens. Surely there must be a mistake, since for the type of LED in the fixture could safely provide up to 500 lumens (10 times less than those specified).

AN EXPERIMENT WITH LED STRIPS

We SMD type LED with high brightness. Just a few weeks ago NO ONE teacher made in his weblog an experiment we'll do a summary with didactical. We take NO ONE to thank your kindness for letting us know their research with LEDs We (recommended to read the full article)

NO ONE shows us a very detailed experience. With high brightness SMD LEDs into strips, combine white with blue (light suitable for a reef biotope).

NO ONE

The layout of the LEDs is impeccable. All go well together, to produce a homogeneous light bulb. The light produced by LEDs perfectly defines the shapes of the objects contained in the aquarium.

But the problem is with MDS is highly focused light is losing power in the corners and bottom. As explained by the same NO ONE:

As you can see, lighting is very nice ... but no penetration, the lower part of my tank looked dim, as when there was only a strip of LEDs.

believe that the experiment was not successful (perhaps to illuminate a nano if) so that in future we will try with pretty LUXEON LEDs.

A TRUE INSPIRATION TECHNOLOGY

The creation of a platform LED aquarium has become a creative explosion of ideas and designs. In almost every forum around the world can find designs for absolute quality.

In various Internet forums can be found all sorts of experiments with LEDs

For those who wish to use their ingenuity and inventiveness, we here a few guidelines to consider for the creation of an LED luminaire.

1. LEDs are factory calibrated to a particular color. The light color of biotopes should be pure white candy, better than 5500 ° K. In the event of a biotope reef this white light blue actinic must be added (between 400 and 480 nm)

2. To build a platform of LEDs we need to know to biotope will be used. Living things that we hold in these ecosystems water required according to their origin from different light powers. This is vital for photosynthetic organisms.

3. A reference very close by way of example in relatively small tanks (can not provide strictly accurate data, involving factors such as the height of the tank, the species retained, etc.) Needs bright aquarium: Aquarium

sweet 25-50 liters planted 600 lumens
Reef Aquarium (with actinic) 30-50 liters

1500 lumens

sweet Aquarium 80 -100 liters planted 900 lumens
Reef Aquarium (with actinic) 50-80 liters

2500 lumens

Aquarium 100 liters freshwater planted Aquarium reef
1300 lumens (with actinic) 3300 lumens 115 liters

4. standard LEDs and others as superflux or MDS do not require heat dissipation. Dichroic bulbs, and with this device. The problem is that since it is not high light output LEDs do not stop to offer good results. It must be said that as time goes on, the proposals are more powerful and eventually may reach the stated requirements.

5. high power LEDs are suitable light to illuminate ecosystems. It takes a metal plate or heatsink so it does not burn when used.

6. Clearly, for low power consumption and advantages, the LED light or other light sources evolution will become more widespread fixture of the future. For this reason, you should not invest too much money on experiments and better to wait until prices are even more accessible.

Here are

a gallery with some pictures pertaining to mills or prototypes made by true pioneers in the technological section:

NOTE: LED is emerging. Gradually, our lives are entering this new way of illuminating spaces. In this light we can imitate the nuances of the Sun and any other source.

is so rapid evolution of these diodes, it is difficult to keep track of them quite severe. The prices of these devices are coming down and begin to be compared to other luminaries. And can be found in department stores LED bulbs, even begin to see the high-brightness (dichroic 3 and 5W). On the other hand, television sets begin to incorporate this technology, backlit display with a clarity that was not known so far.

Our purpose is to create a large screen performance (the first image of the article illustrates what we are designing), for little money and with stunning results suitable for the different biotopes illuminated. Prudence dictates that we should wait a little longer, following the evolution of this technology in the context of a global economic crisis, because it looks like the best is yet to come. Keep you informed.

In the near future we will have LEDs to ears: all paneled house walls or screened? Wake up surrounded by a beach or a jungle paradise emerald ... Notebooks