Nova Extreme 48" LED conversion - DIY

coryclay · 01/27/2011, 08:23 AM

I posted this for anyone interested in what they could do with a CurrentUSA Nova Extreme fixture. I used 4" x 6.5" heatsinks from some old equipment I had and mounted 9 CREE LEDs to each. I was able to mount the Drivers inside the rear of the housing where the T5 ballasts had been with no problem.

I was able to re-use the existing switches and exhaust fan, but I did end up installing 2 tiny fans at each end of the fixture to help keep the heatsinks cool.

I had originally planned on placing the heatsinks on top of the unit and drilling holes for the LEDs as you can see from my drawings, but there was room to hang them inside and flow air through.

It was a fairly easy project. The planning took the most time.

gpkozmp · 01/27/2011, 08:31 AM

that is pretty cool...where did you buy your LED's from? If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it all?

GvineReefer · 01/27/2011, 08:32 AM

Looks great. I've been considering doing the same. How did you mount the heat sinks in to the fixture?

raw88gt · 01/27/2011, 09:12 AM

what size optics? also any photos over the tank? thanks!

coryclay · 01/27/2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpkozmp

that is pretty cool...where did you buy your LED's from? If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it all?

the LED kit was from RapidLED 36 led kit ~ 300$. Heat sinks I already had.

coryclay · 01/27/2011, 01:33 PM

heat sinks had threaded holes through them so they are suspended with machine screws from the top.

The lenses are 60 degrees.

I have this on a 90 Gal but I really think it would be better for a 55 gal since the fixture is pretty narrow. Time will tell.

The tank is pretty new so I am having some algae issues. Please try to ignore them.

Harry_Y · 01/27/2011, 01:51 PM

Pretty Slick!

Makes it look "Factory Made"

juldelf · 01/27/2011, 01:55 PM

Looks great

coryclay · 01/27/2011, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the comments. Hopefully this is the end of overpriced fluorescent tubes.

sirreal63 · 01/27/2011, 03:38 PM

That's the best use for a Current fixture I have ever seen. Kudos on a great job!

01/27/2011, 08:23 AM	#1
coryclay Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 25	Nova Extreme 48" LED conversion - DIY I posted this for anyone interested in what they could do with a CurrentUSA Nova Extreme fixture. I used 4" x 6.5" heatsinks from some old equipment I had and mounted 9 CREE LEDs to each. I was able to mount the Drivers inside the rear of the housing where the T5 ballasts had been with no problem. I was able to re-use the existing switches and exhaust fan, but I did end up installing 2 tiny fans at each end of the fixture to help keep the heatsinks cool. I had originally planned on placing the heatsinks on top of the unit and drilling holes for the LEDs as you can see from my drawings, but there was room to hang them inside and flow air through. It was a fairly easy project. The planning took the most time.

01/27/2011, 08:32 AM	#3
GvineReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 175	Looks great. I've been considering doing the same. How did you mount the heat sinks in to the fixture? __________________ GvineReefer Current Tank Info: 120-gal tank/sump from Planet Aquarium, 2xMP40W ES, Apex Lite, Reef Octopus XP2000SSS, NextReef SMR1 bio-pellet reactor, BRS carbon reactor, Mag7 for manifold, QuietOne 5000 return, Bubble Magus doser, 48" TEK 8-bulb T5's, DJ Power Switch

01/27/2011, 03:38 PM	#10
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	That's the best use for a Current fixture I have ever seen. Kudos on a great job! __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

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01/27/2011, 08:31 AM	#2
gpkozmp Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 460	that is pretty cool...where did you buy your LED's from? If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it all?

01/27/2011, 09:12 AM	#4
raw88gt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Allis , Wi Posts: 621	what size optics? also any photos over the tank? thanks!

01/27/2011, 01:33 PM	#6
coryclay Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 25	heat sinks had threaded holes through them so they are suspended with machine screws from the top. The lenses are 60 degrees. I have this on a 90 Gal but I really think it would be better for a 55 gal since the fixture is pretty narrow. Time will tell. The tank is pretty new so I am having some algae issues. Please try to ignore them.

01/27/2011, 01:51 PM	#7
Harry_Y Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NY Posts: 454	Pretty Slick! Makes it look "Factory Made"

01/27/2011, 01:55 PM	#8
juldelf Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: France Posts: 85	Looks great

01/27/2011, 02:25 PM	#9
coryclay Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 25	Thanks for the comments. Hopefully this is the end of overpriced fluorescent tubes.