Next Generation LED Lighting

[abcha0s]

What’s New

Cree Press Release (December 16th, 2010) - New High-Efficiency Cree XLamp® LED Can Reduce Initial Fixture Cost for Lighting Manufacturers (http://www.cree.com/press/press_detail.asp?i=1292506660553)

Product Documentation for the XLamp XP-E High Efficiency White chips can be found here (http://www.cree.com/products/xlamp_xpe.asp).

Cree LEDs for Reef Tank Lighting

Cree produces two LED chips that are used in LED lighting for Reef Tanks. These are the XP-G and XP-E. If someone really understands the difference between these chips, please enlighten me.

It’s a little deceptive in comparing these two chips. The XP-G does have more power and is often used in high powered LED lighting for reefs, but it is only available in White. Blue and Royal Blue LEDs are only available on the XP-E chip. As with everything, "there's no free lunch". The increased power for the XP-G comes at the cost of energy consumption.

Maximum power really shouldn’t be the only measure of performance as efficiency also needs to be considered. What I'm interested in is whether the new XP-E HEW chips will replace the XP-G chips currently being used by LED light manufactures? In theory, this would result in a higher PAR lamp for the same power consumption (or the same PAR for less power).

The Market Last Year

I also found this article on Reef Builders. It summarizes the Reader’s Choice awards for 2009. First and second place in the “Main Lighting” category was awarded to LED manufacturers. In summary:

“We were surprised to see the Pacific Sun BT EX modular LED light get a really strong vote but after carefully checking the IP voting records, the votes for the Pacific Sun BT EX came from all over the world and there were no irregularities whatsoever. The most popular main aquarium light in the U.S. was the AquaIlluminations LED light, another LED system that is also modular. The 2009 RBRC award goes to Pacific Sun for their BT EX modular LED light but the real winner is LED lighting for reef aquarium use. We expect the 2010 award for this category will also go to an LED light.” - http://reefbuilders.com/2010/01/18/2009-readers-choice-awards-roundup/


It should be noted that the Vertex Illumina was not available in 2009. It will be interesting to see how it fairs in the 2010 Readers Choice Awards.

The Market Today
Pacific Sun (http://www.aquariumled.eu/) – Poland
Modular Systems and Fixtures

AI (Aqua Illumination) (http://www.aquaillumination.com/) - USA
Modular Systems Only

Vertex Aquaristik (http://www.vertexaquaristik.com) – Germany
Fixtures Only
Original Fixtures use Phillips LEDs - Review (http://reefbuilders.com/2010/06/10/illumina-led-light-vertex-charting-path/)
Updated Fixtures are available with Cree - Review (http://reefbuilders.com/2010/11/10/illumina-260-cree-xpg/)

ReefTech LED (http://www.reeftechled.com) – Not sure?
Brand new – Launched in mid December – Not available through distribution yet, but looks like a very nice modular LED system.

Orphek (http://www.marinedepot.com/24_Inch_Orphek_Power_Reef_PR156_LED_Light_Fixture_ 24_Inch_LED_Light_Fixtures-Orphek-UG1111-FILTFILDTF-vi.html) – China

Eco-Lamps KR92 (http://www.eco-lamps.com/led_aquarium_light.htm) – Belgium
Very popular in Europe

DIY – While not for everyone, there are those who have had very good success with DIY LED Lighting.

Differentiators

There are many factors that differentiate one LED solution from another.
• Efficiency - This is perhaps the hardest aspect to compare between manufactures, but it is relevant and not all solutions are created equal.
• Spread - Will the solution cover the tank?
• Optics - Are optics required? Will they add value? Will they create a spot light effect?
• Cost / Quality / Value / Future Proofing / Etc.

The ratio of white to blue also varies by manufacturer.

• The AI Sol Module uses 16 XPGWHT-L1 and 8 XPEBLU-L1.
• Pacific Sun uses - White leds Cree XP-G 3W - 140lm/W, Blue leds Cree XP-E 3W Royal Blue 500mW@350mA , XP-E Blue 475nm 3W – I’m not sure of the exact ratio.
• Vertex Illumina comes in 3 versions. For example, the 200-P uses Phillips LED, the 200-C uses Cree XPE LEDs and the 200-P uses XPG for White and XPE for Blue and Royal Blue. The ratio is the same for all versions with 16 LEDs per module of which 8 are white, 4 are royal blue and 4 are blue. Each module is rated at ~38 watts of power.

My Thoughts

It’s pretty easy to find discussion threads where experience with LED lighting has not been good. Many of the early adopters really had a tough time getting their corals to grow under LEDs, but one has to check the date of these posts to give the comments some perspective. At this point, it’s equally easy to find success stories.

The truth is, there really isn’t a lot of historical data on LED lighting for Reef Tanks where PAR values are sufficient to support Coral growth. For example, where these PAR values are equal to, or exceed that of MH lighting. Lights of this nature are somewhat new and time is needed to observe its effectiveness.
The debate today is no longer about PAR, but seems to center on whether light produced by LEDs is good enough for corals or whether it is “missing” something. For example, there are those that feel that UV may be required. There are LEDs that produce UV radiation, but they are not commonly used in today’s LED modules and sufficient time hasn’t elapsed to really draw accurate conclusions.

It’s also not clear how long LED lights really last. Common marketing claims suggest that they will maintain 70% of their initial efficiency for 10 years. Reports from PFO Solaris owners suggest that 10 years is something of a myth.

I’m ready to jump on this band wagon. I am however waiting for the next generation of lighting to hit the market. I expect this to happen in the next couple of months. My personal favorite is Pacific Sun and as soon as I see something from them that looks like a next generation solution, I am going buy it.

Rumors

I really like the Vertex Illumina; however, the concern I have is with the spread. My tank is 3 feet from front to back and I’m just not comfortable with a strip light in this application.

I’ve heard rumors of a dual strip Vertex lamp? – This could be a killer solution for large tanks, but one could only speculate at the cost.

I’ve also heard a rumor that prices are expected to drop this year as more competition enters the market and LED lighting reaches critical mass.

[abcha0s]

Reeftech Promethus – www.reeftechled.com

These guys are very new. I can’t find any information on the company and details on the product are sparse. I would definitely “wait and see”, but their ideas look really impressive.

I’ve had some communications with the company. Here is what I can share.

Fixture - Technical data:

- LED panel consists of 4 LED boards.
- Each LED board consists of 15 led chips (6 White XPG, 6 XPE Royal Blue, 3 XPE Blue) - see LED Panel v03.jpg
- Each color on each board is controlled separately allowing us to create moving sun, moon or clouds simulation
- MeanWell Power supply
- WiFi wireless connectivity allowing for iPhone, iPad connection etc

If you remember in the past we emailed you the pics of LED boards/panel - see LED Panel v03.jpg attached file - these were first article boards from the manufacturer.

I am attaching the new led that is our production LED board - see attached LED Panel v06.jpg - you can see a shadow of the person taking the pic and also the white sticker will be taken off. We requested to make bigger thermapads and add two additional screw holes in the middle.

Pictures are clickable

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_25.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/25.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_26.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/26.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_28.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/28.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_29.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/29.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_30.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/30.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_LEDPanelv03.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/LEDPanelv03.jpg) - LED Pannel v03.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_LEDPanelv06.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/LEDPanelv06.jpg) - LED Pannel v06.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_software_preview_01.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/software_preview_01.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_software_preview_02.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/software_preview_02.jpg)

[phi delt reefer]

go big or go home... 300 PAR at 48" custom built by evil66 of nanocustoms

(1) Nanocustoms 10" DIY LED Fixture
(4) Bridgelux N1203 neutral white LEDs
(32) Cree XR-E royal blue LEDs
(4) Ledil Brooke-W 50 degree reflectors
(32) Cree 60 degree lenses
(2) Thomas Research 120W 1050mA drivers

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=257668&view=findpost&p=3152238

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii45/evilc66/DSC_06100006.jpg

[mike31154]

Great post. Thanks for doing all the research and presenting it in a condensed format here.

I'm still on the fence with regard to LEDs at the moment. I think patience is the key. While I have the electrical training/background to diy myself a nice fixture, I'm really not all that keen on soldering an array of Crees together and then having to get the iron out again when one of them fails.

More screw in bulbs are appearing in stores every day and they're starting to come with higher power LEDs and dimming capability. No extra drivers, optics, heat sinks etc. required, they're self contained. Still a little pricey and you have to hunt around for something close to the colour temperature we require in our hobby, but I'm sure that will improve soon as well. There are a few forum threads on the subject of folks using PAR38 (parabolic form factor spotlights) with 7 to 12 LEDs in each to light their reefs. I think each bulb of the 12 LED variety is close to $100 still, so not inexpensive, but a lot easier to change out than a soldered up Cree array on a monster heat sink with a half dozen drivers.

I've also been keeping an eye on the small MR16 and GUI based LEDs designed to replace the halogen spotlights that have been used in that form factor for a long time. The MR16s are starting to appear in high power versions and I really like the two pin design that allows easy insertion and removal. I also like the fact that they are designed for DC voltage and one of the things I've been considering is splurging on an array of solar panels to run the lights straight from a DC source. LEDs are DC voltage devices after all and no matter how efficient AC to DC converters/drivers are, it would be so much more efficient and simple to run the LEDs off a DC source from the get go.

I've never been that excited about some of the other features of the high end fixtures like lightning, cloudy day simulation, wireless control et al. As long as the LEDs are dimmable to create a dawn/dusk effect and perhaps a moon phase option, I'd be content with that.

[abcha0s]

Pacific Sun has launched a new website. There are photos of their 2011 offering called 'Metis'. No details yet, but they should be coming soon.

http://www.pacific-sun.eu (http://www.pacific-sun.eu/)

I am continuing to learn more about the ReefTech LED offerings. I'm told that more information will be posted to their website in the next couple of days. I think there's an interesting story behind this company and the more I learn, the more impressed I am.

[mseepman]

You can't forget Maxspect or Ecoxotic among your manufacturers. There are also a ton more that hopefully can be added as they show up.

[abcha0s]

ReefTech LED updated their website with more information including Specs for their Prometheus light modules.

http://www.reeftechled.com/?page_id=64

I am seriously considering this light option. I'll probably bring in one or two for evaluation before making a final commitment, but the specs seem very impressive.

I would be really interested in whether anyone has heard about these lights or your overall impression of the specs/design.

- Brad

[soapy]

Yep I am thinking about these lights from Ecoxotic:

http://www.ecoxotic.com/products/modular-led-lighting/cannon-led-pendants.html

http://www.ecoxotic.com/products/modular-led-lighting/panorama-36-retro.html

The idea of no fans works for me. Plus it would be nice to hang those cannons a couple of feet above the tank for a really open look. Not crazy about the price though.

You can't forget Maxspect or Ecoxotic among your manufacturers. There are also a ton more that hopefully can be added as they show up.

[The Codfather]

I looked at these ecoxotic 50watt pendants when I was in phoenix last spring, they give off a huge amount of light. They where mounted on a 36" deep tank and easily light up the bottom of the tank, I don't however know what kind of par reading these things have. Although the store owner of reef culture was more than willing to show me the par reading on the other tanks that they had in the store. Quite impressive for sure.
http://reefbuilders.com/2010/09/02/phoenix-lfs-reef-culture-shows-ecoxotic-led-lighting/

[abcha0s]

Reefbuilders has some more information about the ReefTech Prometheus lighting

"The Prometheus LED from ReefTech is a new lighting fixture which is a fresh departure from the rebadged LED lights which have been flooding the aquarium market. With some clear design and engineering inspiration from PacificSun LED Phobos/Deimos series, the ReefTech Prometheus LED features actively cooled Cree XPG LEDs driven at 3watts each, tricolor white, blue and royal blue LEDs, no standard secondary optics, onboard controller, active cooling and bluetooth and wifi connectivity which will be interoperable with an iPhone application when it launches." - Full Article Here (http://reefbuilders.com/2011/01/10/prometheus-led-reeftech/)

[TheDogFather]

Reefbuilders has some more information about the ReefTech Prometheus lighting

"The Prometheus LED from ReefTech is a new lighting fixture which is a fresh departure from the rebadged LED lights which have been flooding the aquarium market. With some clear design and engineering inspiration from PacificSun LED Phobos/Deimos series, the ReefTech Prometheus LED features actively cooled Cree XPG LEDs driven at 3watts each, tricolor white, blue and royal blue LEDs, no standard secondary optics, onboard controller, active cooling and bluetooth and wifi connectivity which will be interoperable with an iPhone application when it launches." - Full Article Here (http://reefbuilders.com/2011/01/10/prometheus-led-reeftech/)

I applaud more entrants into the Aquarium LED lighting business but I must say that I am not at all impressed by the Prometheus. Looks like ReefTech are trying to emulate the design principals of the Vertex Illumina (no optics PCB) and functionality (wireless, progressive dimming) but with poorly executed thermal management and an even worse exterior design this fixture leaves a lot of room for improvement IMO.

-TDF

[mseepman]

I applaud more entrants into the Aquarium LED lighting business but I must say that I am not at all impressed by the Prometheus. Looks like ReefTech are trying to emulate the design principals of the Vertex Illumina (no optics PCB) and functionality (wireless, progressive dimming) but with poorly executed thermal management and an even worse exterior design this fixture leaves a lot of room for improvement IMO.

-TDF

Why would you say poorly executed thermal management?...I find most of the units out there with passive thermal management are more "poorly managed".

I don't find that the unit looks all that bad either. I do suspect that it will be far too pricey, just like it's Vertex counterpart.

[abcha0s]

Why would you say poorly executed thermal management?...I find most of the units out there with passive thermal management are more "poorly managed".

I don't find that the unit looks all that bad either. I do suspect that it will be far too pricey, just like it's Vertex counterpart.

Mark - $1099USD Retail. $99 for the WiFi Adapter. Multiple lights can be linked where only one WiFi adapter is required for the cluster.

I applaud more entrants into the Aquarium LED lighting business but I must say that I am not at all impressed by the Prometheus. Looks like ReefTech are trying to emulate the design principals of the Vertex Illumina (no optics PCB) and functionality (wireless, progressive dimming) but with poorly executed thermal management and an even worse exterior design this fixture leaves a lot of room for improvement IMO.

-TDF

Vertex isn’t the inspiration for these lights? – Pacific Sun is the inspiration for these lights and they have been lighting aquariums with LEDs for many years before Vertex introduced their lighting. I think if you really look at the Vertex illumina, you might find that there is more than one idea borrowed from Pacific Sun. The Pacific Sun lamps have been advocating the ‘no optic’ design for many years.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=63818 – Some of the links are dead, but the thread predates the Illumina.

I’d have to agree that the Illumina is an exceptionally well engineered product, but why would others not try to emulate a great product?

With that said, I don’t think these lights have all that much in common. The Vertex lights are all about style while the ReefTech lights are more about PAR (or whatever measure of coral loving light you want to use). If you are looking for a fixture for your living room, than Vertex is probably the way to go, but the ReefTech lights may be a better option if your tank has a canopy or you are replacing a MH pendant. They are certainly more cost effective.

For my tank, the front to back depth is 3 feet. It’s hard to imagine how the Illumina could fully light the tank better than the ReefTech lights. Optics are not really an option as I could never get the spread that I need with them.

Anyway, as I have already pointed out, I have been talking with the owner of ReefTech. What I haven’t mentioned yet is that I have ordered one of these lights for evaluation. Interestingly enough, I also have access to a Vertex 260 fixture, so a side by side comparison might be fun. Let each product shine where it may :biggrin:.

I did get some information back from ReefTech in response to your questions. Rather than sugar coat it, I’ll just post what they said.

1) Person who designed ReefTech also designed LED lamp that was wireless almost 18 months before Vertex.

2) Using Wifi or BlueTooth allows for range of capabilities that Vertex is limited to zgb radio – for example with WIFI you can control lights from anywhere where you have internet connection or iPhone.

3) Optics are optional – and you can install 40,60 or 80 degree

4) “poorly executed thermal management” – how can you say that when Vertex drives LED at 2.6W and cannot get the best out of XPG led chips while ReefTech is capable of driving at 3W? Have you noticed the size of thermapads that allow for better heat transfer? Also – the special air duct tunnel that doesn’t allow mixing hot and cold air?

5) Something that Vertex will follow – double layer MPCB boards that allow for better mix and match of LED chips – ReefTech already did that.

- Brad

[mseepman]

wow, thanks for getting back with answers so quickly. Very interesting pricing...does anyone know the light spread on these units?

[TheDogFather]

Vertex isn’t the inspiration for these lights? – Pacific Sun is the inspiration for these lights and they have been lighting aquariums with LEDs for many years before Vertex introduced their lighting. I think if you really look at the Vertex illumina, you might find that there is more than one idea borrowed from Pacific Sun. The Pacific Sun lamps have been advocating the ‘no optic’ design for many years.

Well, the same could be said about PS looking to the PFO Solaris for inspiration... PFO was in the Reef LED business earlier (2007) than PS (2008 designs and late 2009 to market).

I read somewhere that the engineer who was contracted to design the initial PS LED fixtures is also the brains behind the the ReefTech design. Can anyone confirm this?


With that said, I don’t think these lights have all that much in common. The Vertex lights are all about style while the ReefTech lights are more about PAR (or whatever measure of coral loving light you want to use).


I'm not sure what you base that statement on. The Vertex engineers take their lights to the top light lab in Europe (if not the world) to get performance measurement data on their designs. No one else in the industry does this to my knowledge. The new 260 driven at only 2.5W to extend diode life, reduce colour shift and heat is a PAR monster and at 100% power will likely bleach out any living creature placed beneath it.


For my tank, the front to back depth is 3 feet. It’s hard to imagine how the Illumina could fully light the tank better than the ReefTech lights. Optics are not really an option as I could never get the spread that I need with them.


The Illumina with it's center strip of diodes at 120 degrees is designed to cover a 36" deep (front to back) tank when suspended at 6" over the water. My tank is 30" and it has excellent coverage at that height.

I would love to see the results of a side-by-side comparison but tests performed by hobbyists are always somewhat subjective. What we need is an independent body to take these lights into the lab and measure them under identical conditions with calibrated instruments.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that there are more fixtures entering the market and everyone will have their own reasons to prefer one make over another...

[abcha0s]

I read somewhere that the engineer who was contracted to design the initial PS LED fixtures is also the brains behind the the ReefTech design. Can anyone confirm this?

There is truth to this, but as with everything there is more to the story. In essence, this is really no different than what happens every day in business. An engineer went to work for a competitor. My current employer is a competitor of my previous employer. It's hard to move within an industry without going to a competitor. That's just the way things go sometimes.

I do know the lights that Leszek designed for ReefTech are not simply the next generation Pacific Sun lights. There are many new and innovative ideas and everything has been designed from the ground up.

I'd be happy to share more of what I know (PM me if you like), but as I can't honestly validate everything, I'm not comfortable posting it publically. I'd rather see this thread used to discuss the technology. We are both passionate about LED lighting and I welcome the debate on this front.

[mseepman]

Speaking of using this thread to discuss LED lighting fixtures...I was in Toronto for business a little while back and pulled over at a fish store (can't remember the name) and they had one of these hanging over a display tank. Looked pretty nice and they said they had sold a few of them. Not sure of pricing but I've also seen this on a few larger threads in the US.

http://www.acanlighting.com/

[abcha0s]

ReefTech LED Sunrise Video: http://www.reeftechled.com/?page_id=362

ReefTech LED Sunset Video: http://www.reeftechled.com/?page_id=365

ReefTech LED Images: http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h432/reeftech/RTL%20aquarium%20session/

[mseepman]

Nice setup...are those batfish? I love how they school...

[Bblinks]

I have taken my post out as you requested. I do believe the truth falls some where in the middle. you and I will never know.

[freezetyle]

pacfic sun prices are up on progressives site...

http://progressivereef.com/pacificsun.php

ouch!

[abcha0s]

I have taken my post out as you requested. I do believe the truth falls some where in the middle. you and I will never know.

Agreed. I appologize for over reacting.

All the best..

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by Bblinks http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=590094#post590094)
I have taken my post out as you requested. I do believe the truth falls some where in the middle. you and I will never know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bblinks http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=590094#post590094)
I have taken my post out as you requested. I do believe the truth falls some where in the middle. you and I will never know.

Agreed. I appologize for over reacting.

All the best..

I will be starting a new post soon...

[KevinK]

Great post. Thanks for doing all the research and presenting it in a condensed format here.

I'm still on the fence with regard to LEDs at the moment. I think patience is the key. While I have the electrical training/background to diy myself a nice fixture, I'm really not all that keen on soldering an array of Crees together and then having to get the iron out again when one of them fails.

More screw in bulbs are appearing in stores every day and they're starting to come with higher power LEDs and dimming capability. No extra drivers, optics, heat sinks etc. required, they're self contained. Still a little pricey and you have to hunt around for something close to the colour temperature we require in our hobby, but I'm sure that will improve soon as well. There are a few forum threads on the subject of folks using PAR38 (parabolic form factor spotlights) with 7 to 12 LEDs in each to light their reefs. I think each bulb of the 12 LED variety is close to $100 still, so not inexpensive, but a lot easier to change out than a soldered up Cree array on a monster heat sink with a half dozen drivers.

I've also been keeping an eye on the small MR16 and GUI based LEDs designed to replace the halogen spotlights that have been used in that form factor for a long time. The MR16s are starting to appear in high power versions and I really like the two pin design that allows easy insertion and removal. I also like the fact that they are designed for DC voltage and one of the things I've been considering is splurging on an array of solar panels to run the lights straight from a DC source. LEDs are DC voltage devices after all and no matter how efficient AC to DC converters/drivers are, it would be so much more efficient and simple to run the LEDs off a DC source from the get go.

I've never been that excited about some of the other features of the high end fixtures like lightning, cloudy day simulation, wireless control et al. As long as the LEDs are dimmable to create a dawn/dusk effect and perhaps a moon phase option, I'd be content with that.

ever got to this:

I've been considering is splurging on an array of solar panels to run the lights straight from a DC source

[freezetyle]

New stronger pendants from Ecoxotic

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/03/12/ecoxotic-100w-led-cannon/

[Skimmerking]

Reeftech Promethus – www.reeftechled.com (http://www.reeftechled.com)

These guys are very new. I can’t find any information on the company and details on the product are sparse. I would definitely “wait and see”, but their ideas look really impressive.

I’ve had some communications with the company. Here is what I can share.

Fixture - Technical data:

- LED panel consists of 4 LED boards.
- Each LED board consists of 15 led chips (6 White XPG, 6 XPE Royal Blue, 3 XPE Blue) - see LED Panel v03.jpg
- Each color on each board is controlled separately allowing us to create moving sun, moon or clouds simulation
- MeanWell Power supply
- WiFi wireless connectivity allowing for iPhone, iPad connection etc

If you remember in the past we emailed you the pics of LED boards/panel - see LED Panel v03.jpg attached file - these were first article boards from the manufacturer.

I am attaching the new led that is our production LED board - see attached LED Panel v06.jpg - you can see a shadow of the person taking the pic and also the white sticker will be taken off. We requested to make bigger thermapads and add two additional screw holes in the middle.

Pictures are clickable

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_25.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/25.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_26.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/26.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_28.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/28.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_29.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/29.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_30.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/30.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_LEDPanelv03.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/LEDPanelv03.jpg) - LED Pannel v03.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_LEDPanelv06.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/LEDPanelv06.jpg) - LED Pannel v06.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_software_preview_01.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/software_preview_01.jpg)

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/tn_software_preview_02.jpg (http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/software_preview_02.jpg)

what are these units going for man

[abcha0s]

what are these units going for man

From what I understand, the lights are in limited distribution now - meaning that they are being installed locally so that the manufacturer can control the environment. I believe they are set for general distribution this coming week, but I haven't got final confirmation. I have a light on order and I was told that it would ship next week.

The retail price is $1099USD per module + shipping. The lights require a $99 wifi adapter to interface with your PC for programming.

It may be possible to arrange introductory group buy pricing, but I don't have any details on this yet either.

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/aquaworld.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/reeftech01.jpg


- Brad

[Skimmerking]

so 3 K for 3 of them :surprise:

[mike31154]

ever got to this:

I've been considering is splurging on an array of solar panels to run the lights straight from a DC source


Ha, ha, not yet. I keep spending all my money on backcountry ski trips in the winter. These frivolous trips actually serve as inspiration though, since most of the lodges, huts, chalets have some sort of solar array or water powered generator to provide power in the boonies. I always take a little time to drool over their panels and power management components. Since BC Hydro is poised to start cranking up their rates in the near future, I think I might cough up for a couple of panels in the 200 watt range this year to get the ball rolling. Purchased a wind generator on sale from Can Tire last year, but haven't set it up yet. Turns out the winds here in Vernon aren't really consistent enough for meaningful wattage out of a wind generator. But it is the sunny Okanagan and I'm thinking the solar panels will work well, with the wind generator as an occasional supplementary source to charge up the battery bank. I may end up supplying the majority of the lights in my house with DC voltage instead of 115 VAC and run LED bulbs in the fixtures straight off DC.

[KevinK]

Ha, ha, not yet. I keep spending all my money on backcountry ski trips in the winter. These frivolous trips actually serve as inspiration though, since most of the lodges, huts, chalets have some sort of solar array or water powered generator to provide power in the boonies. I always take a little time to drool over their panels and power management components. Since BC Hydro is poised to start cranking up their rates in the near future, I think I might cough up for a couple of panels in the 200 watt range this year to get the ball rolling. Purchased a wind generator on sale from Can Tire last year, but haven't set it up yet. Turns out the winds here in Vernon aren't really consistent enough for meaningful wattage out of a wind generator. But it is the sunny Okanagan and I'm thinking the solar panels will work well, with the wind generator as an occasional supplementary source to charge up the battery bank. I may end up supplying the majority of the lights in my house with DC voltage instead of 115 VAC and run LED bulbs in the fixtures straight off DC.



I in fact was gust brain storming a bit about this.

se if hydro is going up to 0.13 to 0.15 a kwh, pannels run from $ 100 to $ 200 (for DIY on ebay) it might be intresting.

what will bring it in the $$ is the batery's and converters, however if you would run a frag tank on the pannels, than it would not matter when the light is on ore off, and there must be a way to direct feed the led's from the panel.

this way the led will dim as sun is going down and go back on when there is sun/light, but this would not matter (cant get it more natural than this)

might still need a driver, but keep it as plain as you can, oterwise the $$ ad up to fast.

in fact same thing you can do with 24v DC pumps like I think the tunze.

so when evening comes, pump output would be low to non, and then when sun gets up in the morning, pumps start slowly to turn, and flow is variating during the day as light intensety is going up nd down.

again also with the pumps, you cant get it more naturalthan this (you do still need some pumps to run all day !!, ore go on only 16 houres a day)

all interesting to se how to do this, with as less technology (battery's and inverteres ) as you can

[abcha0s]

ReefTech PAR Numbers:

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/parnumbers.jpg

I know PAR isn't everything. However, it does give a relative comparison against other "like" technologies. PAR from one LED system can be compared against PAR from another LED system.

[cale262]

....
It may be possible to arrange introductory group buy pricing, but I don't have any details on this yet either...

- Brad


I'd be down for one...maybe two.

[mike31154]

I in fact was gust brain storming a bit about this.

se if hydro is going up to 0.13 to 0.15 a kwh, pannels run from $ 100 to $ 200 (for DIY on ebay) it might be intresting.

what will bring it in the $$ is the batery's and converters, however if you would run a frag tank on the pannels, than it would not matter when the light is on ore off, and there must be a way to direct feed the led's from the panel.

this way the led will dim as sun is going down and go back on when there is sun/light, but this would not matter (cant get it more natural than this)

might still need a driver, but keep it as plain as you can, oterwise the $$ ad up to fast.

in fact same thing you can do with 24v DC pumps like I think the tunze.

so when evening comes, pump output would be low to non, and then when sun gets up in the morning, pumps start slowly to turn, and flow is variating during the day as light intensety is going up nd down.

again also with the pumps, you cant get it more naturalthan this (you do still need some pumps to run all day !!, ore go on only 16 houres a day)

all interesting to se how to do this, with as less technology (battery's and inverteres ) as you can

In reality it's best to run any solar array, micro-hydro, wind powered or combination thereof system with a bank of batteries and control dimming/speed of your lights/pumps by other means. Daylight varies considerably at our latitude and cloud cover will also affect solar array output. Same with wind power, constantly fluctuating. Micro-hydro is probably the only way to supply a consistent amount of power 24/7. Check the link below for a pdf instruction manual for a micro hydro generator made by an Aussie company. Page 14 is a great diagram showing a hybrid system using all 3 technologies. There are also some good explanations of why batteries are pretty much a must have for any such system. Your ideas on having lights & pumps vary output/speed according to varying light conditions during the day are novel & interesting, but I don't think I'd want to leave it completely up to mother nature to do this for me on my marine tank. Great thoughts though.

More & more LED options are becoming available with high power Crees that are simple screw in replacements for the incandescents & CFLs in common use today. It's becoming less of a requirement to build your own LED array as these things come down in price. Much easier to replace a 3 watt screw in bulb when it burns out, than pulling the nice array you spent countless hours building, getting out the soldering iron again and replacing the dead LED.

http://www.rpc.com.au/pdf/HYD-200-Manual.pdf

[cale262]

....
It may be possible to arrange introductory group buy pricing, but I don't have any details on this yet either...

- Brad

I'd be down for one...maybe two.


Anything new develop here?

[abcha0s]

Next Gen - Next Generation ReefTech LEDs.

Small companies adapt to market trends very quickly. Check this out! - Awesome.

NEBULA - One LED Board - Think Nano Tanks!

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/nebula_1.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/nebula_2.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/nebula_3.jpg

DEFIANT - Two LED Boards

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/defiant2.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/defiant4.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/defiant5.jpg

NEW PROMETHUS - Four LED Boards

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/p2_2.jpg

[Bblinks]

Next Gen - Next Generation ReefTech LEDs.

Small companies adapt to market trends very quickly. Check this out! - Awesome.

NEBULA - One LED Board - Think Nano Tanks!

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/nebula_1.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/nebula_2.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/nebula_3.jpg

DEFIANT - Two LED Boards

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/defiant2.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/defiant4.jpg

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/defiant5.jpg

NEW PROMETHUS - Four LED Boards

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/p2_2.jpg

Finally, I guess the cat's out of the bag. These units are amazing looking with awesome power and controllability.

[es355lucille]

Hi Brad. Where do we find information on this new generation light? I did a quick search on google....and came up with very little. Any pricing? Thanks in advance.

Brad

[abcha0s]

Are those par readings with or without focal lenses?

Hi Editour

Sorry I didn't get the chance to respond to your PM. I will try to answer your question here.

The PAR values are without optics (focal lenses). ReefTech along with Pacific Sun and Vertex have all gone the no optic route.

Optics are used to increase the light intensity by focusing the light. This has the benefit of increasing efficiency but has the disadvantage of creating a spotlight effect.

The question is - do you really need to increase the efficiency? The answer in my opinion is "no". The lights are already efficient enough and generate enough PAR to keep even the most light demanding corals, so there is no point to the use of optics.

It could be said that optics allow you to reduce the power consumption of the fixture, but the savings is not significant and you may need more LEDs to cover your tank, so any savings in power is likely lost.

For larger tanks, optics impede the ability of the light to spread across the tank.

In my opinion, optics are remnants from the days of 1W LEDs. With the more powerful and more efficient LEDs, they are not necessary nor desired.

BTW - Thanks for posting. When you get your lights please let us know what your experience and opinion is. There are lots of us here that are very interested in hearing more about the lights. We hope you will come back to update us.

- Brad

[cale262]

Next Gen - Next Generation ReefTech LEDs.

Small companies adapt to market trends very quickly. Check this out! - Awesome.

...


NEW PROMETHUS - Four LED Boards

http://owa.footit.ca/wwwimages/reeftechled/p2_2.jpg


Not the same but still saxxy...


http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/medium/RT_LED.jpg

[Bblinks]

Yeah, it has finally arrived. I think I am more excited than you are. :multi: I can't wait till you set it up. Whats your thoughts so far comparing the 2 units?

[cale262]

... Whats your thoughts so far comparing the 2 units?



Well, I'm still at work, I haven't even taken it out of the box yet but the difference is White and Black :lol:

[Bblinks]

LOL. sorry to get premature on you. dame it this happens way to often.:mrgreen: keep me posted please.

[southerner2]

One of the things that I don't understand about this whole LED thing is the fact that all of the manufacturers are using only a couple different types of diodes......

Orphek may be a smaller company but their only focus is on Coral health and propagation.

They are not rebadging CREE or Luxeon LEDs they are making and producing their own....

The whites are a true 15k. They don't need blue to give the apperance they are 15k plain and simple.

I think this comparison tank says a lot about the power and pop of their LEDs. We all keep dancing around products that are virtually the same no matter what box they are puit in. Sure there will be a little difference based on drivers and voltage settings....but very little.

http://orphek.com/index-8.php

[cale262]

....I think this comparison tank says a lot about the power and pop of their LEDs. We all keep dancing around products that are virtually the same no matter what box they are puit in. Sure there will be a little difference based on drivers and voltage settings....but very little.

....


So send me one of your PR156W's and I'll compaire it "side by side" with the other three LED fixtures I own...

[Bblinks]

I agree with you to a certain extend. True the diodes are only made by a select fee companies, but what really sells them are the functionality and looks of the fixture. More importantly what will be more suited for each individual reefer's needs. Personally I would pick reeftech over orphek simply because they don't offer the dimmerable option.
One of the things that I don't understand about this whole LED thing is the fact that all of the manufacturers are using only a couple different types of diodes......

Orphek may be a smaller company but their only focus is on Coral health and propagation.

They are not rebadging CREE or Luxeon LEDs they are making and producing their own....

The whites are a true 15k. They don't need blue to give the apperance they are 15k plain and simple.

I think this comparison tank says a lot about the power and pop of their LEDs. We all keep dancing around products that are virtually the same no matter what box they are puit in. Sure there will be a little difference based on drivers and voltage settings....but very little.

http://orphek.com/index-8.php

[southerner2]

So send me one of your PR156W's and I'll compaire it "side by side" with the other three LED fixtures I own...

I know what you are implying and won't even stoop to that level......

I agree with you to a certain extend. True the diodes are only made by a select fee companies, but what really sells them are the functionality and looks of the fixture. More importantly what will be more suited for each individual reefer's needs. Personally I would pick reeftech over orphek simply because they don't offer the dimmerable option.

I understand the reasoning behind this but IMHO isn't quality light and color asthetics more important than a feature such as dimming? I had dimming features on some of my FW tanks and NEVER used it. I run everything through a DA reef Keeper. Dimmming is for us....not for the corals..... If dimming were that big if a deal then MH would never have been so successful.....

I really like the look of them and have had the opportunity to see the AI and Orphek side by side....over a tank....with corals.... both looked good but I really like the Orphek better even when playing with the color of the AI......

[cale262]

I know what you are implying and won't even stoop to that level......



What???...If you do, why don't you fill me in...?


Wait a minute...is this Michael Ignatieff again???


I joke, I kid...

Anyway, Do you own one of these Orphek fixtures?

[Bblinks]

Hey Brian. Got any thoughts on the new light?What???...If you do, why don't you fill me in...?


Wait a minute...is this Michael Ignatieff again???


I joke, I kid...

Anyway, Do you own one of these Orphek fixtures?

[freezetyle]

Hey Brian. Got any thoughts on the new light?

im really interested as well. It looked much different then the drawings and prototypes i have seen

[cale262]

Well, I unpacked it when I got home last night...Fedex was not very kind to this package, nothing new there as Fedex was also responsible for the demise of my first PacSun fixture. Both side plates were broken and something was floating around inside the unit...I pulled it apart to find that one of the fans had a piece cracked off of the housing (the floating piece I could hear) This lamp must've had a rough ride despite the 6 large red "fragile" decals pasted to the exterior.


...more to follow...

[phi delt reefer]

the best way to ship anything fragile is to not mark it fragile from what i find. None of the boxes i receive that are unmarked are ever in bad condition. 1/2 of the fragile ones have crushed corners, holes, rips, etc.

[southerner2]

What???...If you do, why don't you fill me in...?


Wait a minute...is this Michael Ignatieff again???


I joke, I kid...

Anyway, Do you own one of these Orphek fixtures?


I don't know what you are talking about with the Michael thing but....whatever.....

I wish I had one of the PR156....I am however running one of their ML7 and am kicking around the idea of a PR156....

I am convinced that no matter what things will change as soon as I buy a new fixture.....

Cale, why don't you buy and test one then I'll take it off your hands for 1/2 price afterwards...:lol:

Seriously though everywhere you look people are slamming Orphek and praising AI or all these cheap chinese lights that are made with Generic diodes. I have a guy in our club that is "manufacturing" them himself....from china....they look exactly like other companies lights.... I think there is one or two companies over their making the same fixtures and selling them as custom orders to tons of different people....I showed him the sites and he didn't have anything to say....

[cale262]

I don't know what you are talking about with the Michael thing but....whatever.....
Sorry, Canadian Joke...
I wish I had one of the PR156....I am however running one of their ML7 and am kicking around the idea of a PR156....

I am convinced that no matter what things will change as soon as I buy a new fixture.....

Cale, why don't you buy and test one then I'll take it off your hands for 1/2 price afterwards...:lol:

Seriously though everywhere you look people are slamming Orphek and praising AI or all these cheap chinese lights that are made with Generic diodes. I have a guy in our club that is "manufacturing" them himself....from china....they look exactly like other companies lights.... I think there is one or two companies over their making the same fixtures and selling them as custom orders to tons of different people....I showed him the sites and he didn't have anything to say....


Well I'm not interested in slamming Orphek, I don't know allot about them but I do know they are not not controllable/dimmable, so I have no interest in owning one. I understand your statement that the corals/fish don't care about these features, I'm sure there is allot of things they don't care about, without going all PETA here, keeping fish in glass boxes is all about us, thus said, having these features are no different. I like new technology.

[abcha0s]

I understand your statement that the corals/fish don't care about these features, I'm sure there is allot of things they don't care about, without going all PETA here, keeping fish in glass boxes is all about us, thus said, having these features are no different. I like new technology.

I agree corals don't care. Lights on, lights off, it's all good.

However, I think the fish do care. Non dimmable LEDs come on at full strength with very little ramp up time. If you have enough LED light to keep SPS, that amounts to a big flash. I have my lights running a sunrise and sunset across the tank. The fish are very much aware of what's happening and they adjust their behavior according to the phase of sunlight. In the evening when the lights are dimming, you can see the fish getting ready for the night by securing a spot in the rockwork. There is also a shift across the tank to stay with the light. It's really interesting to watch but more importantly I think it helps to reduce stress and perhaps results in less aggression between fish.

Looking forward to your feedback on the ReefTech.

- Brad

[southerner2]

Now....that is something I can work with..... I like the dimming function too...but have never used it.... Maybe its from lack of concern or whatever....

Cale, I like technology too.... just ask my wife....gets me in trouble too often....

The problem as I see it is all the companies out there that are just slapping all their fixtures together. Many of them are the same junk LEDs over and over. There are a few manufacturing houses in China that are making them for so many people it's not even funny..... Give me a while and I will try to find two examples.....

As for the Orphek....I think they are doing some good rock solid research and manufacturing. They have a light system that produces like no other. Could they use dimming? Sure. They could also integrate it into my Reef keeper Elite....I would LOVE that!!!!!!!

Give me a bit on the examples.....

[albert_dao]

W..T...H...?????

[southerner2]

This is an image I got from the guy in my club. He claims he is manufacturing these but I have seen this same fixture from multiple sources....

What he does is custom specs...... Like so many others. He coordinates through a Chinese company and approves the final product and has to order so many of them to get them....

I have seen his tank. It looks ok. Tons of Corralline but it's all brown and his SPS are doing ok.... He has different versions of this same light on different portions of his tank....

I sent the pics to myself so I didn't have to send him traffic to his site...

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz10/Mscott224/Junk/LEDspeclighton.jpg

http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz10/Mscott224/Junk/LEDspeclight3.jpg