kien's Ecoxotic Panorama 36 LED Retrofit review

[mseepman]

Thanks for the review. Decent looking retrofit light.

I'm planning on a a DIY LED build over my next tank and have been purchasing parts for it already. LED's have a lot factors tied to them and their success over a tank, specifically the quality of the LED's used and the optics used. In looking at the Ecoxotic site, I didn't see any indication of the brand of light being used. The difference in lumin output from brand to brand is staggering. They also appear to be roughly 1W LED's and most LED's now being used are 3W.
Interestingly, regarding the PAR output, there have been a lot of comments made on forums, especially RC and NR that suggest PAR meters haven't been giving them results that made sense. People with tanks and multiple 400W lights have found that LED fixtures have overwhelmed their corals, even though the PAR meter gave fixtures similar numbers.

[shrimpchips]

Originally Posted by mseepman

Interestingly, regarding the PAR output, there have been a lot of comments made on forums, especially RC and NR that suggest PAR meters haven't been giving them results that made sense. People with tanks and multiple 400W lights have found that LED fixtures have overwhelmed their corals, even though the PAR meter gave fixtures similar numbers.

It's probably because PAR meters don't perform as well in the wavelengths of light that are commonly thrown over marine tanks - the closer to the blue end of the spectrum you get, the poorer the PAR meters tend to perform. That probably accounts for some of the differences seen despite what the PAR meter says.

Kien, nice review on the LED light. So where is this unit going to go on your system now? I can't imagine you'll be replacing your central halide for it. Maybe an expensive refugium light?

[kien]

Originally Posted by shrimpchips

It's probably because PAR meters don't perform as well in the wavelengths of light that are commonly thrown over marine tanks - the closer to the blue end of the spectrum you get, the poorer the PAR meters tend to perform. That probably accounts for some of the differences seen despite what the PAR meter says.

Kien, nice review on the LED light. So where is this unit going to go on your system now? I can't imagine you'll be replacing your central halide for it. Maybe an expensive refugium light?

I don't plan on putting it anywhere on my system at the moment and I don't have a refugium I could see it going over maybe a softy tank or FOWLR in the future.

[the marine apprentice]

kein whats the price on one of these fixtrures? pm me with details please

[StirCrazy]

the prismatic plastic lenze is what is dropping the par so much. it is being used to difuse the light for a bigger spread instead of focusing it.

Steve

[kien]

Originally Posted by the marine apprentice

kein whats the price on one of these fixtrures? pm me with details please

Let me know if kein doesn't get you that info, as I can get it to you if he doesn't.

[shrimpchips]

Originally Posted by kien

I don't plan on putting it anywhere on my system at the moment and I don't have a refugium I could see it going over maybe a softy tank or FOWLR in the future.

Maybe a fishroom light?

Have you tried any PAR measurements without the diffuser?

[kien]

Originally Posted by shrimpchips

Maybe a fishroom light?

Have you tried any PAR measurements without the diffuser?

I may try testing it without the diffuser tonight but I would not want to run it long term over saltwater without a cover. Salt creep would likely destroy the LEDs and small reflectors.

[Seamazter]

Nice review, this will certainly save some unsuspecting new buyer the same purchase.

[kien]

Originally Posted by Seamazter

Nice review, this will certainly save some unsuspecting new buyer the same purchase.

Or help some buyers make this purchase . The light does have its applications. Plus, remember that this was just one unit.