EcoTech Radion LED - Research, opinions and speculation

[mark]

considering other manufacturers are using the same LED elements, what makes one fixture over another high-end?

[lastlight]

I think what the hobby really needs is a fixture with the high-quality diodes and the basic finish of all the cheaper chinese fixtures. Toss in dimming and skip the rest. I'm thinking if Ecotech can sell this unit for $825 for people with no canopy then we could potentially see other units with high quality components without (imo) useless features and finish. I don't see Ecotech ever doing this though.

Based on my own research that fixture has yet be be made by anyone. It'd be a huge seller I think. It's do-able within the DIY realm I suppose but I'd like to see prebuilt units of this nature.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by lastlight

I think what the hobby really needs is a fixture with the high-quality diodes and the basic finish of all the cheaper chinese fixtures. Toss in dimming and skip the rest. I'm thinking if Ecotech can sell this unit for $825 for people with no canopy then we could potentially see other units with high quality components without (imo) useless features and finish. I don't see Ecotech ever doing this though.

Based on my own research that fixture has yet be be made by anyone. It'd be a huge seller I think. It's do-able within the DIY realm I suppose but I'd like to see prebuilt units of this nature.

Check out the Orphek PR-156 series. Fairly straightforward with LEDs specifically designed to provide PUR spectrum. No dimmer but comes with 2 built in programable timers to provide dawn/dusk effect through array switching.

EDIT: After perusing the Captive Aquatics blog article on the Radion, found this link at the bottom of the page. Orphek PR-156 review, he likes it.

http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/cap...ht-review.html

[lastlight]

Yeah I had mentioned the Orphek when that Radion review came out. It smelled like an Orphek advertisement the way the review was worded and the specific aspects of the fixture they decided to tear apart (which the Orphek apparently excels at). The site seems a touch biased in my opinion.

I like the Orphek based on what I've read but it's still too expensive!

I guess it's a double kick to the nuts for large tank guys. You need complete coverage and when you're dealing with larger footprints it sucks a wallet dry.

I'm more convinced all the time that if I do make the cross over it will have to be DIY. Fixtures with seemingly good components all come with extras to demand a high price tag.

Originally Posted by mike31154

Check out the Orphek PR-156 series. Fairly straightforward with LEDs specifically designed to provide PUR spectrum. No dimmer but comes with 2 built in programable timers to provide dawn/dusk effect through array switching.

EDIT: After perusing the Captive Aquatics blog article on the Radion, found this link at the bottom of the page. Orphek PR-156 review, he likes it.

http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/cap...ht-review.html

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by lastlight

I'm more convinced all the time that if I do make the cross over it will have to be DIY. Fixtures with seemingly good components all come with extras to demand a high price tag.

What about the club Brett?

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by fishytime

What about the club Brett?

I was forced to start the club Doug. I want out like most =)

I've been catching up on Macna coverage over at the RB website. Seems AI is sorta doing what I was talking about: lower price fixture by sacrificing a bit of finish but still using top quality diodes =) Reminds me a lot of what ATI did with the sunpower.

The plot thickens!

[viperfish]

I think Vertex has the best all in one package with the Illumina but the price tag is enough to give a guy a heart attack! I would love to have one but I would need to save enough for the fixture and a divorce! I love Vertex products but they need to work on how they promote and support their products. When I bought my Illumilux fixtures there was no instructions in the box and nothing on the website, there are clips and little rubber inserts that I have no idea where they go. When I bought the fixtures I had Red Coral order the hanging kit for me as well. I already have it installed but when I try to pull it up on the Vertex website it says "coming soon".

[viperfish]

Originally Posted by mark

considering other manufacturers are using the same LED elements, what makes one fixture over another high-end?

I would say solid build quality, ability to control colour spectrum, good heat dissipation, practical mounting options, good customer service (not a physical characteristic but very important). Using the same LED elements is only one aspect of the fixture.