LED FIXTURE

[secretweapons22]

Im looking for lighting for my new Neo Nano.

I stumbled upon this




MaxSpect Aquarium LED Lighting - 160W, 40cm, 110V

Intelligent Programmable LED Lighting

Condition: Brand New


The MaxSpect Aqua LED Lighting is the ultimate Aquarium Lightning system for the future. MaxSpect Aqua LED Lighting will change the way Aquarium hobbyists light up their fish or reef tank in the future. It is designed to replace Metal Halide and traditional Fluorescent lighting where high intensive lighting is required.

Until the introduction of LED lights into the aquarium hobby, Aquarium hobbyists have limited choices of two major forms of lighting for Fresh water / Marine aquariums; Fluorescent tubes/ power compacts, and metal halides. Fluorescent /Power Compact lights have been widely used on planted and soft coral type reefs where lighting needs are low. Description :
LED Source : 2PCS x 30W White LED, 14PCS x 3W White LED, 18PCS x 3W Blue LED(SemiLED Chips)
Brightness : 30W White LED - 2000LM/PC, 3W White LED - 160LM/PC, 3W Blue LED - 40LM/PC
Color Temperture & Wavelength : 30W White LED(18000), 3W White LED (10000K), 3W Blue LED(450nm)
Input Voltage : 1110V-220V
Power Consumption : 160W
Dimensions : Appox 15.74 inch x 7 inch x 1.77 inch (40cm x 18cm x 4.5cm)

Features :
1. With the United States SemiLED LED lamp, cost-effective
2. High brightness, low energy consumption : 160w (White 102w + Blu-ray 54w) = 250w Metal Halide Lamp + Blu-ray tube T5
3. T5ho products have the heat lamp (the impact of water temperature, heat radiation), metal halogen lamps of water shadow effect, the traditional light sources color effects can not be achieved
4. Does not contain any UV light on biological absolute security
5. Specific 450nm wavelength blue light, the light needed to simulate the coral growth and promote coral growth.
6. All-in-time switch setting, white & blue lamp can be separately controlled
7. Temperature real-time detection showed, high temperature alarm, high temperature automatically turn off the lights (60-degree alarm, auto of above 70-degrees)
8. All external power supply, lamp only through low-voltage DC, for aquarium biological and human security
9. Fashion, simple, compact Design. To subvert the traditional lamp awkward appearance, large volume.
10. Integrated aluminum radiator light body, with the dual-ball bearing fans, provide adequate cooling for LED.

But dont know much about LEDs.

Only looking to keep ZOAs and Palys in the tank.

And mainly looking at bringing out colors instead of tons of growth.

Anyone know enough about LEDs to let me know if this is something to look into or not worth it or wont work?

The tank is only like 14in tall and I think I want the light to be suspended about 10+ in above the tank.

Any ideas or suggestions ??

[txg8gxp]

Sounds interesting, It would be nice to now more about led's themselves. There are big differences between different 3w emitters out there now.

[corruption]

Agreed... if they're quality emitters, could be worthwhile -- the price isn't terrible at all.. but if they're junk emitters, no point in wasting the money :)

-Justin

[secretweapons22]

Heres what the seller emailed me...

Brand name is SemiLED (Chips)

LED Source: 2PCS x 30W White LED, 14PCS x 3W White LED, 18PCS x 3W Blue LED

Brightness : 30W White LED - 2000LM/PC, 3W White LED - 160LM/PC, 3W Blue LED - 40LM/PC

Color Temperture & Wavelength : 30W White LED(18000), 3W White LED (10000K), 3W Blue LED(450nm)

Input Voltage : 110V-220V
(Total) Power Consumption : 160W
Lamp Consumption : 136W
Transformer Consumption: 20-24W

[corruption]

Thats the tech specs on power ratings -- we're curious as to who actually manufactured the emitters themselves. There's a HUGE variety of quality between the emitter manufacturers -- a Seoul Semiconductors emitter is not equivalent to a Cree emitter is not equivalent to a Luxeon emitter... they all have very different specs and ranges. If the emitters are some off-brand from China, its probably not worth the time or money.. However, if they're Cree, Luxeon, Edison or Seoul, it might be worth the purchase cost..

Frankly, based on the asking price of the units, I'm not expecting they're a high quality emitter... but I hate to state that without knowing for sure what manufacturer they're sourcing.

-Justin

[lrg]

Without wanting to promote another forum; for information sake there is a whole thread going on with these lights on Reef Central. - I won't post links because I don't know if that's allowed but if you go there and search then you should be able to find it.

[secretweapons22]

Kinda what I was expecting. I emailed the seller again asking for the brand name. Lrg I have seen the LED forums one RC and a few other sites. But they are very technical, since this fixture didn't give me alot of information I wanted to ask others of their thoughts, so I could ask the seller the "right" questions. But thanks for the info, to bad those post are sometimes 90 plus pages of info to sift through. By the time I read 5 pages i forgot what I read on page one.... Just me though, tech specs are not my thing...

[txg8gxp]

I would say they are just makeing up k temp reading for the emitter or they are some china led. They are claming the 3w white led's to be 10k. All the good white leds are all between 65-7k, this is why everyone also add the blue led's( to up to k temp).

[secretweapons22]

Good to know... Does anyone know of any LED fixtures that would be good for this application? Small shallow tank with Zoa and Paly

[txg8gxp]

How big is the tank? Without spending alot, you will have to build one. Or less the tank is small, a par38 bulb might be nice.

[dipan]

SemiLEDs is the manufacturer and they are an American based co, but manufactured in Taiwan, FWIW.

The problem I see with these LED's is mainly efficiency. The highly efficient Cree XRE and XPG emitters would blow away lumen/watt efficiency of the high wattage emitters in this system. I think they use a combo of 50w LED's and 3w LED's from what I remember from the RC posts.

That's probably being picky, though. It still seems to put out lots of light. Check out youtube videos also. If you only need one or two of these, then the hit in efficiency may not be too big a deal. I don't know about the quality of the emitters, but doubt its up there with Cree, Luxeon, and SSC ...

As far as what happens if/when they break, I don't know that either. You could probably swap in emitters as they fry.

I'd rather DIY a quality setup :)

[txg8gxp]

My 12 led fixture ran right at $180, could've been cheaper.

[secretweapons22]

What bout this one?

12" 1xModule LED Light System w/ Controller

+ enlarge
Manufacturer: AquaIllumination
Dimensions: 12.0" x 11.9" x 3.4" (L x W x H)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 weeks
Item #: AI0001
*** New, improved version featuring the new, more efficient Cree XP LED series and an improved optical lens which results in increased output and better light spread while using less energy.***

LED light system complete with external controller, mounting legs, external power supply (1 per module) and active cooling system. Each module consists of 24 LED lamps grouped into a bank of 8 lenses or pods each containing two 6500K Daylight LED lamps and one Blue LED lamp. Blue LED lamps range from 465-485nm. Recommended Tank Width: up to 30" with proper placement of corals. Recommended Tank Depth: up to 36" with proper placement of corals. Power Consumption: up to 75W per module. Individual Module Dimensions: 11.9" x 5.4" x 2.4" (L x W x H). Warranty: 1 Year.

Features:
1. Intensity is adjustable from 0 to 100%.
2. Color is adjustable from warm white (approximately 6500K) to deep blue (greater than 20000K).
3. Two control settings: Automatic and Manual. In Automatic Mode the sun rises and falls at pre-determined times and the fixture automatically transitions into the corresponding moon cycle for the duration of the 24-hour period. In Manual Mode the light may be set to the desired intensity and color and turned on-off manually.
4. Moon intensity automatically adjusts to follow the actual lunar cycle of ~29 day.
5. Fixture is cooled by blowing air across heat sinks located above each bank of LED lamps preventing salt, moisture, dust and dirt from entering the fixture and harming the LED lamps and other internal components.
6. 100V - 240V Universal Power Supply allows fixture to be used on a wide variety of power sources.
7. Seamless integration with GHL ProFiLux and Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Elite controllers.

Benefits:
1. Superior Performance – Capable of producing as much light as a 400W metal halide system.
2. Save Energy – Up to 50% versus comparable metal halide system.
3. Low Heat – Generates a fraction of the heat of a comparable metal halide system.
4. Long Lamp Life – Up to 10 years.
5. Multi-Functional - Sunrise, daylight, sunset and lunar light cycles all included.
6. Upgradeable - Modular design allows end user to increase the length of the fixture or to install the latest in LED lamp technology.

[txg8gxp]

Now your talking....Team it with a profilux controller and you will have the coolest system ever. That is what i want.

[secretweapons22]

Doesnt it already control its own on and off? as well as more?

[dipan]

I just checked Reefgeek's site. You actually do get the AI controller (not a Profilux) and the fixture for $629. I think 1 on those would be fine for your tank and needs.

[wesheltonj]

The controller that comes with the AI is not anywhere close to what the GHL will do. The AI controller will start up and down, night time, very basic. The GHL will do a lot more, but of course costs a whole lot more. GHL has 2 lower prices controllers that would work just fine, but does not have all the bells and whistle the the full models have.

By the way I looked at the Reefkeeper Elite before I bought the GHL. Unless they have make some major changes, it does not come close to the GHL.

[txg8gxp]

The factory AI controls are pretty basic. Just on/off, dawn/dusk setting. Once teamed with the GHL controllers you can get lunar clock, variable lighting thoughout the day, dawn/dusk times ten, cloud simulation, rain days, thunderstorms, and more. Awesome combo.

[txg8gxp]

What GHL controller are you running?


The controller that comes with the AI is not anywhere close to what the GHL will do. The AI controller will start up and down, night time, very basic. The GHL will do a lot more, but of course costs a whole lot more. GHL has 2 lower prices controllers that would work just fine, but does not have all the bells and whistle the the full models have.

By the way I looked at the Reefkeeper Elite before I bought the GHL. Unless they have make some major changes, it does not come close to the GHL.

[secretweapons22]

Yea, I dont know if I am going to need all those features.. But I can always upgrade later?

[dipan]

The factory AI controls are pretty basic. Just on/off, dawn/dusk setting. Once teamed with the GHL controllers you can get lunar clock, variable lighting thoughout the day, dawn/dusk times ten, cloud simulation, rain days, thunderstorms, and more. Awesome combo.

While I don't actually have an AI or controller, that doesn't seem to be true. The AI controller does dim up/down for sunrise/sunset effect. There is a lunar cycle with moonrise/moonset effect. You can dim to adjust color temp between blue and white LED's. Not what I would consider basic, but as weshelton points out, not quite bells and whistles of having a Profilux attached.

[wesheltonj]

The sunup/down on the AI controller is just that % up and down. With the GHL you can adjust the % for up and down for varying amounts of time.

I am running the IIeX, when my upgrade kit arrives I will be running the IIIeX.

The others that will work with the AI light, but cost a lot less are the II ($300) and Light II ($283), you cannot upgrade these models.

[txg8gxp]

To give you an idea of what the GHL controllers can do
FjEk6FLkk_c

[dipan]

The sunup/down on the AI controller is just that % up and down. With the GHL you can adjust the % for up and down for varying amounts of time.

I am running the IIeX, when my upgrade kit arrives I will be running the IIIeX.

The others that will work with the AI light, but cost a lot less are the II ($300) and Light II ($283), you cannot upgrade these models.

I agree that the Profi has serious controllability, but also feel that it is more than most people may need/want. All I'm saying that, as far as light fixtures go, this one is pretty advanced in what it can do without the Profi.

When do you get your III? My upgrade kit has shipped already ... :)

[wesheltonj]

Mine was one of the first shipped and of course it arrived damaged. My replacement has been shipped and should have been here today, but of course no such luck. Maybe tomorrow. (well so much for tomorrow, still in Canada) This thing is still sitting in Canada

[secretweapons22]

Wow, very impressive. I think I will go with just the light and stock controller. Has anyone heard of any problems with ordering from reef geek?

[txg8gxp]

How big of a tank are you running, and how many modules would you go with?

[secretweapons22]

Its a Neo Nano... 24x24 16in high... Only need one from what I have read. Reef geek agreed, but getting a second opinion. They said to suspend 10-12 in above tank and it would be more than enough. Which is what I wanted to do anyways, since this tank has the tall back wall with waterfall feature. It is only going to hold high end Zoas and Palys. Nothing more

[txg8gxp]

Nice setup, I'm debating the same for a 24x24x25 lps tank.

[secretweapons22]

It looks very nice, sleek and modern. They also have a hanging kit available. Its not listed on their site, but the rep said its 40 bucks. But would be worth not trying to rig something on a light that nice.

[Crab Rangoon]

Sorry to bring back a buried thread, but this hits right on the note I'm researching & deciding on at the moment. Also apologizing in advance for the long-winded post :) lets hope a few of you suffer through the whole message, though.


Its a Neo Nano... 24x24 16in high... Only need one from what I have read. Reef geek agreed, but getting a second opinion. They said to suspend 10-12 in above tank and it would be more than enough.

I'm about to set up a 36x36x27" tank, and I'm 100% decided on going with LED lighting - the only catch is it's going to be a fish tank, rather than a coral tank.. My problem is that those I've consulted on the proper AI application for this tank are iffy on how many would be satisfactory. I was recommended 3-4 units for coral growth purposes, or that I could "probably be happy with / get away with" only using two (which is plenty more than I planned on lights for my fish). While I understand 4sqft is a smaller footprint than 9sqft, and that 16" is quite a different depth than 27" depth - I also know that I'm not focused on growth & am not insistent/hopeful of raising SPS in the aquarium.

Heck, two of the people I emailed about the newest AI even compared it to a 400w, when I'd loosely compared it to a 250w - and there is NO WAY I would ever use more than a single 400w MH over said tank. Now I really have no clue what the optics on the AI are, nor have I seen any specs on their lenses to give me an idea of if I can get away with using one - and at what height it would need to be. Regardless, after having multiple sources suggest me 2-3 units, I started to give up on the idea of the AI, and look elsewhere.

My alternative is a pair of AquaRay 1000HD's, which still meet my wants/needs (light, controller/adjustability, clean/minimal appearance, no added heat, and "greener" lighting bill) at a similar price. But 2 of the 1000HD's w/a controller does cost a little more than a single AI w/controller, but the 2 fixtures staggered over the tank could give a better spread in theory than the single AI.. and I could still add an AquaBeam, or PAR38 later, if I see fit. My main hang-up on the decision making is this:

(1x) AI -------vs- (2x) 1000HD
(24x) XP-G's -vs- (20x) XR-E's
total of $629 -vs- total of over $700

So is it really worth it for me to spend more cash on the AquaRay setup, when it will actually stick me with a smaller number of LED's, producing less light-per-bulb even, and having to mount up more fixtures over my tank? I have nothing against paying the price to get what I want - but there is no way I should spend over $800-1000 on my lighting budget for a [b]fish tank[b], where a really impressive PAR throughout would be wasted illuminating fish that would rather eat corals than live amongst them. Should I just order a new AI fixture, and just supplement with something else down the road "as needed" ?

***note: AquaRay is indeed releasing their lights (or new lights) with the XP-G's in the near future - but with no release date or final plans announced, and me needing a light rather soon, I can't consider it a current option for the comparison or purchase.

[wesheltonj]

PM sent