New Led setups!

[kkiel02]

So I have been thinking about switching at least my t5 over to LEDs to see if I like them. This led me to start researching again and wow all the new fixtures coming out soon or the ones already out are very nice. Since I have a larger tank I have been leaning towards the (not yet out) dimmable Reef Filtration units that use Cree LEDs their supposed to be able to cover 40"x36" so I would only need three.

I also heard from a little birdie our own sponsor(Reefkoi) is coming out with Cree units soon. Plus the price drop on the AI units and the new Ecotech units just have me pretty excited.

Heres what Ive found so far.

LED users- Do you see any problems with the features or anything? It will also boil down to if they can be controlled by the Apex.

Reefkoi http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/evolution-led-light/75619-playing-new-cree-dimable-evo.html
Reef Filtration http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-filtration/74203-hot-hot-led-deep-tank-news.html

[SoLiD]

I'd say either Aqua Illuminations or Ecotech... Those other guys are just experimenting and haven't perfected anything IMHO. I have 4 AI SOL Super Blue modules on my 40 gallon breeder and I am blown away what they do. Just so many options. And yes, it ties into my Apex Controller.

[kkiel02]

The AI are still a option for me, its just their light spread that messes it up. Although my tank is mainly LPS so lighting doesn't have to be too intense. I already have the module for the Apex so I might just buy one and replace the t5. If it doesn't work, it can be an awesome frag tank light.

[StevenSeas]

Look into the mazara by maxspect. They are really nice fixtures and its their third generation of them so they know what their doing. I like them better than the AI fixtures and they aren't much more for the P series. Also I think they should have interfacing with a apex if I am not mistaken.

[kkiel02]

I like the LED options of the Mazarra, I didn't realize they came out with another unit as well.

[Europhyllia]

what bothers you about the light spread on the AIs? I think the 40 degree in the center and 70 degree on the outside is a pretty smart arrangement and makes sense in most applications (I like it on mine)

[Big_Pun]

what gets me is the color spectrum with led, I see more and more people on RC adding t5 to make up for it. after switching from MH to T5 my coral looks so much better with my bulb choice. ideally I would go with a t5 MH combo to get both color and growth. I've seen a couple articles where a few companies in china are rolling out full spectrum fixtures but haven't seen them working on a tank yet.

[Europhyllia]

Aren't the maxspect full spectrum?

(and blech I'd have to get pretty desperate to go back to the drudgery that is replacing bulbs every 6 months...)

[Roo&Lis]

I did one of the builds from aquastyleonline (china) kits and am still trying to get my eyesight back. Super cheap too!

[SoLiD]

The Maxspect Mazarra P series are ok. It's the upper echelon of the the cheap Chinese crap which isn't cheap anymore at $700. But they still use crappy Bridgelux LED's to save the makers a buck or two. Like I said; stick with EcoTech or Aqua Illuminations and you'll be glad you did. They both have great track records and are proven "American" companies. It stinks buying something as expensive as LED's lights twice when you could have got it right the first time.

[Europhyllia]

I am very happy with my AI. The thing is rather modular as well. I could totally see them offering different color combo pucks in the future if that's where the demand is leaning too. They are very easy to swap out.

[Big_Pun]

I did one of the builds from aquastyleonline (china) kits and am still trying to get my eyesight back. Super cheap too!

brightness and spectrum are totally different. talking with guys that have sps dominant tanks the color of their coral changes, I would hate to risk all my hard work due to a light. but again im a crazy SPS person ;)

[kkiel02]

Oh and almost forgot about the AI "pheonix". Although I haven't heard much about it since sept...

[zerreissen]

Oh and almost forgot about the AI "pheonix". Although I haven't heard much about it since sept...

Supposedly due out in "early 2012." I was originally going to go with SOL's, but I'm waiting to see what they do with the "Phoenix." There is supposed to be another price drop for the SOL's as well as the new black modules.

[SoLiD]

AI SOL's still put out more PAR than the Phoenix modules. The main thing the Phoenix has going for them is the wireless controllability. I think they still only have 3 channels of LED's; White, Blue, and Royal Blue.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

diy I too am looking for LEDS. Evolution looks nice but they seem a little overkill on the amount of LEDS. BUt they appear to have great coverage and a great price tag.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I look at the Phoenix and because they are not spread out you will get less coverage than the current AI.

I dont see the advantage. Especially if it costs more per module. I sure hope its not a replacement.

[CoryDude]

Kevin, I'm in the same boat as you and thinking of switching my t5's on the 60 cube to led's. So far, AI's and the new Ecotech's are the front runners. But, the ecotech's seem a tad expensive. I was really impressed with Stephen's AI setup on his Feb TOTM, and really liked how you can control the color temp and intensity.

[kkiel02]

I look at the Phoenix and because they are not spread out you will get less coverage than the current AI.

I dont see the advantage. Especially if it costs more per module. I sure hope its not a replacement.

This is why I won't be getting these either. They do use the Cree XM-L Led though. Wireless doesn't really matter to me and those are the two major upgrades. AI needs to make a fixture for bigger tanks! :) I know they are modular but at least make a 18 or 24" unit please :)

I am also waiting on the Evolution with Cree's I have a feeling those will be nice as well and reefkoi's customer service is amazing. Its also their 4th fixture so they have a good understanding of what they are doing. I just need more details on this!

Right now Im leaning towards AI Sols with some other LED to supplement other colors. This could change by the time I buy them though, since LEDs are advancing so quickly.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

The AI is a nice fixture. Nothing but good things about it. But their $400 a pop. ouch


Unfortunately, diy is the only choice for me.

[Europhyllia]

The AI is a nice fixture. Nothing but good things about it. But their $400 a pop. ouch
Unfortunately, diy is the only choice for me.

DIY is nice if the color combo isn't available ready made. But to be honest by the time I paid for shipping for the different components for everything I wanted I was shocked how much my little DIY for my seahorse tank came out to be (powersupplies from one company, special whites from a company in Australia, drivers from yet another company, heat sink, etc.)

[SoLiD]

The AI is a nice fixture. Nothing but good things about it. But their $400 a pop. ouch


Unfortunately, diy is the only choice for me.

That's what I thought... Until you fry your corals and bleach them beyond recovery.

[Europhyllia]

you can bleach them like that with any LED. Just follow directions and increase % SLOWLY ;)

[kkiel02]

That's what I thought... Until you fry your corals and bleach them beyond recovery.

This is kind of related so I think I'll add it now- After reading and rereading nearly every article I could find on LEDs, this happens because nearly all the PAR that a LED fixture puts out is used by the coral. So 200 PAR from a LED, is more usable PAR for the coral, than 200 PAR from a t5 or MH fixture as the t5 and MH use full spectrum bulbs which most corals can't or don't use but it's more pleasing to our vision. Also PAR meters don't accurately read or aren't calibrated correctly to measure PAR for LEDs. I think its on Reefcentral where premium aquatics is comparing the AI unit vs the Radion vs Vertex, if you wanted to read it. Actually that whole thread is pretty good. Alright off to bed... if it doesn't make sense I'll post more tomorrow to help explain.

[SoLiD]

Most DIY LED set ups are can have catastrophic issues if you pop one LED thus over driving the rest on the same string. DIY set ups are okay for very large set ups where costs can really add up, but you give up the interfacing options and controllability that the professional models offer. When you consider everything there really is no comparison between DIY and Professional set ups. What it really usually comes down to is MONEY.


you can bleach them like that with any LED. Just follow directions and increase % SLOWLY ;)

[FireWater]

David I think you are correct with your last statement. The ability to control color and power can be done with a DIY set up, but you are running the cost way beyond what you can purchase a "professional" set up for. If you were to buy parts on the same level of bulk that light makers buy them at you can save. Only making a set up for one tank is not cost effective.

Evolution had a good light for what it was - inexpensive and at a price point. They used less expensive 1 watt emitters and were not controllable. I do want to see what they come up with next though.

I run 2 AI sols over my 120 and am fairly happy with them. I am contemplating running a 3rd unit if the price comes down a little more. With that said, I really do wish that AI would offer more color choices. All of my red colors are gone or are lacking in the new set up.

There are several other manufacturers that have not been talked about yet either. Orphek for one appears promising. They were the first to use true UV emitters. Pricey though.

[Europhyllia]

If you were to buy parts on the same level of bulk that light makers buy them at you can save. Only making a set up for one tank is not cost effective.


That's exactly what I experienced with my DIY fixture for the seahorse tank. It turned out not to be cheaper at all by the time I gathered up all the stuff from all the different sources, The only thing making it worthwhile is that for the seahorse tank I wanted a very warm glow and the combo of warm whites just isn't available in ready made fixtures.
The cost difference between my DIY and what a store bought unit in that size would have cost was totally negligible. I am happy with the color but I expected more of a money savings by going DIY. So anybody going DIY for MONEY reasons, add it up first including shipping from all the different places.

As far as overdriving goes: aren't the drivers the limiting factor? (serious question) The dimmable drivers I used have a limit of 700 - no matter if there are 6 attached or 5.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

You can buy complete diy kits now. fyi

Thats very interesting on bleaching coral. Im sure you dont want or need a 3WATT LED on an 18 inch tall tank. Maybe go with a smaller wattage.

But if your thinking 30 inch tall tank and then raise the fixture to the canopy, you have to use 3WATT turned up.

The complete diy kits that I have seen are impressive. I will make a choice here in 3 weeks.

Im looking to cover a 6ftx2ftx30inches for under $400. lol If I fail it will be fun trying. I think Im gonna succeed.

I think the real question is which LED is best and worse and why?

[LuckySingh]

Evolution fixtures are coming with gud reviews and r controllable and but less expensive aswell... U can get a bit more info about them on RC or R2R...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kkiel02]

Evolution fixtures are coming with gud reviews and r controllable and but less expensive aswell... U can get a bit more info about them on RC or R2R...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah the R2R link is in my first post from his "spy pics" thread. I think they are promising but time will tell. Hopefully he has them out before I buy.

[rrasco]

I've made the commitment to build an LED fixture for my 210, it will be 108 LEDs and its running me about $500. I shopped around for off the shelf units and wasn't willing to pony up $1500 to cover my tank with LEDs. I'm not so much after the efficiency savings in LEDs, but I am looking forward to not having to worry about replacing bulbs. What I also like about DIY is you have the ability to build it exactly as you want. If a part goes out, you can replace it. If LEDs get cheaper and more advanced, you can swap them out. If you don't like the color, you can change it. With enough planning, anything is possibly with DIY. You can even DIY the drivers so you don't need 10 of them to run a big setup.

[StevenSeas]

I wouldn't consider the maxspect fixture a cheap Chinese fixture. It uses the "off-brand" ie non Cree LEDs only for certain spectrums which Crees don't produce. Also the baseline price is 420, which is only 20 above the ai fixtures. They have a lot better moduability and pros. When I replace my DIY led setup here shortly I will get my tank some mazarra LEDs. Here is a full review on them

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/12/15/maxspect-mazarra-full-review/

[kkiel02]

Hmm that's a pretty good review of them...

[allan]

Really good. I couldn't find a price tag though, not at maxspect or coralvue.

[StevenSeas]

http://www.saltysupply.com/Maxspect-Mazarra-P-Series-LED-Module-p/mz-p01.htm

[rrasco]

That thing looks sweet, but I still refuse to pay retail for OTS LED fixtures. How many LEDs do those things have, just 16? Maybe I should manufacture my own fixtures.

[allan]

$419 per unit. I'm thinking I would need three for a 4' x 3' foot print.

A buddy of mine went through the troubles of trying to build a LED set. Part of the attraction with this unit it isn't the eyesore a DIY may turn out to be. You've probably got the skills to make it look stock. I'd have to build another redneck pendant/hood to hide everything.

[rrasco]

I'm hoping so. I have some plans, we'll see how it works out. I also work for a lighting company, so it doesn't hurt to have those resources.

[350gt]

I want that fixture..... BAD!

[allan]

Wonder if they have a group buy option. :)

[kkiel02]

I am fixing to leave the house but was wondering if anyone found PAR numbers from those? I like that you can change out optics and LEDs so easy plus they give you alot of color options! I only have two months to decide...

[StevenSeas]

Here is the performance page. Also look at the Cree chips they use!! Only production model that does

http://maxspectusa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=18

[kkiel02]

The AI nano also uses them but if I put that on my tank I would need a ton. lol The Pheonix is supposed to us the XM L also but who knows when that will be released and the spread wont work for me. I was thinking about using AI sols with panarama pro rgb for added color but I may give these a shot. Who is ordering the first one? I want to go see it. :)

[StevenSeas]

I will probably be gettin one within a month and hopefully the shop will be getting more if I love it thent as much as I do now

[kkiel02]

Ok I need to change all my posts that have "pheonix" in them to "Vega" they changed the name. They also said the Sols will be able to upgrade to the Vega! Man this is getting tough to decide which to buy.