Onyx by Rapid LED

[fixedwing]

Hello,

I'd like to open up a discussion about the new assembled fixture that Rapid LED is offering. I recently came across the first generation Onyx fixture that looks fairly promising in both specs, price and company reputation. I've listed what I feel are the Pros and Cons below and since I'm no expert, I'd like to hear from others. I'm in the very beginning stages of a slow tank build and honestly I'm torn between T5/MH and LEDs. I'd go LED's in a heartbeat, but only if could find a reputable manufacture at a reasonable price.

Here's the link: http://www.rapidled.com/onyx-by-rapid-led/

Pros:

Reputation
Price ($279 retail) which includes the hanging kit!
3w to 5w Cree LEDs (Blues and Whites)
Added Spectrum
Built In Fan

Cons:

Not dimmable (Possible deal breaker for me, but I have the room to hang them high)
Not controllable (Personally don't care, but I know this is a deal killer for many)

Thanks!

[Zack]

Not dimmable is a HUGE con, basically almost the biggest con you could have in a fixture.. I've nuked plenty of corals by not really taking into account how bright leds are and while hanging them high will help, it's still best to go with a dimmable fixture. What size tank?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Looks like a great LED. There only 1 power source. Sometimes your gonna want to run just the blue LEDs. You cant do this with this unit. They will probably add another power source if you ask them. If this is what you want to do.

[fixedwing]

RapidLED plans to release a second generation the first part of this year that will be dimmable. Since it will be several months before I have a tank up and running, would the dimmable fixture be something I should consider if I'm dong an SPS dominate tank?

As for what tank, I'm looking at the DSA 65 or 105 rimless tanks, so two fixtures would be needed.

[Zack]

Dimmable via a pot or diammable via a controller?

IMO controller dimming is 1,000x better than pot dimming because you have exact values and it's easier to both acclimate and know exactly how much is too much light for your tank.

[350gt]

Looks like a good budget unit...


i would rather spend a $100 more and get a ai sol...

[BBQHILLBILLY]

If you ask them for a 2nd power supply driver for only the blue LEDs they will have to rewire the LEDs. Your price will go up.
Now when you make it dimmable the price goes up again.

[rrasco]

I posted this a few weeks back, and after looking at the units more, I don't think they are worth it. No dimming and no way to control them, deal breakers in my book. It's a good start for price, but you really want those other features. I would wait and see what their new version has to offer, or start building your own fixture now.

[Fenker]

i have no real led experiance but ive seen fishstix systems and the lights are 3-4 feel off the tank and the coral are still thriving like crazy, even his tub under his tanks just getting the overhang lights is full of zoas and xenia. its crazy how poerful these leds r. go dimmable for sure.

[fixedwing]

I just purchased a ATI Sunpower last night! It's a great fixture and best of all, its proven. I'll explore the LED option once again in about a year when I need new bulbs. Thanks for all your feedback and keep your eyes out for a tank build in the coming months. Now all I need to figure out is my exact footprint so I can order my tank.