Any new lighting systems on the horizon?

S Helinski

Active member
I've grown corals under almost every lighting system known to this hobby...

-VHO's
-PC's
-T-5's
-Compact Fluorescents
-Halides
-HQI Halidies
-LED's
etc...

To this day, I've never found anything to work better than a combination of Halides with T-5's...

Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon? Any new ideas starting to be tested? I know that LED's are slowly getting better, but IMO, they can't even compete with halides...

Any links or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve
 
This weekend is MACNA so new light systems are being debuted.

Ecotech/Reefkoi & Pacific Sun
all have new led lights coming out. Some with up to eight color channels.
 
seems like all kinds of new LED systems are coming out..But none I have seen yet are cost effective for large systems..Nor small systems ..
 
Come on Steve, rapidled and a soldering gun. If I ever get any free time I can take you pics of my 24x3w CREE DIY setup over my solana. Even Kyle thinks its impressive, and you know nothing impresses him.
 
Yeah I agree with adam I love the leds I have had just about all the lighting as well on the market and I get at least double the growth with the three watt cree bulbs. Now I m talking sps, my lps definately look great but I think they grew better under halides
 
The thing with LEDs is that performance and appearance can be vastly different between units that soun/look the same. Makes it confusing sometimes and it is easy to get a bad taste in your mouth.

The other thing about LEDs is that they are inherently plain old semiconductors. Their performance is growing accordingy, more or less following Moore's law. The first unit I built a few years ago using the best of the best was doing around 30 - 40% of the output per watt compared to what I am building now for my big tank.
 
Yeah I agree with adam I love the leds I have had just about all the lighting as well on the market and I get at least double the growth with the three watt cree bulbs. Now I m talking sps, my lps definately look great but I think they grew better under halides

Yup, my SPS grew like weeds but my LPS never did much under LEDs. I've had ReefBrite, Acan Lighting and a DIY units and found the same thing with all of them. I've gone back to 150 watt 14k MH and T5 actinics. I'm interested in the new Ecotech LED fixture but gonna wait to see some reviews.
 
I have a theory on the slower LPS growth; I would be willing to bet they grow slower because the LEDs, with their better penetration through the water, are burning the LPS, slowing their growth.
 
THE AI UNITS ARE DROPPIN TO $399 each retail , AND THE NEW AI UNITS ARE GOING TO BE $499 THEY SEEM TO BE LIKED WELL .. ARC HAD THEM OVER THEIR ACAN LOOK DOWNS AND THEY LOOKED AWESOME.. I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING GIVING THEM A TRY.. $400 FOR A WHOLE FIXTURE AND NEVER HAVING TO GET NEW BULBS SOUNDS GOOD TO ME LOL
 
Also the new eco-tech led unit has red and green led's as well i wonder if that will make any difference in growth or actual coral color
 
LED pictures as promised...

LED pictures as promised...

The 10,000/12,000 K option is certainly too white for my liking, the next batch of DIY pendants I make will certainly all be the 20,000K dimmable route.

I bleached pretty much everything in the first few weeks, now a month later everything is coloring back up and growth is exploding. Pics that I promised a few months back...

Whites and Blues
IMAG0106.jpg

Blues Only
IMAG0104.jpg

LED pendant with cheapo fan.
IMAG0105.jpg
 
I think Plasma lighting has some huge potential for the future, though I don't think the technology is here quite yet.
 
I may get 2 of the new AI "Phoenix" Units over my 4x2x2 until the led market matures and a good fixture shows up at a reasonable price point.
 
These seem pretty cool...

September 1, 2011, Bethlehem PA – EcoTech Marine is proud to announce its latest product, the Radion XR30w LED light.

True to EcoTech Marine design standards, the functionality of Radion matches its sleek aesthetic. Created with the most discerning hobbyist in mind, the Radion includes top quality Cree and Osram LEDs and features fully adjustable color and intensity.

“The Radion represents what we believe will be the next step for aquarium lighting: a smarter, easier to use, and more energy efficient alternative to existing lighting products,” said Tim Marks, president of EcoTech Marine. “Our hope is that our customers will enjoy the extensive thought and care put into the design of every feature, function, and the distinctive appearance of the Radion.”

Radion was purpose-built to be upgradeable both through its modular driver and LED cluster design, modular optics, as well as its USB firmware.

“Our goal was to deliver a product with the ability to evolve and get better over time– and not become obsolete,” said Marks. “As technology moves forward, the Radion will be upgraded with new functionality in addition to what it has right out of the box.”

Radion is an innovative addition to the EcoTech Marine line of VorTech pumps and aquarium products. With advanced features packed into an efficient and stylish product, the Radion is an LED that looks every bit as good as it performs.

Radion will be available by the end of October through EcoTech Marine’s network of retail outlets around the country and will debut at the upcoming MACNA trade show in Des Moines, IA on September 9.



Product Specifications *
Radion XR30w dimensions
Length: 11.8 in (30m)
Width: 7 in (18cm)
Thickness: 1.5” (3.9cm)
Power Consumption: ~130watts

Premium Features
• 5-channel control of color and intensity, 6-channel capable
• 8x Cree XP-G Cool White LEDs run at 5w each
• 8x Cree XP-E Blue LEDs run at 3w each
• 10x Cree XP-E Royal Blue LEDs run at 3w each
• 4x Cree XP-E Green LEDs run at 3w each
• 4x Osram Oslon SSL Hyper Red LEDs run at 3w each
• RGB LED configuration allows infinite color possibilities
• Integrates wirelessly with VorTech pumps and other Radion fixtures
• USB Connectivity
• Computer configurable advanced settings
• Compatible with EcoTech Battery Backup

Radion Features
• 34 Energy-efficient LEDs
• Fully adjustable for intensity and color appeal
• Output engineered for wide dispersion of light
• Minimal color banding through optimized optics
• Modular LED cluster, lens, and driver assemblies
• Fully upgradeable with evolving software and firmware
• Capacitive touch exterior controls
• Revolutionary heat sink design allows the Radion to be sleek
• Switching power supply for 110-220v operation
• EcoSmart™ multi-light wireless functionality
• Easy import and export of saved modes for online sharing
• Extremely quiet fan operation
• Real-time clock
 
Now that is pretty cool. About time that sorta product came to market.

Though it will be interesting to see how corals react to rgb color blending. Our eyes mush that together into "whitish" light but corals may not.
 
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