Best LEDs?

[gskidmor]

I have the Radions and love them, but there is a post up above that hit on a feature I would love to have - you can only control the Radions (that I know of) via your windows computer.

With a DIY setup, I know a couple of people that can control their lights with the smartphones - it's a very cool feature when you want to show off your tanks to friends and turn on night mode, etc.

Now if you aren't going to have a canopy and they'll just be hanging over the tank, the DIY route doesn't look as good as something like the Radion...

 

[Fryman]

The reefkeeper, apex & reefangel controllers all have the capability of network control (with extra hardware). The reefkeeper & reefangel have iphone aps, maybe the apex as well I don't know. That's for on-off & dimming, I'm not sure if you can get total control of the Radion (i.e. spectrum) without a PC.

I'm looking at the Kessil A350W for my upgrade from T5s. They seem to be a pretty good price point, $400 each and supposedly you only need 2 for a 4' tank.

What I really want is the Radions, but at $750 each (still need 2 for 4' tank) it's a tough sell to the wifey. The kessils don't have as many bells & whistles as the Radion, but at about half the cost I think maybe I can do without "storm mode", LOL.

 

[gskidmor]

No, you can't currently control the Radion with anything but the Radion program on the PC - which is why I was recommending the DIY route if those options appeal to you. I don't have a hood, so I would still go with the Radion myself

 

[Fryman]

No, you can't currently control the Radion with anything but the Radion program on the PC - which is why I was recommending the DIY route if those options appeal to you. I don't have a hood, so I would still go with the Radion myself

Don't want to de-rail the thread, but I could have sworn I talked to reefers who used Radions w/ a controller.

A google search turned up this bad boy:
http://www.reefangel.com/Products.RF-Expansion-Module.ashx

Which claims full control of the Radion & Vortech pumps using the reefangel controller. I don't know if other controllers can do this, I don't have a Radion myself..

 

[sirreal63]

Another option worth looking at is the ReefTech Prometheus which appears to be a solid light and has iPad control. There are some you tube videos of the light controlled by just an iPad or iPhone. http://www.reeftech-marine.com/

It might be worth looking into, there are some of these lights over some very nice aquariums.

 

[bhazard451]

No that's not correct. The Mitras has a few options..

• A) Stand alone - Mitras has it's own built in controller
• B) As master-lamp "“ controls one or more other Mitras-lamps
• C) As slave-lamp "“ is controlled by a master (other Mitras or ProfiLux Controller)

It can be controlled with a GHL ProfiLux Controller or every Mitras comes with a built-in controller so it can controll itself and other Mitras units via the integrated 2.4 GHz radio unit lamps, ProfiLux and PC can communicate. This enables the lamps to synchronize during special effects (like thunderstorms or clouds). So you can use your APEX to control the rest of your tank and your light(s) can control themselves to an infinite degree.

And GHL is running a 15% off special for PreOrders so they're selling for $1029 AND they give 36" x 24" coverage instead of the usuall 24" x 24" (or less with some fixtures)

Full details can be found at
http://reefbytes.com/mitras.html

I love that they're using 72 actual high quality leds, and I love the controller options, but I can't bring myself to pay such a premium. I would easily pick these up at Radion prices at $750 each, which shows how inflated Radion prices are in the first place. A DIY light with the same leds could be done for so much less, albeit with with less features.

9 channels of control and all the other features are so nice though. If only money was no object.

 

[ciro_182]

Like the Radions; But they are like all the ecotech stuff too pricey... the chinesse leds are a nice/cheap option if you find someone who makes a fine job with a DIY fixture.

 

[D-Nak]

No that's not correct. The Mitras has a few options..

• A) Stand alone - Mitras has it's own built in controller
• B) As master-lamp "“ controls one or more other Mitras-lamps
• C) As slave-lamp "“ is controlled by a master (other Mitras or ProfiLux Controller)

It can be controlled with a GHL ProfiLux Controller or every Mitras comes with a built-in controller so it can controll itself and other Mitras units via the integrated 2.4 GHz radio unit lamps, ProfiLux and PC can communicate. This enables the lamps to synchronize during special effects (like thunderstorms or clouds). So you can use your APEX to control the rest of your tank and your light(s) can control themselves to an infinite degree.

And GHL is running a 15% off special for PreOrders so they're selling for $1029 AND they give 36" x 24" coverage instead of the usuall 24" x 24" (or less with some fixtures)

Full details can be found at
http://reefbytes.com/mitras.html

At the time I wrote the post it was a correct statement. For the record, I don't like when posters respond with "No that's not correct." because it was correct at the time.

Furthermore, I was not referring to controllability, was I referring specifically to software, now called "Light Composer" which is apparently built in to the latest version of the Profilux Control. It was not known whether it will be available as a standalone software package that doesn't necessarily require a Profilux III controller to access most of the functionality.

I now read that it says that:

- Mitras can be connected via USB or 2.4 GHz-radio with a PC.
- The PC-software for operating the lamp is available free of charge.

I'm hoping that's a full version of Light Composer. My main issue with my Radions is (as others have mentioned) that I currently have to connect my laptop to them to make adjustments. For the price of the Radion I was hoping for an iPhone app or something similar. I know that Ecotech has something in the works, but we've yet to see it hit the market. Ideally, I'd like to see a dongle that connects to the Radion that will allow a wireless connection to my network which will allow me to control the Radions remotely (via web-based app or iPhone app) .

 

[BigAl2007]

At the time I wrote the post it was a correct statement. For the record, I don't like when posters respond with "No that's not correct." because it was correct at the time.

My apology D-Nak. I wasn't trying to snap at you in the least but make a correction in the "current" time frame. I do apologize as rubbing you wrong was far from my intentions.

Allen

 

[dsdaley77]

I for one am going the route of the Chinese black box like the ones on aquariumleds.com ( might not be an s at the end) they have great coverage in the 1w fixtures but are much brighter in the 3w being pushed by 2w. Prices start at 160 and are shipped quick, I have seen them working and love them.... A couple stunner UV strips and good to go. I have been to just about every fish store in the Phoenix area and most say the 3w's are the way to go, especially if your tank is deeper than 22 inches or has lots of SPS or clams.

 

[dsdaley77]

I for one am going the route of the Chinese black box like the ones on aquariumleds.com ( might not be an s at the end) they have great coverage in the 1w fixtures but are much brighter in the 3w being pushed by 2w. Prices start at 160 and are shipped quick, I have seen them working and love them.... A couple stunner UV strips and good to go. I have been to just about every fish store in the Phoenix area and most say the 3w's are the way to go, especially if your tank is deeper than 22 inches or has lots of SPS or clams.

Pretty sure they have a no ?'s asked 1 year warranty and since they are shipped to the seller in Canada and then to us he claims if parts malfunction or stop working all together he has parts and can replace full warranty units himself with credit from his supplier.... So you don't have to wait months and or spend just as much shipping it to china.

Seems like a great deal and these lights since they are becoming so popular amongst us reefers are being made better and last longer.

 

[dsdaley77]

One more note, the secret to LEDs is PAR levels at reef floor level. Check with your lfs's to see if they have a par meter you can use or your local reef club might have one. As long as your PAR readings are correct at certain depths based on hight of light from top of water you can go with almost any of the cheaper models. Just remember that output is usually 60% or so of advertised output.

 

[guarda]

How about these?

http://goo.gl/O28EO

 

[BigAl2007]

How about these?

http://goo.gl/O28EO

There's not been much mentioned about them since InterZoo.

 

[guarda]

Yeah, I've been trying to find growth experience or anything at all about them, but nothing.

There's not been much mentioned about them since InterZoo.

 

[D-Nak]

My apology D-Nak. I wasn't trying to snap at you in the least but make a correction in the "current" time frame. I do apologize as rubbing you wrong was far from my intentions.

Allen

No worries, I woke up grumpy and took it personally. I know it wasn't intentionaly. I appreciate the apology. :love1:

I for one am going the route of the Chinese black box like the ones on aquariumleds.com ( might not be an s at the end) they have great coverage in the 1w fixtures but are much brighter in the 3w being pushed by 2w. Prices start at 160 and are shipped quick, I have seen them working and love them.... A couple stunner UV strips and good to go. I have been to just about every fish store in the Phoenix area and most say the 3w's are the way to go, especially if your tank is deeper than 22 inches or has lots of SPS or clams.

If you plan to go this route, and haven't already done so, check out the thread called "Chinese LED lights" as it has a lot of good information.

One more note, the secret to LEDs is PAR levels at reef floor level. Check with your lfs's to see if they have a par meter you can use or your local reef club might have one. As long as your PAR readings are correct at certain depths based on hight of light from top of water you can go with almost any of the cheaper models. Just remember that output is usually 60% or so of advertised output.

PAR readings can be very deceptive, especially with LEDs. I would only use PAR readings as a general way to compare, but it's definitely NOT accurate. Lots of controversy with regards to PAR and LED.

 

[dsdaley77]

If you plan to go this route, and haven't already done so, check out the thread called "Chinese LED lights" as it has a lot of good information.



PAR readings can be very deceptive, especially with LEDs. I would only use PAR readings as a general way to compare, but it's definitely NOT accurate. Lots of controversy with regards to PAR and LED.

Checked out the thread previously and formed my opinion/decision to purchase from just that and knowledge from LFS's. I cant wait.

As far as the PAR debate, I have a friend whom is a professor at a prestigious university on the west coast who specializes in Marine Biology as well as lighting requirements for environmentaly sustainable oceanic life (pretty much an LED/MH expert. Google search the "legoland led Upgrade"). Based on the information he gave me the PAR debate is one sparked more by the makers of PC's and MH's to try and retain a grasp on the market they have had cornered for decades which has now come to an end. PAR is PAR and if the meter can pick up an accurate reading, especially on some of the advanced models, you should have no reason to distrust the results. Sure most LEDs are not as bright but that is not a direct correlation to PAR. There was another great thread on RC about lighting requirements and some testing that had been done on some older models of lights. I will find the link and post below for those interested.

 

[dsdaley77]

Sorry couldn't find it. If I stumble accross it again I will post.

 

[jhawkor]

I'm waiting on the Maxspect Razor. Are they still planning a July release?

 

[fredhansen]

my choice for best light is pacific-sun lights.
They have up to 10 different channels (colours) pure led or option led+t5, small and bigger sizes. all bt or wifi controlled systems. Works with pc, mac and android.
At this moment they delivered the BALI program, which promisses simulate the light condition in Bali. (Almost done Hawaii program)
look up their RC sponsors area to see more details or www.pacific-sun.eu, manufacter page.

- I have one old version, metis xm, with 3 channel. Satisfied, still cant wait to upgrade.