tahiriqbal
Sialkot
Look forward to see your results Clive..... How is it going over Nano-Reef? Is it Steve's LED you are testing?
DIY: Steve's LED's module
- Thread starter TenKreefer
- Start date
tahiriqbal
Sialkot
PM sent
mudskipper1
Trust Me I'm an Engineer
He was out of stock on the RBs last I heard, not excusing the lack of response, just mentioning.
onetrickpony
Premium Member
Steve posted this on another site
Looks like he is having some growing pains
"œI have seen your email, however, I have about 20 customers ahead of you before I get a chance to address it.
I'm getting tired of working 70-80 hour weeks so I have hired a couple more people to help me with this increased demand. I am currently training them, and they should be up and running in about 2-4 weeks. Therefore, in about a month, I think that we will be able to churn out even a very large order in just a couple days!
Thanks for your patience!
Steve"
Looks like he is having some growing pains
"œI have seen your email, however, I have about 20 customers ahead of you before I get a chance to address it.
I'm getting tired of working 70-80 hour weeks so I have hired a couple more people to help me with this increased demand. I am currently training them, and they should be up and running in about 2-4 weeks. Therefore, in about a month, I think that we will be able to churn out even a very large order in just a couple days!
Thanks for your patience!
Steve"
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BeanAnimal
Premium Member
I have quietly followed this thread and at this point have to laugh...
So "Steve" is having custom manufactured LEDs made that are about 50% as efficient as the current offerings from the major vendors.
Steve has no data sheets, because they cost extra but Steve is paying for custom LEDs. How does Steve know that he is getting what he paid for?
For that matter with no testing results, how are Steve's LEDs binned if they are not tested and the results of each LEDs output quantified?
Steve is ordering large enough qty to dictate custom parameters and warrant a design engineer, custom line configuration and a manufacturing run, and import into the US, but Steve can't fill orders?
Consider that there are 5-100 LEDs in an order. One person could take, pick, pack and ship several hundred a day. Steve is likely having LEDs shipped from overseas and covering for the lead time of his small orders.
My opinion is that Steve is making stuff up as he goes along...
Steve is likely just a guy who has put himself in a position to purchase low quality, inexpensive LEDs direct from the manufacturer or importer and foist them on unwitting aquarium DIYers who don't know any better.
Reality Check:
Consider ALL of the people in this hobby.
Subtract those who are FO
Subtract those who ARE NOT in the market for new lights
Subtract those who DO NOT WANT LEDs
Subtract those who DO NOT DIY
Subtract those who ALREADY DIYed
Subtract those who CAN'T AFFORD to DIY
Subtract those who OPT FOR CREE OR OTHER LEDs
Etc...
You are left with literally a handful of potential customers, most of them 1 time customers. There is simply no market to go out and have a custom LED engineered, manufactured and imported to sell to DIYers. PERIOD. There is no market to sell to aquarium light manufacturers when the product being sold is inferior to the brand name products.
So "Steve" is having custom manufactured LEDs made that are about 50% as efficient as the current offerings from the major vendors.
Steve has no data sheets, because they cost extra but Steve is paying for custom LEDs. How does Steve know that he is getting what he paid for?
For that matter with no testing results, how are Steve's LEDs binned if they are not tested and the results of each LEDs output quantified?
Steve is ordering large enough qty to dictate custom parameters and warrant a design engineer, custom line configuration and a manufacturing run, and import into the US, but Steve can't fill orders?
Consider that there are 5-100 LEDs in an order. One person could take, pick, pack and ship several hundred a day. Steve is likely having LEDs shipped from overseas and covering for the lead time of his small orders.
My opinion is that Steve is making stuff up as he goes along...
Steve is likely just a guy who has put himself in a position to purchase low quality, inexpensive LEDs direct from the manufacturer or importer and foist them on unwitting aquarium DIYers who don't know any better.
Reality Check:
Consider ALL of the people in this hobby.
Subtract those who are FO
Subtract those who ARE NOT in the market for new lights
Subtract those who DO NOT WANT LEDs
Subtract those who DO NOT DIY
Subtract those who ALREADY DIYed
Subtract those who CAN'T AFFORD to DIY
Subtract those who OPT FOR CREE OR OTHER LEDs
Etc...
You are left with literally a handful of potential customers, most of them 1 time customers. There is simply no market to go out and have a custom LED engineered, manufactured and imported to sell to DIYers. PERIOD. There is no market to sell to aquarium light manufacturers when the product being sold is inferior to the brand name products.
110galreef
New member
he emailed me back
he wanted $800 for my 90 gal. I did tell him I wanted it bright and I was going to upgrade to a 120 in about 6 months so if I could get enough light for my 90 and then turn the dimmer up when I upgrade that would be perfect.
$800 for my 90 gal and I have to build it? hummmm I think I would rather do a DIY with crees.
I was really thinking $400.
I emailed him back saying I thought that was a lot compared to his 120 gallon "sample" he said mine would be way brighter. asked him to get back to me with something comparable to my 2 250 MH and 4 T5s but I have not heard back. that was a week ago I think
he wanted $800 for my 90 gal. I did tell him I wanted it bright and I was going to upgrade to a 120 in about 6 months so if I could get enough light for my 90 and then turn the dimmer up when I upgrade that would be perfect.
$800 for my 90 gal and I have to build it? hummmm I think I would rather do a DIY with crees.
I was really thinking $400.
I emailed him back saying I thought that was a lot compared to his 120 gallon "sample" he said mine would be way brighter. asked him to get back to me with something comparable to my 2 250 MH and 4 T5s but I have not heard back. that was a week ago I think
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110galreef
New member
Yikes.....
I am doing a 250g and was planning for like 120 3w Cree LED's all said & done was like $1300. So his would run me ~$1600 for enuf ......Hmmmmm Doesn't sound so great.
attack on steve's LED
attack on steve's LED
hey people give Steve a break.
I'm not telling he should not reply to mails and so, I read the entire tread, and must say:
ok he is not claiming to sell top notch LED's, he is offering a alternative !!
he is offering from a in home business, so whatever happens, consider it is not a multy national, it is Jo around the corner, that is offering something for those interested.
I myself have bin buying from him for a while, and I have to say, I still have to meet someone that puts so much care in what he is doing, trying to do the best he can.
boy did he send me some mails, guiding me the way in building something, did he ever puts his best step forward.
I still have to meet someone like this.
ok, apparently he is slowing down in response -- DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY ?
he is gust trying to help people to build something, and for some people it is working, and for some it is not
lets start over this tread, and talk about what matters.
for what it is worth:
I have several units now wit his LED's, and whaw, what a result, corals ar all growing better than under my 150 and 250W phounix MH
regarding pricing:
I strongly believe you can build something affordable that will fit your needs (gust as it fits me)
lets se, and from my own exp. !! (I have units of 24 LED's on 2 heat sinks)
on a 90 gal tank (48 x 28 deep and 24 tall)
4 light units would be enough to give you a par reading of 280 at 18 inches deep (that's what I read)
4 units will run you
4x 24 = 96 x $ 2.15 = $206
96 optics (I believe thy where $0.60) = $ 57.60
8 heat sinks (2 per unit) = 8x $ 18.00 = $ 144.00
drivers (4x quad+ = $ 224
brining the total to $ 631
so if you say I expected to find it for only $ 400, I have to say get real and first educate yourselves prices are on his site, so ore you don't read, and you are here to stir things up, ore you gust have nothing to do.
THIS IS A SITE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE HOBBY, AND IN ALL FAIRNESS, IF YOU WOULD TRY TO SELL SOMETHING< AND YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE UN REASONABLE ALL THE TIME< WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO DROP OUT ONCE IN A WHILE.
it is in all fairness, that I would say,hey, I have a few hours a day where I can do something, I can spend it on people that are enthusiast, people that respect me for what I'm trying to do for them, ore answer those that aren't realistic
I'm satisfy's whit his work and service, if you don't like how he try's to satisfy others as much as he can, than don't bother and order somewhere ells
the way some talk about what he try's, is not more than de motivating
attack on steve's LED
hey people give Steve a break.
I'm not telling he should not reply to mails and so, I read the entire tread, and must say:
ok he is not claiming to sell top notch LED's, he is offering a alternative !!
he is offering from a in home business, so whatever happens, consider it is not a multy national, it is Jo around the corner, that is offering something for those interested.
I myself have bin buying from him for a while, and I have to say, I still have to meet someone that puts so much care in what he is doing, trying to do the best he can.
boy did he send me some mails, guiding me the way in building something, did he ever puts his best step forward.
I still have to meet someone like this.
ok, apparently he is slowing down in response -- DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY ?
he is gust trying to help people to build something, and for some people it is working, and for some it is not
lets start over this tread, and talk about what matters.
for what it is worth:
I have several units now wit his LED's, and whaw, what a result, corals ar all growing better than under my 150 and 250W phounix MH
regarding pricing:
I strongly believe you can build something affordable that will fit your needs (gust as it fits me)
lets se, and from my own exp. !! (I have units of 24 LED's on 2 heat sinks)
on a 90 gal tank (48 x 28 deep and 24 tall)
4 light units would be enough to give you a par reading of 280 at 18 inches deep (that's what I read)
4 units will run you
4x 24 = 96 x $ 2.15 = $206
96 optics (I believe thy where $0.60) = $ 57.60
8 heat sinks (2 per unit) = 8x $ 18.00 = $ 144.00
drivers (4x quad+ = $ 224
brining the total to $ 631
so if you say I expected to find it for only $ 400, I have to say get real and first educate yourselves prices are on his site, so ore you don't read, and you are here to stir things up, ore you gust have nothing to do.
THIS IS A SITE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE HOBBY, AND IN ALL FAIRNESS, IF YOU WOULD TRY TO SELL SOMETHING< AND YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE UN REASONABLE ALL THE TIME< WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO DROP OUT ONCE IN A WHILE.
it is in all fairness, that I would say,hey, I have a few hours a day where I can do something, I can spend it on people that are enthusiast, people that respect me for what I'm trying to do for them, ore answer those that aren't realistic
I'm satisfy's whit his work and service, if you don't like how he try's to satisfy others as much as he can, than don't bother and order somewhere ells
the way some talk about what he try's, is not more than de motivating
SpacedCowboy
New member
Kevin,
I don't think anyone would have a problem with Steve, if the numbers added up. If he's selling half-as-efficient LEDs, and he said so, and the price was low because of that, some people would be happy and some people would pass, but pretty much no-one would be on his back.
I've run small businesses. The only way to do business is to do it honestly and be up-front with your wares. The instant there's a hint of 'this-doesn't-add-up' is the time most of your customers will bail on you.
*If* DWZM is correct (and I have no reason to believe he isn't), Steve has a lot of explaining to do. The problem is that we won't believe a word that he writes, now. Why should we, when he's misled us before - lies of omission are still lies, at least IMHO, and a business relationship is not the same as one between friends...
Simon.
I don't think anyone would have a problem with Steve, if the numbers added up. If he's selling half-as-efficient LEDs, and he said so, and the price was low because of that, some people would be happy and some people would pass, but pretty much no-one would be on his back.
I've run small businesses. The only way to do business is to do it honestly and be up-front with your wares. The instant there's a hint of 'this-doesn't-add-up' is the time most of your customers will bail on you.
*If* DWZM is correct (and I have no reason to believe he isn't), Steve has a lot of explaining to do. The problem is that we won't believe a word that he writes, now. Why should we, when he's misled us before - lies of omission are still lies, at least IMHO, and a business relationship is not the same as one between friends...
Simon.
I bought a setup for the 255 gallon peninsula tank at my office from Steve, I still need to finish assembling it but I am pretty happy and think some people here have been a little over critical. Time will tell, but his heat sink solution was perfect for my low height requirements, the fans are quiet which is good for the office and they are extraordinarily bright (the 14 LEDs I have for the refugium anyway, I haven't hooked up the other 140 for the display tank yet).
Steve has been slower to reply to emails but I know how that goes. It could scare away new customers for sure but I also know how time consuming it is.
I will post pics of my setup as I finish and get it installed.
Steve has been slower to reply to emails but I know how that goes. It could scare away new customers for sure but I also know how time consuming it is.
I will post pics of my setup as I finish and get it installed.
TenKreefer
New member
Unwitting DIYers?
I'll be sure to let the SPS know that they weren't supposed to grow.
They must have missed the memo
I'll be sure to let the SPS know that they weren't supposed to grow.
They must have missed the memo
There's no doubt the LEDs from Steve are strong enough to grow coral. They just may not be as strong as cree. I ordered 24 royal blue LEDs so I can ditch my VHO 454 actinics. I was running 220w of actinic lighting. With the LEDs it will be cut down to 73watts. Plus the blue leds make the coral pop better than the actinic VHOs.
With out PAR readings from Steve's setup I would be hisitent to use them.
With out PAR readings from Steve's setup I would be hisitent to use them.
TenKreefer
New member
Without a doubt CREE's are superior in pretty much every way, but Steve's LEDs absolutely grow coral, and grow it well.
Now that this thread is back I'll try and get my hands on a PAR meter and back up the things I say with facts.
Now that this thread is back I'll try and get my hands on a PAR meter and back up the things I say with facts.
I will be purchasing a PAR meter here in the next couple weeks. Also, I have 24 RB LEDs coming from Steve. I will with out a doubt be testing the par of the RB LEDs, with and with out 60deg optics.
I didn't buy the RBs for PAR, just for color so this will work out nicley. In the future I may order 12 or so Cool White LEDs from Steve and test those with the par meter.
I can't believe PAR #s aren't out there for these LEDs yet.
Jason
I didn't buy the RBs for PAR, just for color so this will work out nicley. In the future I may order 12 or so Cool White LEDs from Steve and test those with the par meter.
I can't believe PAR #s aren't out there for these LEDs yet.
Jason
Good idea, can you send me some cree leds for testing....lol
Kidding aside. I'll have to do that. Who couldn't use 12 or so cree RB leds when the testing is done..? I know I could.
Steve had mentioned that his LEDs are NOT Semi's, they are a different brand, who's output and electrical characteristics resemble the Crees and Luxeon Rebels with regards to luminous output and forward voltage.
He further stated there are over 40 Led manufactures in the Asian region, and it took him almost a year of collecting sampls to find just then right LED. They are not knock-offs, they were specifically manufactured for the purpose of meeting his specifications for marine aquarist use.
I would love to prove him right. Results would warrant a new thread for sure. Should have my meter in another week and the Cree LEDs to test them in two weeks. I'll keep this thread updated.
Jason
Kidding aside. I'll have to do that. Who couldn't use 12 or so cree RB leds when the testing is done..? I know I could.
Steve had mentioned that his LEDs are NOT Semi's, they are a different brand, who's output and electrical characteristics resemble the Crees and Luxeon Rebels with regards to luminous output and forward voltage.
He further stated there are over 40 Led manufactures in the Asian region, and it took him almost a year of collecting sampls to find just then right LED. They are not knock-offs, they were specifically manufactured for the purpose of meeting his specifications for marine aquarist use.
I would love to prove him right. Results would warrant a new thread for sure. Should have my meter in another week and the Cree LEDs to test them in two weeks. I'll keep this thread updated.
Jason
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