LED Module Comparison - ReefBrite / Illumilux / TrueLumen Pro

[Jeremy B.]

I have had many inquiries from fellow hobbyists asking about the performance and comparison between the new CurrentUSA True Lumen Pro LED modules, Vertex Illumilux modules, and ReefBrite modules.

I had a chance to put all three side by side today, all 36" units. I can say that build quality between all three is very comparable to one another on the outside, although overall fit and finish would probably go to the Vertex in my opinion. Please see the following specs for each.....

CurrentUSA True Lumen Pro 36"
Length: 36.25"
Actual Power Draw: 22w
PAR Rating at 10": 60
Price: $177.99

ReefBrite Blue 36"
Length: 35.25
Actual Power Draw: 35w
PAR Rating at 10": 113
Price: $219.99

Vertex Illumilux Blue 36"
Length: 37.5" (module only) / 38.5" (with power supply connector installed)
Actual Power Draw: 55w
PAR Rating at 10": 130
Price: $339

I would say for anyone using these as a single lighting solution I wouldn't recommend more than 14" -16" of depth in a low light reef for the True Lumen Pro strips. The ReefBrite and Illumilux should be just fine going to approximately 24" for a single lighting solution. Shimmer effect is most noticeable with the Illumilux first, ReefBrite second, and the True Lumen Pro third. This is mostly due to intensity and and the point source light of the Illumilux. Another note is the spread of each module which will be shown in the photos below. Illumilux has the best spread, due to the design of the module itself - they do not use any type of relfector behind or next to the LED.

Vertex Illumilux Light Spread

ReefBrite Light Spread

True Lumen Pro Light Spread

 

[blennielove]

Thanks for the information!

I was looking at four 36" Illumilux for my 72x24x30 mixed reef. Do you think it will be possible with this system? I really like the quality of the Vertex, especially the Illumina but can't get them in the US, and then I have to worry about the warranty if I purchase it from Canada. So the Illumilux seems like a good possibility for me.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Are you looking at the Illumilux for a single lighting solution, or for blue supplementation?

 

[HitmanHoos]

When will the Vertex Illumilux be available? I'm looking at leds to supplement my halides.

 

[Jeremy B.]

The Illumilux are in stock now, we will have them uploaded to the website today.

 

[blennielove]

They will be my primary lights.

 

[maddog2002]

How many led bulbs on Vertex Illumilux Blue 36". from the picture only have 9 LED bulbs.

 

[Padrino]

i bought 2 48" illumilux blues to add to the vertex 260 I want to buy.

 

[Jeremy B.]

@blennielove, You might find that you need more than a front strip and back strip. You might need to go with 3 rows front to back.

@maddog2002, Illumilux 36" strip has 18 LED"s. The LED's are right side by side in pairs, next to each other.

 

[camp]

I have that same tank size 72x24x30. I have 3 mh250w and would like to supplement them with led. What would you recommend?

 

[camp]

I also wondering how high I sould mount them? I have my mh about 10in off the water.They are lumimax elite refectors.Should I mount them flush to the refectors edge,or can i mount them flush on my canopy?

 

[In8Designs]

I have a very small tank, 24" wide, 12" deep and 12" front to back, Would one of the Illumilux be sufficient or should I get 2? I'm looking to keep a mixed reef, Possibly a couple sps near the very top. Also, would adding 2 would you get more PAR or would that just add to coverage?

 

[returnofsid]

Jeremy, I know this is slightly off topic, for which I apologize. I'm considering replacing a 150W Sunpod, over a 24 gallon Aquapod, with LED lighting. We will need lighting that's appropriate for everything from Zoanthids, to SPS and a T. maxima clam. For your offerings, what would be your top 3 suggestions?

 

[Jeremy B.]

I have that same tank size 72x24x30. I have 3 mh250w and would like to supplement them with led. What would you recommend?

Either the ReefBrite or Illumilux is what I would suggest, mounted at the bottom of edge of your Lumenmax Elite reflectors. HTH!

 

[Jeremy B.]

@In8Designs - You would probably need 2, however it's hard to say just yet. I haven't fired up the small 12" one yet. I will hopefully be able to in the very near future.

@returnofsid - The Aquaillumination fixture would be best to replace your 150w Sunpod. I just don't think you'll get the same results as what you're getting now by going to multiple modules.

 

[camp]

What size would I need ? On my tank would you go with 2 side by side 36" on front and back, or would 2 24" front and back work, or I could use 1 48" front and back?

 

[Jeremy B.]

I would recommend a total of 4 x 36" models, two on one side, and two on another side running parallel to the front of the tank.

 

[RokleM]

:thumbsup: Excellent info Jeremy.

 

[bigB]

With those measurement, was that with blue or white LEDs?

Also, was that 10" below the water? Or was it just 10"?

 

[Jeremy B.]

These were all blue LED modules tested, at 10" of air, no water.