LED Module Comparison - ReefBrite / Illumilux / TrueLumen Pro

[noirsphynx]

I just had a tank built that measures 96" x 16" x 16" and I'm looking for lighting to go over it. I've been looking at LED fixtures and wondering what to do but without spending a fortune. I Just found out about The Vertex Illumilux fixtures and was wondering If 2 48" fixtures could possibly be primary lighting for my new tank(will be a mixed reef). Thanks

 

[noirsphynx]

It would look wonderful with two Illuminas of the SR200 series, as the tank is very shallow. You may even be better off with one 48" and one 36", as the fixtures are about 2" longer than their stated size due to the endcaps. My 1200mm/48" is 1250mm/50" long over a 1360mm/55" tank.

Also, there is a new clone feature on the Illumina Desk Top software which allows you to synchronize two units identically to each other.

Thanks but you're talking about the illuminas though not the illumilux, right?

 

[flyingpolarbear]

I will soon order some of these Illumiluxes but I am puzzled about a few things:

1. Did Vertex officially announce a dimmer (is it something to wait for, or forget about)? When I acclimate the corals I would just have to run them at 100%?

2. Any thoughts on the all white? (I am aiming for a natural daylight appearance without being too cool blue.. I am thinking of these 3 in the mix - 1 blue, 1 50/50, 1 all white).

3. I am wondering how these lights interconnect without cables so they can be served by one power supply. Do the housings snap together or is there some side-by-side connector on them?

 

[ToLearn]

I don't know all the details to answer your questions flyingpolarbear, but I'll tell you this.

Vertex unofficially said their people will reexamine the possibility of putting out dimmers are some point in the next year which will allow their modules to dim with any controller, but only after they've completed their own controller. (what's to stop them from deciding they don't want to support other companies controllers and make something that is propitiatory?)

You'll need a power supply(believe they are actually called dimmers) and a power cord for each one. Each driver is rated for the number of LEDs they have in the module so no possible splitter or anything could make them run more then one fixture.(unless your going from a 4' fixtuer to a 2' one.


Also a word of warning their modules will not fit into most lighting hoods. They made them too long and they just won't fit.

 

[CT Reefer]

Converting a standard 55 gal QT tank

Converting a standard 55 gal QT tank

Hi Jeremy - I am in the planning process of converting a 55 gallon QT tank to a clownfish/nem tank. I will only have clownfish and nems in the tank. The tank is currently illuminated by a marineland 48" reef led. I am leaning toward adding vertex lighting for the tank. What configuration would you recommend?

Thanks,
Kathy

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Kathy, will you be keeping the Marineland fixture on it and adding the Vertex, or getting rid of that altogether?

 

[jason2459]

Hey, Jeremy don't know if this is on topic to this thread but I know you check in on here. Taxes are coming soon so want to ramp up on what I'm going to be getting LED wise.

Recap on what I have:
180g LPS with a maxima after light upgrade
1x 48" all blue reefbrite
1x 48" 50/50 reefbrite
2x 36" 50/50 reefbrite w/ lens

Looking at getting:
1x 72" 50/50 reefbrite (most likely original but the XHO is just temping for some reason)

and also wonder if there's a strip you carry that is like a UVL actinic white or fiji purple. Both are kind of the same sort of a magenta/redish/pinkish look?

 

[Jeremy B.]

The closest there would be to the actinic whte or the fiji purple would be the Ecoxotic Panorama Pro's in the different colors they offer. Having said that, it's still not going to be close to the Fiji Purple or Actinic Whtie, but it's the closes there is in LED right now.

The XHO would be my suggestion in a 50/50 if you're just looking to maximize light output, but not wash out the colors.

 

[CT Reefer]

Hi Kathy, will you be keeping the Marineland fixture on it and adding the Vertex, or getting rid of that altogether?

I will probably keep the marineland fixture..I pretty sure I need something more for nems, but its fairly new and does light up the tank nicely (it runs the entire length of the tank)

 

[flyingpolarbear]

Does anyone know what size screws fit on the 2 mounting holes on top the illumilux?

It might be #8. A wood screw with head diameter of 0.306" fits easily, and another one with 0.326" head diameter that fits perfectly snug.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to mount the Illumilux under a canopy.

 

[ToLearn]

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to mount the Illumilux under a canopy.

I was lazy and cable tied it up. :-D Cable ties last a lot longer then screws, easily available, require no tools to use, fully reef safe...

 

[flyingpolarbear]

I was lazy and cable tied it up. :-D Cable ties last a lot longer then screws, easily available, require no tools to use, fully reef safe...

I couldn't find decent cable tie mounts at the local hardware store, but I just found this one online at McMaster-Carr. This has a screw hole and accepts the wider tie straps. Also be sure to use the UV resistant tie straps because I've had some become brittle over the years after exposure to UV and break apart.

 

[ToLearn]

Lol, perhaps you misunderstood. I put my strip down on the board on the hood, wrapped a cable tie around it and called it a day. I didn't use any other parts besides a plastic cable tie. Primitive, a little ugly, but my stand and tank are tall so you can't really see the top.

 

[Dwerbs]

Hey I just have a quick question, I have an 96x18x18 tank. Would 2 48inch units be enough for the tank, (softies and some LPS) or are these just not powerful enough? If not which route should I go?

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hey I just have a quick question, I have an 96x18x18 tank. Would 2 48inch units be enough for the tank, (softies and some LPS) or are these just not powerful enough? If not which route should I go?

I'm assuming you would be running these end to end, to span the full 96"? If so, this would basically be the equivelant of you running two rows of 54w T5 lamps end to end on your tank, so in my opinion it would only be enough for the lowest light soft corals out there. I would suggest that you use 4 total modules, two rows running end to end.

 

[flyingpolarbear]

Jeremy, the power plug to the Illumilux fixture is missing from the box you shipped to me for the 2nd time, and I've been unable to reach you today via phone or email. Maybe I can catch your attention here.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Did you get my email I sent back? I believe Proline got the cord out tonight, you should see it tomorrow.

 

[flyingpolarbear]

Yes, Proline is shipping it to me next day air. Thanks for the prompt attention to get this to me Saturday.

 

[flyingpolarbear]

Here are a some more photos of the spread. It is nice to have a fixture that doesn't have to mount so high above the water.

As far as the dimmer becoming available, I contacted Vertex and the latest news is: "This is being developed and we hope to be released by the second quarter of this year. We are very excited about this add on."

 

[Jeremy B.]

The Illumilux (as well as the Illumina) have unbelievable spread to them!