LED Module Comparison - ReefBrite / Illumilux / TrueLumen Pro

[ari5736]

I'm looking at these fixtures for 2 tanks, and want some recommendations. The first is a 6 foot 125 gallon, with only metal halide and vhos. I would like to replace the vhos which I use only in the summer by themselves (i.e. not as a supplement) just to increase viewing time and reduce heat. The tank is sps and I was was running 1 actinic bulb and 1 12k vho bulb (I don't like actinic only).

The other tank is a 45 gallon 36" softie tank with 300 watts of pc lighting (2 actinic 1 12k). Please let me know your thoughts thanks.

P.s. When are dimmable fixtures being released and any pricing info?

 

[Jeremy B.]

For your 125g I would recommend 1 x 50/50 and 1 x all blue module. The brand is up to you, and it sounds like it is for viewing only, so the output really shouldn't be too much of a factor for you.

On the 45g I would try doing an all blue and an all white module, either ReefBrite or Illumilux, and see what that does for you. You will have more than enough PAR for the corals themselves with either of these.

 

[recife111]

great review, well done.

 

[mojo~]

I have had the reefbrites and they are great and the color is really good too. I did just order the vertex and will have it Tuesday. Hope its worth the extra $$

 

[ari5736]

I have had the reefbrites and they are great and the color is really good too. I did just order the vertex and will have it Tuesday. Hope its worth the extra $$

Let us know what you think.

 

[scram42]

Great article Jeremy. Thanks for helping us make better informed decisions.
I'm looking for something to replace my Solaris I5. I was looking at the Vertex 24" Illumilux, thinking I would buy the 50/50 and blue model but I can't seem to find any info about the controller.
Has anyone seen one yet?

 

[mojo~]

well i got my tracking #. will have the vertex tomorrow. If I like it I may get the 50/50 one as well.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Post some photos of the module once you get it up and running!

Scram, what all are you needing to know about it?

 

[scram42]

I got to see the light at my LFS and it looks great but the guy at the shop said the controller would be out in March. So are they available yet and if so how programeable are they. And $$??

 

[moondoggy4]

On the orginal picture Which led light is in the middle? That particular one fits perfectly on a 48'' Tek Elite light it just bolts right on no modification. When I bought my light at the Trade Show one was hooked up to a Tek light.

 

[mojo~]

Ok got my light hooked up and can say it is built like a tank. I have had the reefbrites and they are nice but this thing has to weigh twice as much or more.

The light spread is great as the 4ft module covers my standard 6ft 125g . The fixture is on the glass so once I mount it, it will sit about 5 inches off the water. The output is really bright. The spread and shimmer is good. It was once of these or 2 reefbrites and I would say its a pretty close comparison. I went this route to try something new. and Two colors of blue. The only downside is no mounting kit. Ill take a look at it and see what I can do to get it mounted. Really thinking about getting the 50/50 module as well. Not sure if Ill like it or not. but it would be nice to get rid of the t5's all together.

Well how about some pics... Dont take my word on it. Take a look for yourself.

corals under the led

 

[RokleM]

Jeremy, have a question on the Vertex (or maybe others), which looks like it has the single best spread.

I have a single 250w Lumenmax2 radium over my 30x30x27. Are any of these strong enough or light weight enough that I could somehow mount 1 or 2 12" versions off the sides? Or would I perhaps be better off finding another way of mounting them? For example, I have a removable front/side light shield that just sits on the trim. I could possibly be mounted there as well.

Power outage picture for a discussion, ignore the chaos. One of the only pictures I have handy where it shows the pendant and light shield.

 

[ari5736]

Come again, you got a 4' module and it is covering you 6' tank? That sounds pretty awesome.

What color reefbrites do you have, and if the are blue how does it compare in color to vertex to your eye?

Would love to see some comparison shots of the Vertex vs. Reefbrites over your tank, thanks Mojo.

Ok got my light hooked up and can say it is built like a tank. I have had the reefbrites and they are nice but this thing has to weigh twice as much or more.

The light spread is great as the 4ft module covers my standard 6ft 125g . The fixture is on the glass so once I mount it, it will sit about 5 inches off the water. The output is really bright. The spread and shimmer is good. It was once of these or 2 reefbrites and I would say its a pretty close comparison. I went this route to try something new. and Two colors of blue. The only downside is no mounting kit. Ill take a look at it and see what I can do to get it mounted. Really thinking about getting the 50/50 module as well. Not sure if Ill like it or not. but it would be nice to get rid of the t5's all together.

 

[mojo~]

The reefbrites I sold to a buddy her ein town for his tank. But the reefbrites havea hint more purple to them in my opinion.
going to try to mound this in the canopy tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Bigwyll]

Glad I googled before I made my vertex purchase. This is great information. Thanks for taking the time and effort. I have a few questions because I am new to LED lighting. I'm setting up a 120g 4x2x2 tank with canopy. Hoping to hold LPS an SPS corals w/ DSB.

Do you think three Vertex 48" strips would be sufficient lighting system for my goals? And if so what three would you suggest? (White/Blue/White or (3) 50/50 strips)

Are the vertex LED Strip lights dimmable like the aqualillumination modules with a controller? (Capable of diming blue and white separate in the 50/50 strip or creating effects like clouds, lighting, or other effects I've read about?)

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hey Erik, I think they're going to be too heavy to mount off the side of your pendant and have it hang straight. You will probably want to come up with a way to mount it differently, maybe off the inside of your top skirt?

 

[RokleM]

Hey Erik, I think they're going to be too heavy to mount off the side of your pendant and have it hang straight. You will probably want to come up with a way to mount it differently, maybe off the inside of your top skirt?

That's was kind of my thought. It would basically be 8-12" up, lined up with the front rim, pointed down at a 45 degree angle or so in this setup. I wonder however, would a single 12" make that much of a difference on a 30x30x27?

 

[Jeremy B.]

Bigwyll, I think three of the strips would be exactly what you're looking for. I would try 2 x 50/50 and 1 x all blue. If you want it it be on the 20k side - really blue, then you might flip flop those two numbers.

 

[Jeremy B.]

That's was kind of my thought. It would basically be 8-12" up, lined up with the front rim, pointed down at a 45 degree angle or so in this setup. I wonder however, would a single 12" make that much of a difference on a 30x30x27?

A 12" fixture might not do a whole lot for you. I would personally do a 24" to add that extra pop.

 

[mojo~]

here is a quick pic with my droid. Ill take one with my regular camera. but you get the idea. This is a 4ft all blue, and 2 5ft t5's a KZ 14k and superblue