LED sugestions for 24x24x24

[billdogg]

The title pretty much says it. I was at the CORA fragswap today with my wife - she saw all sorts of pretty things that I just don't have the light. Currently (well, since 1992) I have used 3 x 24" VHO - ok for softies, but not much else. I would like to try my hand at the more light demanding corals.

I will consider DIY, but would just as soon go plug n play.

Suggestions???

 

[moondoggy4]

AI just lowered their prices so I would think a single AI Sole should work great. I believe the new price is 399 but this is until the existing stock runs out.

 

[rtparty]

24" Panorama PRO fixture with 5 modules. They should be out sometime in October is what I heard.

Wish I could post the link but Reef Builders is blocked on here. Just search google for "new panorama fixture is a skinny number".

 

[moondoggy4]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2070104 thanks rtparty for your suggestion

 

[125mph]

AI Sol Blues if you like proven technology. Many users on the board use them, lots of experience with the settings, and lots of great results to look at. As with any technology, there is a small percentage reporting bad results but I beleive its because of impatience or something just out flat wrong. Check out reefkeeper2's youtube video for some great results with the units dialed in correctly and properly light acclimated. Good news, they just dropped the price.

Ecotech Radions seems interesting and may be worth it. I like how the units look. Now, just have to wait to see how they perform in real aquariums.

I would stay far away from Ecoxotic Panoramas until the par numbers are out. Their last Panorama unit was barely pushing any par.. pretty much useless in a reef tank. Unless you are running mostly NPS, softies, or FOWLR it will be a disaster. RTp is one of the solo opinions pushing the Ecoxitics. Be careful.

All in all, look at the numbers. Check out the par and spectrum, and look at other member's results.

 

[125mph]

Check out this article from AdvancedAquarist regarding LED: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/5/aafeature2

The units were all reviewed last year so hopefully they will have a new review of the new units this year. As you can see, the ecoxotic's par numbers are abysmal. I really hope they step up their game this time around.

 

[cadre]

AI Sol if you have the cash. If not, look at the Kessil 150w. That's supposed to be a great led light and it would be just right for your tank. The Ecotech Radion would be an option as well if you wanted to spend the money.

And as far as Ecoxotic goes, the Cannons and the Par38s are awesome but the panoramas just don't use good enough leds. I've seen a lot of tanks with them and you can use them to grow some stuff but I wouldn't spend the money when you can get other units that are much better.

 

[125mph]

And as far as Ecoxotic goes, the Cannons and the Par38s are awesome but the panoramas just don't use good enough leds. I've seen a lot of tanks with them and you can use them to grow some stuff but I wouldn't spend the money when you can get other units that are much better.

+1... ecoxotic is trying to build the 'poor mans answer to LED'... Looks like their new pro unit works the same as the current panorama.. you buy strips and add it to the fixture.. pretty lame.

 

[rtparty]

AI Sol if you have the cash. If not, look at the Kessil 150w. That's supposed to be a great led light and it would be just right for your tank. The Ecotech Radion would be an option as well if you wanted to spend the money.

And as far as Ecoxotic goes, the Cannons and the Par38s are awesome but the panoramas just don't use good enough leds. I've seen a lot of tanks with them and you can use them to grow some stuff but I wouldn't spend the money when you can get other units that are much better.

So 3w CREEs aren't what you want to use? Hmm, I must have missed something.

PAR numbers are out for the new Panorama PRO modules. They were hitting over 240 PAR at a 24" depth. That is more than Ecotech can claim. Just sayin.

125mph doesn't like me because I give you actual experience and real numbers. There are alot more than just a few people having issues with AI LEDs. Go check out rouckymountainfrags.com. that guy is local to me and switched from an ATI powermodule to all AI LEDs over his own personal display tank. He lost almost everything in the tank. We are talking about $1000 colonies and more.

The overall look was very cold and he was very upset with them.

Go see some in person if you can. I am not the only one that likes Ecoxotic stuff.

 

[pmrossetti]

you guys are nutsos. Ecoxotic lghts are used by prof. aquariums.
and the new Panorama has par a plenty to grow anything.
and the spread and color is better than AI. and I like AI.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ne5HrAoD8fQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

and this is the old unit. the new one is much stronger
and prettier.

 

[125mph]

you guys are nutsos. Ecoxotic lghts are used by prof. aquariums.
and the new Panorama has par a plenty to grow anything.
and the spread and color is better than AI. and I like AI.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ne5HrAoD8fQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

and this is the old unit. the new one is much stronger
and prettier.

Published numbers don't lie.. You don't need to link a youtube video from a tank you've never seen.

50 par is 50 par.. = dead brown corals..

 

[rtparty]

Published numbers don't lie.. You don't need to link a youtube video from a tank you've never seen.

50 par is 50 par.. = dead brown corals..

Would you like to show proof that 50 PAR kills corals? I don't see many brown dead corals either. They tend to turn white.

You are also looking at old numbers. The original panorama was under driven, I will give you that but it kept corals just fine.

The new modules and fixtures are great choices overall. They offer a very modular design and great customer service.

 

[TheFishTeen]

EcoTech RADION!!!! If you haven't seen it, heard about or drooled over it, you've been stuck in a closet for the past month.

http://ecotechmarine.com/products/radion/

Straight from the Manufacturer:

Radion's superior quality and sleek design are a testament to EcoTech Marine's commitment to the best in aquarium technology.

The Radion XR30w is equipped with 34 energy-efficient LEDs in five controllable colors, hyper red, green, blue, royal blue and cool white. The Radion LED light is fully upgradeable -- specifically designed to be an evolving lighting solution. Radion is completely configurable via USB connectivity to set up advanced modes. Radion's wide light spread means more coverage and consistent color.

SPECIFICATIONS
EcoTech utilizes only the best of what's available in providing a functionally superior product. Five channels of high-efficiency, high-intensity LEDs represent the current best in purpose-designed LED lighting.

Dimensions:
Length: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
Width: 7 inches (18 cm)
Thickness: 1.5 inches (3.9 cm)
LED
8x Cree XP-G Cool White LEDs run at 5w each
8x Cree XP-E Blue LEDs run at 3w each
10x Cree XP-E Royal Blue LEDs run at 3w each
4x Cree XP-E Green LEDs run at 3w each
4x Osram Oslon SSL Hyper Red LEDs run at 3w each
FEATURES
More than just light fixtures, the Radion lighting line is specifically designed to be an evolving lighting solution. Full-spectrum, fully adjustable, upgradeable, advanced lighting conditions, wireless connectivity and much more.
34 energy-efficient LEDs
Fully adjustable for growth and appeal
Output optimized for PAR
Wide light spread
Minimal color banding
Fully upgradeable
Modular LED cluster, lens and driver assemblies
Capacitive touch exterior controls
Revolutionary heat sink design
Switching power supply
Evolving software and firmware
Smart multi-light wireless functionality
Easy import and export of saved modes
Real-time clock
Multiple light period programmable
WIRELESS ENABLED
Wouldn't it be cool if the Radion communicated wirelessly with other Radion units and coordinated with other EcoTech equipment?

Well, it does.

Radion comes equipped with EcoTech's custom-designed RF module. Radion lights will communicate with any EcoSmart "œw" enabled VorTech pumps in addition to any future equipment designed to work on the EcoSmart platform. Coordinated night mode, storms and other light- and water-synchronized features are what you can expect from the wireless functionality that comes standard with the Radion.

BATTERY BACKUP
Blizzard. Hurricane. A motorist hits a utility pole. Stuff happens. The power goes out"¦ the Radion is fully compatible with the EcoTech Battery Backup.

In the event of a power outage, lack of light energy over the aquarium results in corals switching from photosynthesis (producing oxygen) to respiration (consuming oxygen). When used with a Battery Backup accessory, the Radion emits low levels of light intended to prevent corals from respiring, and therefore; your Radion will help to maintain an oxygen-rich environment for your fish during this critical time period.

 

[Plato]

To get the coverage even AI website recommends two units for 24 x 24. I can't comment yet because I don't have them but I have two Radions on order. They are going on a 120. Its 48x 24 x 24. One for each 2' section. They have better light control. I should have them first of October and will post pics.

 

[rtparty]

The PAR at 21" under water with 8" mounting height above water is @70 so, thats why i am getting 4, they will overlap. so it will be @70+@70=@140PAR that should be what I get on my sand bed. If its over 110 i will be happy and not add the additional LED strips.

That's not how PAR works. You will probably be looking at around 100 PAR in the overlapped areas but even that is a guess. You would only see 140 if you doubled the output of a single light. Since the overlapped areas are off center, the light will be less.

No big deal though because 100 PAR is enough for any LPS.

 

[mike&kel]

That's what I was saying without saying it. Or trying to.

 

[chadfarmer]

So 3w CREEs aren't what you want to use? Hmm, I must have missed something.

PAR numbers are out for the new Panorama PRO modules. They were hitting over 240 PAR at a 24" depth. That is more than Ecotech can claim. Just sayin.

125mph doesn't like me because I give you actual experience and real numbers. There are alot more than just a few people having issues with AI LEDs. Go check out rouckymountainfrags.com. that guy is local to me and switched from an ATI powermodule to all AI LEDs over his own personal display tank. He lost almost everything in the tank. We are talking about $1000 colonies and more.

Go see some in person if you can. I am not the only one that likes Ecoxotic stuff.

a friend did this with a calcium reactor-- does that mean geos are bad calcium reactors

 

[chadfarmer]

look at the Ecoxotic cannons

 

[rtparty]

a friend did this with a calcium reactor-- does that mean geos are bad calcium reactors

No, user error is a huge portion of things that go wrong in this hobby.

But a calcium reactor and lights are different. I am sure your friend tuned in the reactor and things turned around. The guy tuned in the AIs and still had nothing but issues.

I haven't talked to him in a while but I think he got rid of the AIs. I will have to follow up.

 

[happysak]

125mph doesn't like me because I give you actual experience and real numbers.

So you are saying, that you did your own research (par measurements, spectral plots, spread pattern etc) and now sharing your results with us? Or you "just saying"