You haven't read the
spectrograph, have you?
There is more to a diode than simply a power ration. Spectrum, PAR, PUR, and CRI all play a role. There is no diode available from Cree or Luxeon that works for aquarium use that produces adequate violet, red, and orange spectrum. Orphek's diode has a spectral range of 400nm to 760nm, something no other diode offers, and due to the peaks, offers the highest PUR of any diode (simply quoting PAR is nearing "watts per gallon" in terms of uselessness...). This is why I'm a fan. Incidentally, the efficiency is 88 lm/W at 2 watts.
Too expensive? It's the same price as my Panorama fixture from Ecoxotic, and with at least double the output?
Have you tried putting Cree's over anything purple? It simply looks gray, or blue gray, or blue, which sucks for me, seeing as I've bought most Cree and luxeon based fixtures. Live and learn with new tech! ><
Overall, I'm a fan of LED lighting, and quality. Orphek happens to have the best of both right now (take apart their fixture, then take apart, say, an Aquaillumination fixture, and tell me which one will rust out internally first - being an avionics tech should give you an appreciation for quality components 'under the hood'), even if their product offering is currently limited, with them being a new company and all. If someone else comes along and makes a better diode, I'll be a fan of them. Until then...
