View Full Version : My new LED system
Xpilot
03/14/2011, 12:56 PM
Thought I’d share the new LEDs I got from my LFS. I am told they are equivalent to a 250HQi and should last from 5-10 years depending on use. They cost me $300 per unit, I was going to try two for my 150gal to start but I will need a 3rd due to too much shadowing. There is not an identifiable manufacturer name on them. The LFS has been using then for years on their coral display tanks. I don't have them up and running yet as I am in mid build of the canopy. I bought them at Fintastics in Jensen Beach, FL.
The label says:
LED Grow Light
Input Power:120W
Input Voltage: 85 ~ 265 Vac
Input Current: 0.6 ~ 1.0A
Ambient Temp.: -20 ~ +50C
Frequency: 50/60Hz
Tron87
03/14/2011, 01:57 PM
Holy canoly
nanojg
03/14/2011, 02:38 PM
How deep is your tank? I wonder how the penetration compares to 3 watt leds.
Xpilot
03/14/2011, 02:58 PM
My tank is 72x18x29. The only thing I have to compare it to is the Compact Fluorescents the tank came with, and I'd say its a huge improvement. I was told I probably shouldn't have clams that need lots of light in the sand bed on this deep of a tank, but they would do fine if placed higher up. When I purchased these I was comparing them to a 72" 150W HQi (x3) set and I figured that the cost of the fixture was only slightly more but the energy savings, cooling requirements and bulb cost of the HQi were no match to getting these LEDs, even if they weren't the best thing out there. Also I'm a beginner so in 5 years or so when I have to replace them the technology should be there to improve on what I have. Sorry I can't be very technical on these as I am a newbie, but I have had many experienced aquarists tell me that LEDs were expensive and these LEDS weren't so I went for it.
ron86hd
03/15/2011, 07:00 PM
WOW Can you find out the Name ? I would Like to Pick one or two of them up Look a like a very nice system
Midnightsun
03/15/2011, 07:06 PM
Those are the chinese ones found on ebay like this. http://cgi.ebay.com/120W-Aquarium-Coral-Reef-Tank-White-Blue-LED-Grow-Light-/280632899268?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41570636c4
b16drag
03/15/2011, 08:38 PM
I thought those guys had some windex color midnightsun.
lisafoster
03/16/2011, 06:01 AM
What aout the fact that they are only 1 watt. Is it ok because there are so many led's? I too am just learning about led's. I was under the impression they should be cree 3 watts.
nikonosis
03/16/2011, 07:05 AM
Those are the chinese ones found on ebay like this. http://cgi.ebay.com/120W-Aquarium-Coral-Reef-Tank-White-Blue-LED-Grow-Light-/280632899268?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41570636c4
If that's the case it sounds like his LFS ripped him off and charged him double...
GvineReefer
03/16/2011, 07:21 AM
The ones linked on Ebay are straight from China and you'd have to deal with buying overseas and any issues that came up would have to be dealt with by an overseas company. Shipping is $72, so you're up to $231. Is it worth spending a bit more and having someone to go to if you have an issue? I imagine the LFS that sold him these has some sort of warranty on them? If not, then maybe that's an issue. I used to have a very similar setup that I got from ReefKoi. Chris backed the product he sold and offered a great warranty and service. I never had issues with mine, so I think you'll be fine with this setup. I had mine over a 24" tall 90 and had no problems with the 2 clams I have on my sand bed. Your 150 is a bit deeper, but I still don't think you'll have any issues having clams on the bottom.
There are several companies that are selling them now, such as ReefKoi (www.reefkoi.com) and Exotic LED (www.exoticled.com), among others.
GR214
03/16/2011, 07:25 AM
I purchased a unit like this from reefkoi.com Love it.
scuzy
03/16/2011, 10:08 AM
Long as the product works for you it doesn't matter if it was MADE in CHINA or MADE in JAPAN. congrats on your new light.
nikonosis
03/16/2011, 10:16 AM
The ones linked on Ebay are straight from China and you'd have to deal with buying overseas and any issues that came up would have to be dealt with by an overseas company. Shipping is $72, so you're up to $231. Is it worth spending a bit more and having someone to go to if you have an issue? I imagine the LFS that sold him these has some sort of warranty on them? If not, then maybe that's an issue. I used to have a very similar setup that I got from ReefKoi. Chris backed the product he sold and offered a great warranty and service. I never had issues with mine, so I think you'll be fine with this setup. I had mine over a 24" tall 90 and had no problems with the 2 clams I have on my sand bed. Your 150 is a bit deeper, but I still don't think you'll have any issues having clams on the bottom.
There are several companies that are selling them now, such as ReefKoi (www.reefkoi.com) and Exotic LED (www.exoticled.com), among others.
If its anything like my LFS, it would be easier to deal with someone in China. My LFS has outrageous prices, doesn't know much about anything, and never has what I NEED in stock.
I just paid $50+ for 1 piece of live-rock from them, asked them if they had an auto shut off for my RODI unit and flow restrictor. They had no idea what a flow restrictor is and the auto shut off, they charged me $30 for. I can get the auto shut off online for $9...
Xpilot
03/16/2011, 10:47 AM
My LFS is pretty good, they seem to know their stuff and won't sell me anything without a water test and a rundown of what I have in the tank, something the others in the area won't do. Also where I live I'm sure there is a marked for LED Grow Lights as it is nicked named Pot St. Lucie for the number of grow houses, kind of like porn leading the way for a lot of internet based technologies. Like I posted earlier it was a much better option than the HQi for me and they really look great. Not sure about the warranty, probably void with salt water use anyway.
nikonosis
03/16/2011, 11:18 AM
My LFS is pretty good, they seem to know their stuff and won't sell me anything without a water test and a rundown of what I have in the tank, something the others in the area won't do. Also where I live I'm sure there is a marked for LED Grow Lights as it is nicked named Pot St. Lucie for the number of grow houses, kind of like porn leading the way for a lot of internet based technologies. Like I posted earlier it was a much better option than the HQi for me and they really look great. Not sure about the warranty, probably void with salt water use anyway.
Well if you're happy and they grow coral, that's all that matters.
Anemonebuff
03/16/2011, 11:57 AM
Long as the product works for you it doesn't matter if it was MADE in CHINA or MADE in JAPAN. congrats on your new light.
It only depends on what parts they are using, and that they are mounted and cooled properly. I would be suspect if they said they were using Cree LEDs and super high temp solder. They usually use cheaper, more readily available LEDs like Bridgelux LEDs(Which are not bad LEDs I might add). Some use lesser LEDs. You also have to look and see if they are mounted properly and if they use the proper heat sinks and fans.
scuzy
03/16/2011, 12:59 PM
I know what you mean but I was just saying that as long as it works and is not bad who really cares where it's made. There are some quality products out there from China you just got to pick the right one since you do get what you pay for. I just get annoy that a lot of people just auto assume that if a product is made in China it's automatically a inferior product.
Midnightsun
03/16/2011, 04:09 PM
I just get annoy that a lot of people just auto assume that if a product is made in China it's automatically a inferior product.
I mentioned it because that is where it is from and the next poster wanted a part #, not because it is bad coming from China. Personally I purchase most of my stuff from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and actually get very good products, unbelievable prices, and great service plus I save on taxes @15% here 99% of the time. Most of the time the warranty service is better than buying locally. It amazes me how several here can take a sentence and convert it to mean something entirely different.
wgood33
03/16/2011, 05:23 PM
3 of these panels = 360watts. Seems like alot for LED? No expert here.
scuzy
03/16/2011, 05:49 PM
Midnight i wasn't posting this against you. I am sorry if it sounded like it was toward you. I was just saying that i see a lot of posts on here regarding these LED and they just assume it's garbage without even trying them.
Xpilot
03/16/2011, 08:05 PM
3 of these panels = 360watts. Seems like alot for LED? No expert here.
I was trying to use 2 of them, but with the tank I have there is too much shadowing with the overflows and top structure.
Side note, chatted with the LFS today, I do get a 1 year warranty. According to his supplier they don't have a brand name on them yet because they are shipping them out so fast they don't want to tie up inventory being branded while they are in such demand. They will be branded when demand slows a little.
jmchzn123
03/17/2011, 01:38 AM
U realize from a marketing standpoint that makes no sense.......I'm just saying. Bottom line is the technology has been pretty stable. Changing but stable. I haven't heard too many complaints about QC. The main issues seem to be around controllers that we use to dim and program the lights. Also of course the watts and par. But they seem to always work. I was looking into Maxspect. They are from China and get great reviews. ....just saying enjoy the lights I'm sure they will be fine.
Xpilot
03/17/2011, 08:31 AM
U realize from a marketing standpoint that makes no sense.......I'm just saying. Bottom line is the technology has been pretty stable. Changing but stable. I haven't heard too many complaints about QC. The main issues seem to be around controllers that we use to dim and program the lights. Also of course the watts and par. But they seem to always work. I was looking into Maxspect. They are from China and get great reviews. ....just saying enjoy the lights I'm sure they will be fine.
I think it makes no sense too, but maybe the marketing department is on holiday?
Anemonebuff
03/17/2011, 08:44 AM
They are probably a small company in China that does not have the additional people to do marketing and they probably lack the necessary language skills to promote their product to an English speaking market.
Anemonebuff
03/17/2011, 08:50 AM
I know what you mean but I was just saying that as long as it works and is not bad who really cares where it's made. There are some quality products out there from China you just got to pick the right one since you do get what you pay for. I just get annoy that a lot of people just auto assume that if a product is made in China it's automatically a inferior product.
I'd venture to say, that besides AI and PacSun, most LED systems and PAR 30/38 bulbs are manufactured in China. That being said, China is also known for dumping crap on us by marketing it as something better. For fixtures like these it would be wise to check to see what is inside before you buy them. I, personally, would spend a tiny bit more and get the SWC LED system. They are a quality company, and I doubt they would just slap their name on something that is sub standard. Their name on it makes me believe that they will also back the product and make sure support is there for those who need it.
Anemonebuff
03/17/2011, 03:34 PM
No one said they are all bad. Unfortunately, many of these companies do not post the LEDs they use and will not provide specs. I would not use those fixtures based on that alone. China has sold us many low quality products, but you get what you pay for. The Chinese companies that produce good products have made themselves a place in the US market. Maxspect is made in China and is a quality product.
liquidplumber
03/17/2011, 06:12 PM
These units are not that bad and they hold up, I had 2 evolutions 14k for one off my tanks but wanted more blue so ended up going with 2 AI 75watt sol blues instead and they blow away those china led fixtures by a long shot with PAR and Lumens, my 2 75watt ai's are brighter than the 2 - 120 watt evolutions I had and I can dim the blue and whites to what I want.
I have had a Reef Finatics 120 watt pendent for a little over a year now on my other tank which is pretty much the same china fixtures sold on ebay, and Have Not had any problems with it.
These Pendents Are good to cover a 2' x 2' area so if your 150 gallon tank is 6' long you will need three to cover your tank.
Hopefully you can control the white and blue independently.
:wavehand:
olemiss reb
03/17/2011, 06:28 PM
I was discussing these lights with a buddy who owns a LFS, as he is the only LFS around that does not sell them. His cost if buying ten, which is the minimum order, is $75 per unit.
Acrotrdco
03/17/2011, 09:14 PM
These units are not that bad and they hold up, I had 2 evolutions 14k for one off my tanks but wanted more blue so ended up going with 2 AI 75watt sol blues instead and they blow away those china led fixtures by a long shot with PAR and Lumens, my 2 75watt ai's are brighter than the 2 - 120 watt evolutions I had and I can dim the blue and whites to what I want.
I have had a Reef Finatics 120 watt pendent for a little over a year now on my other tank which is pretty much the same china fixtures sold on ebay, and Have Not had any problems with it.
These Pendents Are good to cover a 2' x 2' area so if your 150 gallon tank is 6' long you will need three to cover your tank.
Hopefully you can control the white and blue independently.
:wavehand:
Totally agree with you, some of these lower end fixtures really lacks sufficient PAR output by using low output 1w LED bulbs.
On the other hand, not all Chinese made fixtures are lower end fixtures, the ones that I'm using (Maxspect) is a PAR monster with similar luminous output as the AI fixtures, see the thread below for some data, and I've been able to keep a SPS dominated tank quite successfully :spin3:
PAR:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1965294
Growth thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18501836
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.