View Full Version : reefbreeders photon V2 is OUT...reviews here.
Devaji108
02/02/2016, 01:50 AM
not sure if you guys know but the newest model of the Photon series form reefbreedres are out. so lets get some reviews going..
looks like the added alot of nice features such as:
slim design! only 1" think (my biggest complaint of older models they looked like tanks on the tank..:rollface: this light looks slim and sexy!
latest LEDS the V2 uses 5 watt Cree XT-E, and 3 watt Cree, Semi, and Osram diodes
6 dimming channels..
The exact dimming channel breakdown is as follows: Channel 1; 2 Osram 660nm Deep Red. Channel 2; 2 Semi LED 520nm Green. Channel 3; 12 Cree XT-E 450nm Royal Blue. Channel 4: 10 Cree XT-E 55000K Neutral White. Channel 5: 8 Cree XP-E 480nm Cool Blue. Channel 6: 10 Semi LED 420nm Violet, for a total of 44 5 watt and 3 watt LEDs. Each light includes 120 degree optics on the reds/greens, and 90 degree optics on the remaining LEDs.
extruded aluminum case. nice touch
wireless controller
they claim and go through a canopy. we will se about that. personally i think i would have like an app on my phone. but let see how this pans out. still a cool feature.
I hope to get my hands on a unit soon to do a hands on write up and review!
so if you guys have em lets here your thoughts and reviews
:beer:
RockOn681
02/02/2016, 08:55 AM
Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.
gcarroll
02/02/2016, 09:55 AM
I actually think the fixture is pretty good looking. It's about time the famous "Black Box LED" is retired. I hope to never see a black box LED again as long as I live. Baased on the layout it seems like it might be "Saturday Night Fever" going on in your tank. That aside, It was very wide angle lenses which is great IMO.
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/262236993191-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
Devaji108
02/02/2016, 10:56 AM
Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.
this is a good question. one I cant answer at this time.
Devaji108
02/02/2016, 10:59 AM
gcaroll I was wondering about the disco effect to and how high one would need to mount it.
hopefully someone will chie in.
BIGCYCS805
02/02/2016, 11:02 AM
this is a good question. one I cant answer at this time.
Evergrow has the same light on there site its the it-aqua model i couldnt find any info on theyre layout though to compare to reefbreeders or price
Devaji108
02/02/2016, 11:42 AM
^ good to know!
AZRippster
02/02/2016, 12:38 PM
It's another black-box in sheep's clothing ready for re-branding. They are the Evergrow AquaOcean series. I've seen them online in stores from Russia, UK, France, and Spain. I'm sure there are others as well. Google Evergrow IT5080. Give it a bit and they will likely show up on ebay and Aliexpress.
gcarroll
02/02/2016, 01:12 PM
gcaroll I was wondering about the disco effect to and how high one would need to mount it.
hopefully someone will chie in.Without having one in hand, there is no way for me to tell. I can however say that when LEDs are closer together they have a better chance to blend and reduce the disco effect.
ca1ore
02/02/2016, 04:05 PM
I wonder if these dim down better than the older models. Still looking for a LED fixture that will dim down to zero. Maybe its not possible, dunno. That'd be the only thing that would get me to upgrade absent the failure of my current units. Picture posted does not match the LED description in the OP though?
Devaji108
02/02/2016, 06:10 PM
yup thats the one...
dartier
02/02/2016, 08:18 PM
Looks like the Evergrow version has nowhere near as many 420nm LEDs in the layout as the Reef Breeders version. Also uses Cool white instead of Neutral White and has Indigo LEDs (that the Reef Breeder foregoes) ... although hard to say what spectrum they are for sure. I hate when manufacturers use names rather than specifying the frequency range!!
Personally I would go for the Reef Breeders version over the Evergrow based on the use of Neutral White and more 420nm LEDs.
Dennis
doradosteve
02/02/2016, 08:54 PM
Seems like a nice upgrade!
ca1ore
02/02/2016, 09:56 PM
yup thats the one...
Went and looked. The description you pasted in the first post is for the smaller light, not the one pictured.
Devaji108
02/03/2016, 07:56 AM
yeah I was looking at the 24" V2..
but same light...haha
jrp1588
02/03/2016, 10:22 AM
6 Channels huh? I sure hope the programming is less fiddly than on their regular photon models.
kjardine519
02/03/2016, 01:30 PM
Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol!
jrp1588
02/03/2016, 01:33 PM
Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol!
I hear ya there. I bought 3 photon 16's in preparation for my 125gal build months before their wireless series came out. I still don't have the tank up yet (but I'm REALLY close), and now these come out. Should have just waited. Oh well.
gcarroll
02/03/2016, 09:03 PM
Well Interzoo is in a few months and lots of new products will debut there! It's only every two years so sometimes it pays to wait!
Drummond
02/04/2016, 01:19 PM
these look nice..I wonder how well a 16" would cover a 24" cube? 24" would probably have too much light spillover right?
kjardine519
02/04/2016, 02:49 PM
I believe these are using 90deg optics so light spill should be minimal. As far as I know the photon 16 series was always recommended for a 24*24 sps tank! 8-10 inches above the waterline.
therealkilo
02/04/2016, 05:04 PM
Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol!
My issue is the reverse. I just bought one and this one came out. :( Photon-48 w
Oh well.
Devaji108
02/04/2016, 10:14 PM
these look nice..I wonder how well a 16" would cover a 24" cube? 24" would probably have too much light spillover right?
I asked Logan if a 24" would work over a 36" x24 and he said it would.
aznflyfisherman
02/05/2016, 01:01 PM
I dont' think the 24 inch is too much for a 24 inch cube, becuase they are dimmable so you have the options to dial it down, plus if you ever upgrade to a bigger tank you can still use it. I might get the 24 for my 60 cube as well, but it might not fit under my canopy. Still debating...hahaha.
Drummond
02/05/2016, 01:10 PM
I spoke to Logan and he said to go with the 16" for a 24" cube. The mounting arms will not fit with the 24" light.
fernalfer
02/05/2016, 07:26 PM
Now the original photon 48 is $439.00 the V2's are $649. I was looking to by the original photon 48, but now the V2's are out. contemplating if the $200 price difference is really going to make it worth while on my tank.
Devaji108
02/07/2016, 10:19 AM
^ it all depends on if you want slimmer and sexier with the 6 channels. I have not owned any RB LEDs but the new V2 is sure making it to the top of this list for my new 90..
anyone got one of these yet?
BIGCYCS805
02/07/2016, 11:25 AM
Now the original photon 48 is $439.00 the V2's are $649. I was looking to by the original photon 48, but now the V2's are out. contemplating if the $200 price difference is really going to make it worth while on my tank.
I had a reef breeders photon 48 ran no problems the only thing I didn't like was the programmability in my eyes it needed more channels and be able to dim from 0 to 100 which is one of my reasons for getting an LEDzeal I really didn't like the instant brightness from moon lights to regular blue my LEDzeal has 4 channels dimmable from 0 to 100%. If they make this in a 60 inch version like my current ledzeal I might have to swoop me up one I would love to be able to dim every color on its own. If I had to make the choice from previously owning a photon 48 I would get the v2 it looks so much better plus I love hanging my lights over my tank open top and the v2 looks so much sexier
Devaji108
02/09/2016, 12:26 AM
^ nice! I was looking in to leadZeal a while back...yeah the V2 dose look good right!
Devaji108
02/11/2016, 06:27 PM
so does anyone have the V2 yet? really really thinking about it...
Ron Reefman
02/12/2016, 06:57 AM
I like the info on this new version as well. But the price is starting (just starting) to get up into the range of the crazy overpriced brand name fixtures like EcoTech. I have been using 2 EverGrow IT2080 fixtures and an EG IT2040 fixture over my 180g sps/lps reef and 75g Gorgonian tanks for 3+ years now and they have been great!
But I like the new version for the fact that based on wattage and number of leds that the blues outnumber the whites by more than 2:1. I also like the fact that every color is controllable. The down side is, if you want to reset your entire 24 hour color program it will take 30 to 45 minutes per fixture (and I have 3 spread out over 2 tanks).
My big hope is that the new remote would allow me to stand back and do all 3 at one time which I can't do with my current remote. But then what if I want to do something different, like a sunrise and sunset that moves over the tank (silly idea but I've read of some people doing it). Then each fixture would have to be programmed individually... what a time consuming PITA!
They need a better system. OceanRevive previewed one that you could ID each fixture and do the programming in the remote and then 'dump' the program into the fixture. But they had issues with the supplier about fixing some minor issues and the whole thing fell apart. As is common in China, there wasn't enough volume to justify the cost of improving the product. EverGrow, the final product manufacturer, and ReefBreeders along with OceanRevive and ReefRadiance (the re-sellers I know for sure) need to apply some pressure to a Chinese company to produce such a controller and remote system. If it had that remote I'd buy 3 of these tomorrow!
Sonyardo
02/12/2016, 07:25 PM
I've been holding out and waiting on the Supernova, but as soon as I can scrape up 6 fiddy, I think i'm gonna squeeze the trigger on the V2. By then maybe there will be some positive real world reviews on them ;)
Devaji108
02/13/2016, 01:55 AM
the supernova been "coming soon" for quite a while now has't it?
yeah the V2 do look pretty sweet. I am surprised no one on here as gotten one yet...
Rcj520
02/13/2016, 07:13 PM
the supernova been "coming soon" for quite a while now has't it?
yeah the V2 do look pretty sweet. I am surprised no one on here as gotten one yet...
I just bought the photon 32 v2. Should be here withing the week.
saltmeup
02/14/2016, 12:49 AM
Do these ship to Canada and how many should be used over a 48 inch 90 gallon.
I'm seriously looking for lights and the Maspect, hydra 52 and Radions are light I'm looking at .....tough to decide .....sps dominant tank
Ron Reefman
02/14/2016, 08:22 AM
My concern for the new V2 Photons is the drop in total power for the blue channel.
In the old Photon 32 for example, there is 210 watts (we'll use 3 watts /led even if they are running at 2.2 watts) of blue and violet. There is 66 watts of white. That's just shy of a 3.2:1 ratio of blue to white.
In the 32-V2 there is 184 watts of blue and violet and 80 watts of white. That's exactly a 2.3:1 ratio of blue to white.
Since I already run my originals at 100% blue and 50% white, I think the V-2 will be even a bigger spread between blue and white?
Anybody have an opinion?
csb123
02/14/2016, 10:15 AM
I'd like to hear from someone who is running one.
Devaji108
02/14/2016, 12:45 PM
I just bought the photon 32 v2. Should be here withing the week.
nice! plz do keep us posted. I think there are a few of us waiting on more of hands on review. i know I am..
Devaji108
02/14/2016, 12:46 PM
My concern for the new V2 Photons is the drop in total power for the blue channel.
In the old Photon 32 for example, there is 210 watts (we'll use 3 watts /led even if they are running at 2.2 watts) of blue and violet. There is 66 watts of white. That's just shy of a 3.2:1 ratio of blue to white.
In the 32-V2 there is 184 watts of blue and violet and 80 watts of white. That's exactly a 2.3:1 ratio of blue to white.
Since I already run my originals at 100% blue and 50% white, I think the V-2 will be even a bigger spread between blue and white?
Anybody have an opinion?
Ron thats a good point. hopefully we will see real world feedback soon!
dread240
02/14/2016, 04:06 PM
fiddling with a 32" v2 right now over a 40 breeder keeping my system on life support till the new tank arrives
so far I like it, but I'm just now messing around with it
Devaji108
02/14/2016, 11:18 PM
^ nice tell us a lil about it.
pic too!
does it dim down to 0 or go off at 10%?
hows the blue to white ratio?
dread240
02/15/2016, 09:55 AM
definitely dims to 0 I have no other controller on the system right now and the light turns off on it's own
Honestly I think the blue/white ratio is perfect. With everything maxed out I get kinda of a 12k-14kish look, back off on the whites/greens a bit and you get that real pleasent blue hue
Devaji108
02/15/2016, 12:52 PM
we will be waiting for a full review and write up then. :D
with lots of pics and or videos!!
dread240
02/15/2016, 01:15 PM
we will be waiting for a full review and write up then. :D
with lots of pics and or videos!!
Meh it's not gonna be anything fancy. I bought this light for my future frag tank, but right now it's on a temp tank holding some live rock and a few fish while I get prepared to do the 7 footer in the wall. It's a hater, a hob filter and a tunze 6095.
Few corals are still kicking it so we'll see how they do with this light
trueperc
02/15/2016, 02:57 PM
Very interest in this new fixture. Just curious what kind of real world coverage and is there a decent shimmer or is it more like a T5 flat look?
dread240
02/15/2016, 08:47 PM
Very interest in this new fixture. Just curious what kind of real world coverage and is there a decent shimmer or is it more like a T5 flat look?
I can tell you buying the 32 for my 36' tank was kind of overkill. I have light spilling on each end. I could see the 32 covering a 4' tank fine.
There is pretty good shimmer on it. I'm going to try and get some videos tomorrow but I don't even have internet yet at this house and my future fish room was used by the previous owners as the land of forgotten christmas decorations so it's a hot mess in there :lolspin:
Devaji108
02/15/2016, 10:25 PM
^ I was wondering the same I asked logan he did recommend the 24" for my 36x24x24.
we look forward to the video!
cbodey
02/19/2016, 09:15 PM
I just bought the 48 v2 for my 90 gallon tank that i just started yesterday. i used a orbit current 48 and after seeing the light and the few corals it would keep i took the light back. So far its cycling with all 90 pounds of live rock and black sand. So by next friday i will have it in hand and installed :dance:
cbodey
02/19/2016, 09:35 PM
test
Devaji108
02/20/2016, 01:06 AM
Nice! well keep us posted plz
oldbones
02/20/2016, 01:17 AM
I can tell you buying the 32 for my 36' tank was kind of overkill. I have light spilling on each end. I could see the 32 covering a 4' tank fine.
There is pretty good shimmer on it. I'm going to try and get some videos tomorrow but I don't even have internet yet at this house and my future fish room was used by the previous owners as the land of forgotten christmas decorations so it's a hot mess in there :lolspin:
Thank you for that, I have been pondering the 32" or 24" to go over my 34" 56g tank.
cbodey
02/20/2016, 01:35 AM
Will do
oldbones
03/02/2016, 11:54 AM
Nobody has one in hand yet?
Devaji108
03/03/2016, 10:51 AM
I have seen a few ppl on here with them..and I will be getting one in a week or two.
from what I see ppl really like them, but with the 6 channels of control there a lot to play with. the good and bad a guess. so setting up your custon program might take some thinking...
vjhjk
03/03/2016, 11:28 AM
http://s.coop/1xskm Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.
Ron Reefman
03/03/2016, 07:23 PM
http://s.coop/1xskm Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.
It's made by EverGrow with the led layout by ReefBreeders. The EG unit has less blue and more white, why, I don't understand!
gcarroll
03/03/2016, 11:30 PM
It's made by EverGrow with the led layout by ReefBreeders. The EG unit has less blue and more white, why, I don't understand!That would be because in the rest of the world, they like their tanks using whiter light. I have talked to several European companies who all claim that blue dominated fixtures just don't sell as well there.
paul87
03/05/2016, 09:40 AM
Got my 24 v2 the other day. It is nice. It has a really good shimmer compared to my old 120 black box. Here are some cell phone shots at about half intensity.
http://i.imgur.com/o0CVgIu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sAKOv7q.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/P3hYUfT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/54rptfB.jpg
paul87
03/05/2016, 09:42 AM
Woods didn't mean for those photos to be so huge! Here is a real quick look at them and the shimmer they produce. Once again it's at half intensity.
https://youtu.be/7OrkmviUQ9Y
oldbones
03/05/2016, 10:39 AM
How does the shimmer in your video compare to what you see in person?
Devaji108
03/05/2016, 02:30 PM
nice thanks for posting the vid. I know it will help alot of reefers out.
yeah those are big pics haha
I was wondering what the controller looked like..again thanks
paul87
03/05/2016, 07:25 PM
How does the shimmer in your video compare to what you see in person?
It's pretty much the same in person.
paul87
03/05/2016, 07:27 PM
nice thanks for posting the vid. I know it will help alot of reefers out.
yeah those are big pics haha
I was wondering what the controller looked like..again thanks
Not a problem. I'd like to see some more reviews on these lights along with the programming they chose.
oreo57
03/05/2016, 09:48 PM
Ok.. a confusing point..
Channel 2; 4 Semi LED 520nm Green.
Is listed in the "description"..
BUT if you download the "pattern"
Semi 3w 495nm
So which do they use? Green or Cyan?
paul87
03/05/2016, 09:53 PM
Ok.. a confusing point..
Is listed in the "description"..
BUT if you download the "pattern"
So which do they use? Green or Cyan?
Channel 2 is definitely green.
Sonyardo
03/05/2016, 09:56 PM
Tagging along for updates :)
dread240
03/06/2016, 11:33 AM
They use the cyan
paul87
03/06/2016, 01:13 PM
They use the cyan
Mine are green. Here it is with just channel 2 on.
http://i.imgur.com/E4MAU33.jpg
This would be cyan.
http://i.imgur.com/P2IidCr.jpg
paul87
03/06/2016, 01:22 PM
Unless there version of cyan is really green looking?
It would be nice if led builders only advertised their diode layouts in terms of wavelength. Not color name. It confuses the customer and gives them license to mis label a diode intentionally to make their fixtures sound more appealing. Like calling violet "ultra violet" or green "cyan".
Devaji108
03/06/2016, 04:50 PM
anyway you can resize those pics?
paul87
03/06/2016, 05:26 PM
anyway you can resize those pics?
I can from my computer, but not my phone. I will repost some photos an appropriate size when I can. Kinda wish this forum would do that automatically like others.
oreo57
03/06/2016, 06:09 PM
Eyeballs are not very good to figure this out here..
and many "cyan" flavors grade pretty close to the green look..
I sampled your photo (nowhere near definitive and depends on a LOT of different digital "trickery") and the green has a heavy blue component.
wrote to RB's yesterday, will hopefully get a definitive answer
http://www.qualiteitems.com/images/photv2.jpg
paul87
03/06/2016, 06:54 PM
Logan from Reef Breeders told me there will be wider optics available soon. Thought I would share that.
paul87
03/06/2016, 06:56 PM
Eyeballs are not very good to figure this out here..
and many "cyan" flavors grade pretty close to the green look..
I sampled your photo (nowhere near definitive and depends on a LOT of different digital "trickery") and the green has a heavy blue component.
wrote to RB's yesterday, will hopefully get a definitive answer
http://www.qualiteitems.com/images/photv2.jpg
Thanks for sharing! To the naked eye (or mine anyways) I just see green. I suppose there could be a big variation of cyan ranging from a smidgen of blue to slot more.
oreo57
03/06/2016, 10:19 PM
Well I got an answer...
Hi,
They are 520nm Green LEDs, the layout on the site is what was submitted to the engineers, but 495nm diodes could not be sourced in the required wattage.
so no, no cyan.............
paul87
03/08/2016, 07:16 PM
anyway you can resize those pics?
Hopefully this works.
http://i.imgur.com/o0CVgIul.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sAKOv7ql.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/54rptfBl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/NSmM5cml.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/oqWjI61l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/NOdoVsQl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/E4MAU33l.jpg
oldbones
03/08/2016, 08:55 PM
Whoa, looking good!!! I bet you just sold a few V2's!
paul87
03/11/2016, 08:34 PM
Whoa, looking good!!! I bet you just sold a few V2's!
Thanks! I'm pretty happy with it so far. Here is a photo I took tonight in my last setting before lights off.
http://i.imgur.com/sQy3PrHl.jpg
david_lee
03/11/2016, 10:18 PM
Does the v2 led give out any disco ball effect?.
Ron Reefman
03/12/2016, 05:28 AM
Does the v2 led give out any disco ball effect?.
Good question David. I don't have one... yet, but if it does, you have control of every color so you can dim or turn off the red and green leds and still run everything else. My original version does have some red and green shadow lining which really doesn't bother me. Almost any led fixture with leds spread out all over the face and just a couple of red and green leds will almost always have red and green shadow lines.
http://www.evergrowlighting.com/en/displayproduct.asp?proid=49
Similar as the previous generations were. Same formula. Product from the manufacturer over seas, customized color layout though, with domestic customer service and warranty. Nothing wrong with any of that. It's still a pretty good price point considering what is available by the competition. I'd be interested to see the guys and heat sink on this thing. That would be the real deal breaker as that was what most would consider the biggest weak point of the last generation.
I think with a decent heat sink, and possibly upgraded fans and drivers this could probably go toe to toe with many other top shelf offerings from a quality of materials standpoint
DavidinGA
03/12/2016, 09:35 AM
Waiting for eBay versions at 20%+ off reef breeder prices...
I'm sure Mars Aqua will have their version of the 16" available soon for $125
Ron Reefman
03/12/2016, 11:20 AM
Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.
This is made by EG and has a custom led layout designed by ReefBreeders.
Waiting for eBay versions at 20%+ off reef breeder prices...
EG's version is more white and less blue.
I'm sure Mars Aqua will have their version of the 16" available soon for $125
I'm pretty sure MarsAqua isn't made by EG.
aaron1129
03/12/2016, 11:58 AM
My reef shop just switch and 8 bulb t-5 fixtures over there frag tanks to these lights they look nice and the owner told me that they are great lights.
paul87
03/12/2016, 12:15 PM
It does 'disco' to an extent if the green and reds are turned up high, but overall it's fairly even. Here is a quick video I made on my phone (quality was lost once uploaded). It's short, but I do turn it to sunny mode which I have every channel on 100%.
https://youtu.be/cI-k9KHzuSg
paul87
03/12/2016, 12:17 PM
Also Reef Breeders released the PAR ratings on the V2's as well. Here is the 24" that I have.
http://i.imgur.com/0nF4YeC.jpg
paul87
03/12/2016, 12:44 PM
Is the evergrow one not available for purchase yet from their site? Or do they sell primarily through eBay?
Devaji108
03/12/2016, 12:54 PM
thanks for the video! glad you like your V2.
kellerexpress
03/12/2016, 06:27 PM
discoball city
DavidinGA
03/12/2016, 06:53 PM
It does 'disco' to an extent if the green and reds are turned up high, but overall it's fairly even. Here is a quick video I made on my phone (quality was lost once uploaded). It's short, but I do turn it to sunny mode which I have every channel on 100%.
https://youtu.be/cI-k9KHzuSg
Wow that looks like crap. Hopefully it's exaggerated on you recording and not like that in person...
paul87
03/12/2016, 07:14 PM
Yea it really glitched up from the upload for some reason. It does have a strong shimmer, but not as bad as the video makes it look.
Ron Reefman
03/13/2016, 06:50 AM
The PAR graph is very, very similar to my experience with my custom led layout in my 3 year old EverGrow IT2080's. And it's hard to tell given the really bad quality of the video, but my guess is the 5w Crees make for a bit more shimmer than the very even aray of 99 3w leds in my fixture.
fguui
03/13/2016, 07:20 AM
this is a good question. one I cant answer at this time. http://financeisok.com/loan/images/37.gif
http://financeisok.com/loan/images/39.gif
http://financeisok.com/loan/images/50.gif
biecacka
03/13/2016, 07:47 PM
Do these have any preset acclimation modes or anything like that?
The par numbers are great but are they with all LEDs at full blast or in a specific spectrum? I like the look but am curious about any preset functions available. I like the acclimation mode thing.
Corey
paul87
03/13/2016, 08:35 PM
Do these have any preset acclimation modes or anything like that?
The par numbers are great but are they with all LEDs at full blast or in a specific spectrum? I like the look but am curious about any preset functions available. I like the acclimation mode thing.
Corey
They are probably readings at full blast, but that's just my guess. Really need to try to find a par meter and see for myself. Not really any preset modes, but programming is simple. Set 6 channels for every hour. I started mine of at about 50% Max, now I'm up to 80% Max. A few Zoas closed up but all is well now.
paul87
03/13/2016, 08:37 PM
The PAR graph is very, very similar to my experience with my custom led layout in my 3 year old EverGrow IT2080's. And it's hard to tell given the really bad quality of the video, but my guess is the 5w Crees make for a bit more shimmer than the very even aray of 99 3w leds in my fixture.
I'll try to get a better video up using my camera instead of phone soon.
TangingOut
03/14/2016, 01:02 AM
Ok, no preset modes, but are there presets that you can program?
DavidinGA
03/14/2016, 11:42 AM
So if we're already running eBay boxes what is the real benefits to this upgrade in terms of spectrum/par (not interested in bells and whistles)?
Devaji108
03/14/2016, 12:27 PM
I dont have either, ( yet) but I'll jump in to your question David.
the 1st think that comes to mind is the size.
the new V2 are sexy and sleek. the older photons and other "black boxes" where just to big and bulky for me. not an issue if your running a canopy. but on my new rimless I wanted maybe even needed a good looking light.
2nd is the 6 channels of controllability. you can really Dial in your custom spectrum.
more thing to fine tune. for better or worse
3rd is the cree LEDs. now this can be debated and by now means I am a LED guru here but I think most ppl will accept that crees are a better led. less leds but better quality seam like a steep up.
now is this worth an upgrade if you have working black boxes and you love them? maybe not, especially if you dont care the bells and whistles.
biecacka
03/14/2016, 04:53 PM
2nd is the 6 channels of controllability. you can really Dial in your custom spectrum.
more thing to fine tune. for better or worse
If not careful I personally think the multiple channels to program can be for the worse. We can't really see the spectrum and know it's ability to grow or burn. A friend of mine from a LFS stopped by to see my tank last week for the first time. He almost immediately says, that's a lot of red in your lighting. I tweaked the red and the UV and things looked better within days. Now we will wait and see long term of it but the coral reacted rather quickly in a positive matter. However the tank does look noticeably different to me. Maybe I say a little dimmer.
Corey
fernalfer
03/14/2016, 04:55 PM
Was thinking of purchasing the 48 photon V2's but there aren't many reviews out there. I want LEDs for my 120 gallon but do not want to spend anymore then $650.00 and these are right there.
paul87
03/14/2016, 07:08 PM
Was thinking of purchasing the 48 photon V2's but there aren't many reviews out there. I want LEDs for my 120 gallon but do not want to spend anymore then $650.00 and these are right there.
I am happy with my 24. Switched over from a 120w black box (just blue and white, not full spectrum). All the corals seem to like it so far. The shimmer is ridiculous compared to the 3w bridgelux in my old unit.
TangingOut
03/15/2016, 11:42 AM
Ok, no preset modes, but are there presets that you can program?
Can someone with these lights answer this?
For example my lights have a DIY1(every day use) DIY 2(I use this for coral acclimation) and manual(I use this for taking pictures). There's also Sunrise, cloud, and storm which I never use.
fernalfer
03/15/2016, 03:58 PM
Is the shimmer a nice shimmer? Or does it give the disco ball effect?
oldbones
03/15/2016, 04:08 PM
The only video I've seen of the V2 unfortunately made it look a bit obnoxious. However, that user may have had the red and green running at high percentages, that will make it much worse.
oldbones
03/15/2016, 04:12 PM
Woods didn't mean for those photos to be so huge! Here is a real quick look at them and the shimmer they produce. Once again it's at half intensity.
https://youtu.be/7OrkmviUQ9Y
Here's the vid...
paul87
03/15/2016, 05:29 PM
I'm trying guys! Lol. Here is one I shot using my camera instead of my phone. Unfortunately my camera isn't a whole lot better than my phone. The reds and greens are on, but lower than the blues and whites. I think at the time I shot it the blues and whites are around 50% and the green and red is around 30%. Recording this light with my cameras seems to enhance the disco/shimmer slot for some reason. It is there, just not as bad as the camera records it.
https://youtu.be/L-5exIALQWU
paul87
03/15/2016, 05:32 PM
Can someone with these lights answer this?
For example my lights have a DIY1(every day use) DIY 2(I use this for coral acclimation) and manual(I use this for taking pictures). There's also Sunrise, cloud, and storm which I never use.
Yes there is 1 custom mode that you can program to whatever you want, every hour. There is also 3 preset modes (sunny, cloudy, & moon) that can be programmed to what you want. Then there is the manual mode, which is manual.
paul87
03/15/2016, 05:34 PM
Is the shimmer a nice shimmer? Or does it give the disco ball effect?
If the greens are reds are up, yea it's a little disco-like. But not bad looking IMO. I think the shimmer is pretty nice. Again, my opinion.
fernalfer
03/15/2016, 06:59 PM
If the greens are reds are up, yea it's a little disco-like. But not bad looking IMO. I think the shimmer is pretty nice. Again, my opinion.
Believe me i like shimmer as well but just not too crazy. That wasn't to bad in the video.
oldbones
03/17/2016, 12:09 AM
Thank you for the pics and vids!
Devaji108
03/21/2016, 06:25 PM
excited going to order my V2 this week! tank is coming together...
i'll be sure to do a full write up on it with lots of pics and such!
paul87
03/21/2016, 08:39 PM
excited going to order my V2 this week! tank is coming together...
i'll be sure to do a full write up on it with lots of pics and such!
Nice! Send me a little link to the build.
bif24701
03/22/2016, 08:15 AM
I am considering the 48 V2 Photon. Looks like a good fixture for my 75
Devaji108
03/22/2016, 02:39 PM
from what I have read talked to Logan and a few other reefers that would give you room to grow just in case you went with a 5 foot tank down the road.
Devaji108
03/30/2016, 02:04 PM
OK guys as the OP I thought I would give an update just got my 24" V2 in today.
the box:
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_125851.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_125851.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_125851.jpg"/></a>
opened up:
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130012.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130012.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130012.jpg"/></a>
controller box:
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130111.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130111.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130111.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130227.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130227.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130227.jpg"/></a>
Devaji108
03/30/2016, 02:07 PM
unboxed controller:
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130344.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130344.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130344.jpg"/></a>
light in the box:
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130710.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130710.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130710.jpg"/></a>
side view. supper sexy. i love the gold trim.
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130841.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130841.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130841.jpg"/></a>
a view of the underside:
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_130937.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_130937.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_130937.jpg"/></a>
the driver its a nice size.
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160330_131030.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160330_131030.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160330_131030.jpg"/></a>
Devaji108
03/30/2016, 02:11 PM
so far I am loving this light. of course I just opened it up. more of a review and pics to fallow. hope it helps other reefers out there in ReefLandia :D
Kbel1969
03/31/2016, 01:33 AM
Interested to see more pics of these lights. I'm looking at these for a 48" tank. Anybody have an idea on a size that would provide good coverage?
Want these. Wish they had a trade in program. I can't afford new lights.
whosurcaddie
03/31/2016, 09:47 AM
Subbed want to see some updates on the 48" fixtures. Seriously considering these to replace the black boxes.
Devaji108
03/31/2016, 10:23 AM
i'll get more pics and more in depth review in the next cpl days guys. I am filling my tank up now. you all now the long process of filtering RODI...
bent yeah I hear ya buddy I never got there 1st photon or any black box for that matter as there where just to big. was so excited that a sexy slim version came out.
Kbel from what I understand is for a 48" tank the 32" model should work fine but if in doubt get the 48" ask Logan what he thinks in there sponsor forum. what type of tank are you planing?
Kbel1969
03/31/2016, 09:46 PM
Thanks Deva. I'm building my first SW, mostly lps to start with, until I get some experience, and some basic fish to start, and the sps once I feel I have some comfort and knowledge. I would like to have a fixture capable of handling everything for down the road though. I was honestly thinking of going just strictly t-5 to start. Was looking at a pacific sun diuna 8 bulb unit, and maybe add a strip of led down the line. Kinda up in the air on what to do
Devaji108
03/31/2016, 10:40 PM
oh yeah many of reefers, me including have put hours and hours in to finding the "right" light!
good luck!
DavidinGA
04/01/2016, 07:54 AM
Thanks Deva. I'm building my first SW, mostly lps to start with, until I get some experience, and some basic fish to start, and the sps once I feel I have some comfort and knowledge. I would like to have a fixture capable of handling everything for down the road though. I was honestly thinking of going just strictly t-5 to start. Was looking at a pacific sun diuna 8 bulb unit, and maybe add a strip of led down the line. Kinda up in the air on what to do
fwiw....Lots of pro's/con's to different light options, but the huge plus to going T5 is that it's a foolproof setup that won't leave you guessing later down the road..."I wonder if its my lights that are the problem"
I'm running leds +T5's and I'm still not convinced that my leds are performing like I want. I keep considering tossing up some MH's and never have to worry about the lights being an issue again...
Geotut
04/01/2016, 05:38 PM
Ok so I just got my Photon 16-V2 2 days ago and I'm having trouble programming my custom mode... I can get it to save in the setup part of the program but I can't get it to actually run the program. Has anyone else been able to customize and run it? What am I doing wrong???
Kbel1969
04/01/2016, 06:38 PM
I've been reading all these threads, and you get so many different opinions, but the one I see most often is that t-5 is still the best option, or a hybrid. I think my head is spinning even more than it was before! Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate any information I can get.
paul87
04/01/2016, 09:39 PM
Ok so I just got my Photon 16-V2 2 days ago and I'm having trouble programming my custom mode... I can get it to save in the setup part of the program but I can't get it to actually run the program. Has anyone else been able to customize and run it? What am I doing wrong???
After you select it scroll all the way down and select 'return'. Also when programming, wait for the flashing light to stop blinking to know it has saved.
bowfrontboy
04/02/2016, 12:44 AM
Those lights are nice
Geotut
04/02/2016, 07:05 AM
After you select it scroll all the way down and select 'return'. Also when programming, wait for the flashing light to stop blinking to know it has saved.
I think I got it now... Apparently I was really over complicating this. I can't believe it was that simple. Thanks for the help!
paul87
04/02/2016, 02:39 PM
I think I got it now... Apparently I was really over complicating this. I can't believe it was that simple. Thanks for the help!
Yep, pretty simple. No problem. :)
paul87
04/06/2016, 04:57 PM
So far these photon V2's seem pretty legit to me. I'm enjoying mine. Things are slowly adjusting to them at 80% (5w whites) max. I really doubt I will bring it above that as some zoas were'nt digging the intense light. I swithed from a 120w black box with blues and whites only that was ran maxed out at 100% (there was no dimmer on my old fuxture). I'm very curious to see what others are running there light schedules at with these fixtures as well as how high above tank and intensity. Am I the only one currently running them over an established reef tank right now?
http://i.imgur.com/uZAd24Ll.jpg
these look nice..I wonder how well a 16" would cover a 24" cube? 24" would probably have too much light spillover right?
I don't think the output is enough for a 24. I have 180 watts on my cube...I may want 2 of them
It's also funny how a company would not make a fixture in 2016 controllable via a third party controller like an apex or reef keeper.
Devaji108
04/15/2016, 10:06 PM
^ yeah true that. but once you set your lights I dont see why you would need/what to control them via apex or other tho... I mean I totally hear you, be nice. not a 100% sure they cant be tho.. might just need a cable. poss. DIY??
Devaji108
04/15/2016, 10:08 PM
here is a quick pic of itnon a rimless tank with the included mounting legs.
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160415_153358.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160415_153358.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160415_153358.jpg"/></a>
less than ideal. but will work if you cant hang it. witch i hope to do...
( yes tank is low, had it off when taking the pic )
nuvuku
04/16/2016, 12:09 PM
I just bought a reefbreeders 48" V2 for my 90 gallon SPS dominated mixed reef (really just lots of acros and different brains with some zoas)to replace 4 evergrow d120's running at 80%blue 70% white. Yes they did work but they also look like crap, 4 of them... and one of the drivers died so I got this light. I didn't use the plastic screws because my tank has a rim and they are huge and ugly, I think thats what those acrylic strips are for though.
Otherwise it replaced a canopy and 4 d120's and 8 power cords that took up a whole EB8. I am very pleased with it, I have yet to program the custom feature as I am still acclimating the corals to this light since it is very powerful. I went up to 75 and my corals started to turn a lighter color so I am staying at around 50-55.
Very much worth the 650$ it costs as it takes the attention away from the lighting and makes the tank look much bigger than it really is.
Devaji108
04/16/2016, 01:48 PM
^ glad you like your light nuvuku so far I like mine too!
i'll like it even more once I get it hanging for the roof :D
for those that have them .... how far above the tank you got em?
paul87
04/16/2016, 08:08 PM
^ glad you like your light nuvuku so far I like mine too!
i'll like it even more once I get it hanging for the roof :D
for those that have them .... how far above the tank you got em?
Mine is about 8".
mpy18
04/16/2016, 08:21 PM
Hi guys, thought I'd create an account and join the forums.
I purchased a Photon V2 48" Thursday night, it shipped Friday and was here Saturday :thumbsup:
Originally I was going to use the clip stand but the rim of my tank was too thick so it didn't fit, and one of the four L shaped brackets had the holes drilled but weren't threaded, so I couldn't use it anyway.
I am kind of glad though since it forced me to hang it from the ceiling, and it looks great. I probably wont use the brackets now, so I wont even consider it an issue.
I currently have it hanging 2" above my glass. I may raise it, it seems okay there, but it is an in the wall tank, so by raising the fixture it will light the back room up and will cause you to be able to see through the tank from the front.
I currently have it on Sunny - 50% on all channels, which is the default. I will probably start now on a custom schedule, try to simulate a sunrise to a strong sunny day and then start dimming at night into a moonlight - or red because it looks :hb2:
Devaji108
04/21/2016, 11:27 PM
^ welcome to RC there are alot of nice and helpful people on the forums and it's nice to geek out on reefing with like minded ppl..
just wanted to give a lil update got my TBS rock in here a quck pic need to aquascape this is just a really quick get it in the tank job.
have yet to go above 25% on all channels...
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/devaji108/media/20160418_230357-01.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/devaji108/20160418_230357-01.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160418_230357-01.jpeg"/></a>
Sonyardo
04/24/2016, 10:10 AM
Does the V2 come with a hanging kit too?
Yes it comes with hanging kit (a very nice one, not those eBay black box type) and legs
Sonyardo
04/25/2016, 04:54 AM
Thanks for the info :)
dread240
04/25/2016, 06:42 PM
My only complaint is it seems the remote itself is required for operation. Twice now I've come home to the light not being on because the remote wasn't plugged in for charging. I assumed it was just for programming but doesn't seem to be that way
Devaji108
04/25/2016, 10:22 PM
humm...I think I had to charge it a bit to turn it off once. I have yet to set up a custom program yet As I am accumulating my rock.
so far I still love it...
dburr1014
04/26/2016, 10:05 AM
Just bought mine yesterday and still have yet to set it up.
I cant wait.
Those that did the custom setup...can you post the log you did?
I know it may take time...just want to get ideas.:thumbsup:
Darth_Tater
04/26/2016, 11:55 AM
http://i.imgur.com/uZAd24Ll.jpg
Is this close to what it looks like in person? That's pretty good looking color.
Does it have any sort of splash shield? Those open vents pointing straight down towards an open tank full of saltwater make me very nervous...
Devaji108
04/26/2016, 04:23 PM
Hey Darth,
yeah I would saw that's what they look like, its hard to say for sure photographing aquarium led can be tricky then there all the online things that mess with the image as well. keep in mind there are 6 channels so you can get the color/temp just right where you like it.
I dont see much disco affect at all. but I have yet to run them over 25 to 30% but even when i run them higher just to see I dont see any. IMHO they do blend very well.
so far my fans have yet to kick on. the fans do pull air up from below the light through the heat sink and out the top. I alot of LEDs have the same style a few years ago when I saw this I was like *** why? who would design something like this? they should be slapped..haha but I dont hear many problems form this type of cooling system. and again alot of "high end" lights use it. so I trust in there R&D
well sort of a splash grad the LEDs do have optics and are flush with a nice metal covering. (see my pics of the bottom of the unit ) looks very nice I am sure it could take a few splashes. tho I hope not to test it to much. :)
hope this helps.
dburr1014
04/27/2016, 09:33 AM
I'm installing mine in a hood and Logan told me to take out the optics for light spread. Now all the lights are exposed to water/moisture. I'm going to have plexi right under the lights and a fan pulling clean air into the hood.
Anyone have thoughts on this? makes me nervous to have them exposed. I looked at the cups the optics are in and it doesn't look like I can take them apart without breaking them. I was hoping to install just the cups for some protection.
Devaji108
04/27/2016, 11:17 AM
yeah I think that is a good option. are you running the the acrylic the length of the unit or cutting small circles/square just to cover the LEDs?
Tacostrk
04/27/2016, 11:59 AM
I recently bought the 32 inch v2 and I have a question on the controller. Does the remote actually run the custom schedule or is it ran by the light itself? I.e. Will the light continue to run on its custom schedule even if the remote goes dead?
dburr1014
04/27/2016, 12:42 PM
yeah I think that is a good option. are you running the the acrylic the length of the unit or cutting small circles/square just to cover the LEDs?
I was going to lay the acrylic on the tank but it still wont be moisture tight.
hmmm, didn't think of that.. if I can get my hands on some longer screws and just fit the acrylic to the light. Of coarse cut out where the fans are. too many circles to cut them all, lol
dread240
04/27/2016, 02:05 PM
I recently bought the 32 inch v2 and I have a question on the controller. Does the remote actually run the custom schedule or is it ran by the light itself? I.e. Will the light continue to run on its custom schedule even if the remote goes dead?
I don't believe so. I've had my light not turn on a few times when my remote was dead so I think that's what was causing it
Ron Reefman
04/27/2016, 02:17 PM
I recently bought the 32 inch v2 and I have a question on the controller. Does the remote actually run the custom schedule or is it ran by the light itself? I.e. Will the light continue to run on its custom schedule even if the remote goes dead?
Good question for Logan in the ReefBreeders forum.
dburr1014
04/29/2016, 07:47 AM
I just removed all the optics out of the cups. So now I'll put the cups back in empty and see how the spread is. At least it will give me some protection from the moisture.
Devaji108
04/29/2016, 10:51 PM
^ let us know how the spread is?
TAcostrk let is know what Logan says. I am very interested in this for long vacations. I guess one could leave the controller plug in?
hmmm
paul87
04/30/2016, 10:04 AM
Is this close to what it looks like in person? That's pretty good looking color.
Does it have any sort of splash shield? Those open vents pointing straight down towards an open tank full of saltwater make me very nervous...
Yes, that's about as close to what I see that I can get with my little camera. The optics are the splash guard pretty much. They are flush against the metal basing. Still haven't seem my fans kick on either. I asked Logan from RB about it he said to run them at 100% for a while and then would eventually kick on. I'm guessing that that probably, almost, not needed in "regular use" . I'm still very happy with the light so far. I did notice that when the battery died on the remote I had to reprogram the light, so I just leave the controller plugged in now. That's really my only gripe so far.
paul87
04/30/2016, 10:07 AM
I just removed all the optics out of the cups. So now I'll put the cups back in empty and see how the spread is. At least it will give me some protection from the moisture.
+1 do share results.
Tacostrk
05/02/2016, 11:52 AM
^ let us know how the spread is?
TAcostrk let is know what Logan says. I am very interested in this for long vacations. I guess one could leave the controller plug in?
hmmm
Logan replied back to me finally and said "If the remote runs out of battery the light will continue to run the custom program. "
Good to hear but I want to do some testing
dburr1014
05/06/2016, 01:54 PM
Okay, spread is good without the optics. I get zero disco effect. I will try to post a pic. Just had hip surgery so bare with me.
dburr1014
05/06/2016, 02:04 PM
http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad180/dburr1014/20160501_131252_resized.jpg...
dburr1014
05/06/2016, 02:19 PM
I have it "sunny" mode, everything is set at 30.
Tacostrk
05/11/2016, 10:54 AM
I'm installing mine in a hood and Logan told me to take out the optics for light spread. Now all the lights are exposed to water/moisture. I'm going to have plexi right under the lights and a fan pulling clean air into the hood.
Anyone have thoughts on this? makes me nervous to have them exposed. I looked at the cups the optics are in and it doesn't look like I can take them apart without breaking them. I was hoping to install just the cups for some protection.
Did you happen to take any pictures of the disassembly?
Devaji108
05/11/2016, 05:34 PM
http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad180/dburr1014/20160501_131252_resized.jpg...
nice! glad removing the optics help ya! thats some might fine LR you have in there as well!
Devaji108
05/11/2016, 05:40 PM
Ok guys maybe its just me but I am struggling setting up a custom light schedule.
prob. making it harder than it needs to be.. this is what I do:
custom > set ramp on all 6 channels for a 12 hr lighting cycle > save it flashes then does not run the cycle.
I have the clock set for a 12hr but program is set in 24hr clock do they need to be the same? is there a way I can change the program clock to a 12hr?
what am I missing?
Tacostrk
05/12/2016, 09:43 AM
Ok guys maybe its just me but I am struggling setting up a custom light schedule.
prob. making it harder than it needs to be.. this is what I do:
custom > set ramp on all 6 channels for a 12 hr lighting cycle > save it flashes then does not run the cycle.
I have the clock set for a 12hr but program is set in 24hr clock do they need to be the same? is there a way I can change the program clock to a 12hr?
what am I missing?
Everything needs to be in 24 Hour format. Time and the schedule both also don't forget to save each hour
jason2459
05/12/2016, 10:05 AM
^ yeah true that. but once you set your lights I dont see why you would need/what to control them via apex or other tho... I mean I totally hear you, be nice. not a 100% sure they cant be tho.. might just need a cable. poss. DIY??
For the most part most people have a static schedule once set. Some, like me, have a very dynamic schedule. I have everything in my tank set to the seasonal table in the Apex. My heaters temp, lunar lights timing/intensity based on lunar cycle, main lights timing/intensity, gyre pumps speed and direction based on lunar cycle timing changing direction 4 times daily like tides, etc. All that changes daily and through out the day even.
Devaji108
05/12/2016, 12:12 PM
ok 24 hr format and save each hr I was thinking you only had to save the cycle once. i'll give that a try.
Jason makes since, I like it.
Tacostrk
05/12/2016, 01:07 PM
For the most part most people have a static schedule once set. Some, like me, have a very dynamic schedule. I have everything in my tank set to the seasonal table in the Apex. My heaters temp, lunar lights timing/intensity based on lunar cycle, main lights timing/intensity, gyre pumps speed and direction based on lunar cycle timing changing direction 4 times daily like tides, etc. All that changes daily and through out the day even.
Yea I'm not really pleased with the controls for this light setup at all. Has anyone looked inside to see what kind of drivers are being used? Is it dimming via pwm or 0-10v?
Kbel1969
05/16/2016, 11:42 PM
http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad180/dburr1014/20160501_131252_resized.jpg...
Dburr, very nice looking tank. What kind of rock is that and where did you purchase?
Ron Reefman
05/18/2016, 03:45 AM
I don't think ReefBreeders manufactures anything. I do know that the Photon V-2 series is manufactured by and sold by EverGrow, but with a different led assortment (more white).
I have 2 EG IT2080's and an IT2040 which have all been running for almost 3 1/2 years now with no issues. I'd buy a V-2 if I was looking for new leds, fortunately for me, mine still work just fine!
aaron1129
05/20/2016, 07:56 AM
Picking mine up this morning, I am planning on hanging mine with toggle bolts from the ceiling, anyone done this yet. Any tips would be great.
Devaji108
05/25/2016, 02:11 PM
^nice Aaron, how do you like it so far?
a quick update finally got around to setting up my lighting schedule.
yeah the clock and the schedule both have to be in 24hr format and SAVE each hr.
gonna play around and see if I can change the ramp up/down to 30min cycles for a smoother ramp.
I love this light, however I do think there are some limiting features with the controller some can be fixed by an update I would hope.
example have the LED colors listed on the controller interface instead of ch1, ch2 etc. have it read red, RB, DB CW, etc. not the end of the world but would be nice.
also a way for lazy ppl to use a quick setting like sunny or cloudy but turn on/off at scheduled times maybe there is and I am just missing it? quite possible.
also be nice if there was a quick setting/accumulating mode for folks that do not want to set all 6 channels for 12hrs + moons ( but hey that's why we buy these lights tho right.) something like set your duration =time on set your K =10,12,14,20K set max % = 20,25,40,50%etc. save and be done.
salt_tank_infl
05/25/2016, 02:14 PM
Picking mine up this morning, I am planning on hanging mine with toggle bolts from the ceiling, anyone done this yet. Any tips would be great.
If you need a visualization tool, you can use this spreadsheet. You set the value of each channel for every hour and see the light graph for your settings. Very handy
http://reefready.net/evergrow-aqua-it-series-light-schedule-creator
Note: Please delete if it's considered advertising. Advertising not intended
Editour2
05/27/2016, 11:33 AM
A few questions: 1) When I first s/w Logan about these lights in March he stated they were developing an app to work with these lights. The app would allow you to ramp up and ramp down within a specified period of time. For example: blue lights on at 1% at 11am and ramp to 80% with 2 hours....SET !!!! Has anyone downloaded and used this app or is it available yet? 2) If you utilize multiple light fixtures....can you program both simultaneously or do you need to program each individually? Is there a master/slave relationship? 3) Are there features such as moving clouds? 4) How are the moonlights? Do they cover the tank adequately?
thanks
Frank
Editour2
05/27/2016, 11:36 AM
What does everyone think about the new Rapid LED fixtures (Corona)?
similar to Ecotech Radions......
http://www.rapidled.com/corona-by-rapid-led/
paul87
05/30/2016, 04:49 PM
Figured I'd share my lighting schedule that I've been using with my 24 v2.
http://i.imgur.com/XO0lQ8jl.jpg
My only complaint is it seems the remote itself is required for operation. Twice now I've come home to the light not being on because the remote wasn't plugged in for charging. I assumed it was just for programming but doesn't seem to be that way
In my own experience, the program is stored inside the light.
I have two Photon v2, both were programmed with the same remote.
Now the lights are running for month and the remote is totally off for all these time. I just look at it, the remote has no charge in it any more.
youcallmenny
05/31/2016, 03:58 PM
Got my 48" Photon V2 a week ago today. I'm pretty sure I like my custom program where it's at, it's just a stunning lightshow daily. I also have a 36" 50%/50% Reef Brite LED strip attached for peak hours.
I keep my levels accurate with very little to no fluctuation and am religious about my maintenance. I was using 3 16" chinese black box led's for the first ~14 months that this tank has been alive. It's my first tank, (75g) and I made that mistake. I openly admit it was a mistake. Coral "grew". A very few made much progress in this time, most have just tolerated my tank or died off. I want to stress here that I'd basically upgraded the heck out of the rest of the tank and was still having growth issues. Custom sump, 150SSS Reef Octopus, mega huge return pump yada yada. It's awesome, but still not the growth I'd hoped for.
So cut to last week. I swear within 12 hours of this light going active (at ~50% max) every single coral in my tank perked up. I've been adjusting the light intensity up all week, and now have a peak hour at 1400 that hits a few channels at 90%. The results are amazing. I'm really glad I got this light.
Anyone that isn't seeing rapid growth and thriving coral with black box chinese led setups, quit lying to yourself. I told myself for a long time that it was just anything but the lights. It wasn't.
I'll post pictures if anyone is interested, but I'd rather give it a few months with this light before I start showing it off.
I am considering getting a Photon 50-V2 to put over my Reefer 450 that is 59" long.
I would love to hear some more feedback about these lights. My other option that I am considering is 3x Kessil A360we which would be almost twice the price.
Help talk me into this light!
paul87
06/09/2016, 07:27 PM
I am considering getting a Photon 50-V2 to put over my Reefer 450 that is 59" long.
I would love to hear some more feedback about these lights. My other option that I am considering is 3x Kessil A360we which would be almost twice the price.
Help talk me into this light!
I'd put my money on the photon V2 over the kessil, but thats just my opinion.
Turbosreef
06/09/2016, 07:43 PM
I have kessil both are good lights different looks I've heard some bad things about their power supplies going bad. I went with kessil because they have awesome customer service, I had trouble with one of the kessils they sent me a new one in 2 days no charge just sent the old one back.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I'd put my money on the photon V2 over the kessil, but thats just my opinion.
Well that's what I ended up doing. I got the Photon 50 V2. I will post a review after I finally get my tank set up.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
rgentry123
06/10/2016, 08:37 AM
For a 48" long 24" deep tank, would the 32 have enough coverage? I would love to get one of these if that is sufficient, I just don't want dark spots on either side of my tank
Devaji108
06/10/2016, 01:23 PM
Figured I'd share my lighting schedule that I've been using with my 24 v2.
http://i.imgur.com/XO0lQ8jl.jpg
nice Paul! more ppl should share there light schedule.
Got my 48" Photon V2 a week ago today. I'm pretty sure I like my custom program where it's at, it's just a stunning lightshow daily. I also have a 36" 50%/50% Reef Brite LED strip attached for peak hours.
I keep my levels accurate with very little to no fluctuation and am religious about my maintenance. I was using 3 16" chinese black box led's for the first ~14 months that this tank has been alive. It's my first tank, (75g) and I made that mistake. I openly admit it was a mistake. Coral "grew". A very few made much progress in this time, most have just tolerated my tank or died off. I want to stress here that I'd basically upgraded the heck out of the rest of the tank and was still having growth issues. Custom sump, 150SSS Reef Octopus, mega huge return pump yada yada. It's awesome, but still not the growth I'd hoped for.
So cut to last week. I swear within 12 hours of this light going active (at ~50% max) every single coral in my tank perked up. I've been adjusting the light intensity up all week, and now have a peak hour at 1400 that hits a few channels at 90%. The results are amazing. I'm really glad I got this light.
Anyone that isn't seeing rapid growth and thriving coral with black box chinese led setups, quit lying to yourself. I told myself for a long time that it was just anything but the lights. It wasn't.
I'll post pictures if anyone is interested, but I'd rather give it a few months with this light before I start showing it off.
nice glad you got it figured out. with so many variables in a reef tanks its always nice to get it where you want. yeah I am a fan of the RB V2s
Well that's what I ended up doing. I got the Photon 50 V2. I will post a review after I finally get my tank set up.
glad you made a decision, I know it can be frustrating and expensive trying to find the right light. I think you will be happy.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
For a 48" long 24" deep tank, would the 32 have enough coverage? I would love to get one of these if that is sufficient, I just don't want dark spots on either side of my tank
I think so. all depens on your rock work tho. but if dark spots are not an option at all. then go with the 48"
I think me 24v2 lights my 36" tank very nicely. of course I dont plan on having many high light corals.
glad this thread is still going strong!
lets get some more lighting schedules posted.
915MANG
06/13/2016, 02:25 PM
Following along, Im getting the 50 V2. I have a 120g , cant wait!
Is there a way to program these light instead of put in 144 data point? The biggest issue I have with these lights is the programming.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
otimer
06/18/2016, 12:04 AM
I just retruned to this hobby jumping over about 15 years, so I'm a beginner and a new and ROM (Read-Only-Member hihi) of RC. I'm proceeding with setup my tank and I have studied/rearched on the LED lightings for mine for a couple of months. Now mine is flying to me from UK which is not Photon V2, but IT5012 which is very simillar with Photon V2.
I bought an IT5012 from this seller as E.G does not sell in retail, nor retailer is available in China.
http://www.ukmarinelighting.co.uk/evergrow-it5012-aquaocean-led-marine-lighting-system-345-p.asp
The LED configurations of both are almost identical.
IT5012
•Hyper Red: 4 Osram (3W)
•Green: 4 Cree XPE (3W)
•Deep Blue: 24 Cree XTE (5W)
•Cool White: 20 Cree XTE (5W)
•Blue: 16 Cree XPE (3W)
•Indigo: 12 SemiLEDS (3W)
•UV: 8 SemiLEDS (3W)
Photon V2 48/50
Channel 1; 4 Osram 660nm Deep Red.
Channel 2; 4 Semi LED 520nm Green.
Channel 3; 24 Cree XT-E 450nm Royal Blue.
Channel 4: 20 Cree XT-E 5500K Neutral White.
Channel 5: 16 Cree XP-E 480nm Cool Blue.
Channel 6: 20 Refond LED 420nm Violet
I assume that both are using 7 different LEDs, but arranged in 6 channels.
If you take a look at the Phone V2 layout, you can assume that they combined indigo and UV to the channel 6.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zajnlyq12cx8x6b/Photon%2016-32-24-48%20V2%20Layouts.xls?dl=0
There are two technical differences, and the first one is ;
Cool white : 20 Cree XTE (5W) - IT5012
20 Cree XT-E 5500K Neutral White - Photon V2
Please refer to the Cree LED data sheet. the Neutral White is 3700~5000K and the Cool White is 5000~8300K. In other words, we can assume that Photon might be slightlt more yellowish than IT5012 in maximum or constant output.
http://www.cree.com/LED-Components-and-Modules/Products/XLamp/Discrete-Directional/XLamp-XTE-White
FYI, Radion applies the Cool White not Neutral White.
But I don't have any idea which way is better.
The second one is ;
The maimum output wattage 220W - Photon V2 and 240W - IT5012.
If you add all wattage of LEDs, it will be 352Watts.
So we can assume that their drive circuits might adjust the actual output power.
All same rate, or indivdually different....??
The above two are the major reasons that I choose IT5012.
I appreciate if this helps.
And, please understand poor writhing as I'm not an Enghish native tung.
915MANG
06/18/2016, 06:24 AM
Is there a way to program these light instead of put in 144 data point? The biggest issue I have with these lights is the programming.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The Programming really isnt that bad. I have mine set, and it flows.
Ever have an AI with the knob controller? Now that, lol!
915MANG
06/30/2016, 07:11 PM
Hey Guys, Just a thought. I love how this looks, let me know what you think
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/ELPMANG/Mobile%20Uploads/20160623_181031_zpsl4dqsbjk.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/ELPMANG/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160623_181031_zpsl4dqsbjk.jpg.html)
The Programming really isnt that bad. I have mine set, and it flows.
Ever have an AI with the knob controller? Now that, lol!
I do have and still using two AI knob controller...at least the good old SOL has smooth dimming, not step wise dimming.
Photon V2 48/50
Channel 1; 4 Osram 660nm Deep Red.
Channel 2; 4 Semi LED 520nm Green.
Channel 3; 24 Cree XT-E 450nm Royal Blue.
Channel 4: 20 Cree XT-E 5500K Neutral White.
Channel 5: 16 Cree XP-E 480nm Cool Blue.
Channel 6: 20 Refond LED 420nm Violet
I assume that both are using 7 different LEDs, but arranged in 6 channels.
If you take a look at the Phone V2 layout, you can assume that they combined indigo and UV to the channel 6.
The 48 inch Photon v2 I have does not have indigo nor UV. They are 420nM Refoud violets
You can see IT5012 use all name branded well established LED chips.
I can't find any information about Refond's violet LED. But the color rendition of the Photon v2 is very nice.
915MANG
06/30/2016, 08:24 PM
You can see IT5012 use all name branded well established LED chips.
I can't find any information about Refond's violet LED. But the color rendition of the Photon v2 is very nice.
My corals are loving it, Im loving it. :lol2:
What are you using right now?
trmiv
06/30/2016, 09:49 PM
Very tempted with the sale going on to get a 48" v2 for my new 120g. My current 60g has a 250w halide with reefbrite actinic supplements, and a I'm very reluctant to leave halides. But I don't know that I want to deal with 500w of halide over a 120. That's a lot of power and a lot of electric bill. Plus I like how sleek this fixture is compared to how big the cayman sun halides I run now are. My reluctance in going LED was a brief experience with a Kessil over my 60g that did not go well. I wasn't happy with how dim it looked, and I managed to almost kill like 50% of my corals trying to acclimate. Once I stuck my halide back on my corals recovered and look amazing again. Not sure I want to deal with trying to dial in a LED especially given how complicated the many channels on this thing looks.
Mike de Leon
07/01/2016, 08:11 AM
hey guys any suggestion on a 48 X 30 X 21 dims?
915MANG
07/01/2016, 08:05 PM
Very tempted with the sale going on to get a 48" v2 for my new 120g. My current 60g has a 250w halide with reefbrite actinic supplements, and a I'm very reluctant to leave halides. But I don't know that I want to deal with 500w of halide over a 120. That's a lot of power and a lot of electric bill. Plus I like how sleek this fixture is compared to how big the cayman sun halides I run now are. My reluctance in going LED was a brief experience with a Kessil over my 60g that did not go well. I wasn't happy with how dim it looked, and I managed to almost kill like 50% of my corals trying to acclimate. Once I stuck my halide back on my corals recovered and look amazing again. Not sure I want to deal with trying to dial in a LED especially given how complicated the many channels on this thing looks.
Let us know what you do. I know how you feel switching from T5 back to led. But Im loving it.
hey guys any suggestion on a 48 X 30 X 21 dims?
30 front to back or 30 deep?
Mike de Leon
07/01/2016, 10:03 PM
front to back.
you need two Photon v2 48 inch.
Mike de Leon
07/02/2016, 10:50 AM
you need two Photon v2 48 inch.
Thank you
Devaji108
07/02/2016, 11:29 PM
Hey Guys, Just a thought. I love how this looks, let me know what you think
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/ELPMANG/Mobile%20Uploads/20160623_181031_zpsl4dqsbjk.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/ELPMANG/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160623_181031_zpsl4dqsbjk.jpg.html)
Nice bud! I like it.
915MANG
07/03/2016, 08:51 AM
Nice bud! I like it.
Thank you, It came out pretty cool. Plus only 2 bulbs, using aquatic life because of the single plug. 54w
Editour2
07/07/2016, 01:26 PM
Very tempted with the sale going on to get a 48" v2 for my new 120g.
Is there a sale going on? Prices seem the same per the Reef Breeders website.....
trmiv
07/07/2016, 01:38 PM
They had a 10% off Sale for 4th of July. There was a code in their forum.
rongateb
07/11/2016, 04:21 PM
What do you guys recommend for my 60" long, 18" front to back, 30" top to bottom tank? 2 Photon 24-V2s or 1 Photon 50-V2?
I am going with a mixed reef setup, a ton of rock and some fish.
I was initially thinking 2 Kessil AP700's. I run 2 Kessil A360We's over my small 40 gallon tank with good results. I've been reading up on the Photon V2s and like what I've been reading.
Not trying to make it a Reefbreader vs Kessil war, but if any of you have any takes on the 2 head to head, I will listen! I was looking in to the AI HYDRA series as well.
I don't have any lighting for the tank right now. I am cycling her for the next week or two so I need to buy some lights soon.
Here is a pic:
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l30/rongateb/Big%20Tank_zpszoevxfpa.jpg
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Ron
DocHogan
07/18/2016, 05:59 PM
Any updates on this light? Any more reviews?
Mohawk man
07/19/2016, 10:12 PM
How do these lights do on deep tanks?
aznflyfisherman
07/20/2016, 12:28 AM
How are the growths on sps n lps? From pictures visually coral colors look great under them but anyone have them long enough to see good growth? Thanks...
Devaji108
07/20/2016, 11:26 PM
my gorgs. LPS and sofites love it...just started adding corals a few months ago tho...have notices good growth.
Ron Reefman
07/21/2016, 06:49 AM
OK, I have the original Photon (actually the EverGrow IT2080 with a custom led layout by me),but I like the new V-2. Here is my question, for those of you who have the V1-2, how much of a pain is it to program 6 channels over 24 hours on multiple fixtures?
I have 3 fixtures over 2 tanks on one stand. Doing just 2 channels over 24 hours on all three fixtures (they have to be done one at a time) takes me about 20 to 30 minutes.
I know that once you get what you want you done change it much or often. I've had mine almost 4 years now and I've rescheduled mine about 6 or 7 times. It seems like the new system would take almost 3 times as long?
I wanted EverGrow/ReefBreeders to develop a better controller that is easier to set.
it is a lot of pain. 144 time points to put in and the interval is 1 hr.
But the light has good PAR and coral look nice under it.
The step-wise dimming is kinda old school I think.
I hope they will come up a new controller.
Ron Reefman
07/24/2016, 06:29 AM
it is a lot of pain. 144 time points to put in and the interval is 1 hr.
But the light has good PAR and coral look nice under it.
The step-wise dimming is kinda old school I think.
I hope they will come up a new controller.
And I'd have 3 or 4 of them! 3 over 2 tanks that are next to each other and 1 in a separate room.
If 3 are within 10 feet of each other, will the remote do all 3 fixtures at the same time? My old originals need the remote almost directly in front of the controller. It won't even do 2 fixtures hanging right next to each other.
mr9iron
07/24/2016, 03:05 PM
Tagging along for my new frag tank setup.
kendrid
07/26/2016, 08:48 AM
Got my 48" Photon V2 a week ago today. I'm pretty sure I like my custom program where it's at, it's just a stunning lightshow daily. I also have a 36" 50%/50% Reef Brite LED strip attached for peak hours.
I keep my levels accurate with very little to no fluctuation and am religious about my maintenance. I was using 3 16" chinese black box led's for the first ~14 months that this tank has been alive. It's my first tank, (75g) and I made that mistake. I openly admit it was a mistake. Coral "grew". A very few made much progress in this time, most have just tolerated my tank or died off. I want to stress here that I'd basically upgraded the heck out of the rest of the tank and was still having growth issues. Custom sump, 150SSS Reef Octopus, mega huge return pump yada yada. It's awesome, but still not the growth I'd hoped for.
So cut to last week. I swear within 12 hours of this light going active (at ~50% max) every single coral in my tank perked up. I've been adjusting the light intensity up all week, and now have a peak hour at 1400 that hits a few channels at 90%. The results are amazing. I'm really glad I got this light.
Anyone that isn't seeing rapid growth and thriving coral with black box chinese led setups, quit lying to yourself. I told myself for a long time that it was just anything but the lights. It wasn't.
I'll post pictures if anyone is interested, but I'd rather give it a few months with this light before I start showing it off.
How are you liking the light? How is growth?
Anyone else upgrade from generic black boxes and see a noticeable improvement?
FishyKat
09/02/2016, 07:10 AM
It's been a few months since these were out.. thinking about buying one for my 75 gal tank.
What are your thoughts, for those who's been using it for a few months?
Ron Reefman
09/03/2016, 06:50 AM
I've only been using mine for a month, but I had the 32" V1 before (nearly 4 years and still running strong) and the 50" V2 now (new tank). The light is slim and good looking. The fans are VERY quiet and only run if the unit gets warm enough. The blue to white ratio is better too.
The new controller was my big concern. I had 3 of the old version and programing 2 channel over 24 hours on all 3 took 30 to 40 minutes. So I figured doing 6 channels on this would be almost as bad. WRONG!!!
The remote is the controller, so you can program it while watching college football in a different room. That's nice. But even better is the controller itself is easier to use than the one built into the V1 unit. It only took me maybe 8 to 10 minutes tops to completely reprogram the remote. Then turn on the fixture and BAM, the new info is in the fixture and running!
And my alternative to a single $610 Photon 50 V2 was 3 Radions at $750 each ($2200 total). Ha!
Editour2
09/03/2016, 06:14 PM
And my alternative to a single $610 Photon 50 V2 was 3 Radions at $750 each ($2200 total). Ha!
Just out of curiosity......have you ever run the V2 side by side to the Radion? I like the photon V2....and I like the price point that comes with it however I'd like to see some statistics on growth and light spread and some side by side comparisons.....especially now that the Radion G4's are out with the new lenses.
Ron Reefman
09/04/2016, 06:32 AM
Just out of curiosity......have you ever run the V2 side by side to the Radion? I like the photon V2....and I like the price point that comes with it however I'd like to see some statistics on growth and light spread and some side by side comparisons.....especially now that the Radion G4's are out with the new lenses.
Hi Frank, and no, I haven't run them side by side. But I do have a PAR meter and I can tell you that neither fixture can be run at 100% power over a 24" deep tank and the PAR levels are very similar. And given they both have individual channels for each color of led, you should be able to almost match them up overall color wise.
I used the Radion over a frag tank and it was OK, my corals grew just fine. But the early ones were a PITA to control as you needed to hook up a laptop. It also ran pretty hot compared to the EverGrow IT2080's (same as the original Reef Breeders Photon 32). The new Photon runs so cool the fans only kicked on when I ran it at 100% power while I was doing a freshwater system check before I switched to saltwater. Now the system is about 40% to 50% of full power and the center 2 fans run but the end fans don't come on and the top of the fixture isn't really even warm!
Based on my limited experience with my Radion (I do PAR tests for others in my local club as well) and my 4 years with the EverGrow/Reef Breeders fixtures (I have 3), I would never consider spending 2 or 3 times more than I need to. My 180g sps/lps tank grew corals fast enough that I was always fragging things down and selling them.
I expect I'm going to be very happy with the Photon V2. And my one big concern was the controller. It took me 30+ minutes to reprogram 24 hours of settings on 2 channels over 3 fixtures. Now I have 1 fixture, but 6 channels and I expected it to be very similar... not so! I completely reprogrammed the V2 in under 10 minutes. The new controller is MUCH more user friendly.
drummerboyevil
09/05/2016, 07:47 AM
Hi Frank, and no, I haven't run them side by side. But I do have a PAR meter and I can tell you that neither fixture can be run at 100% power over a 24" deep tank and the PAR levels are very similar. And given they both have individual channels for each color of led, you should be able to almost match them up overall color wise.
I used the Radion over a frag tank and it was OK, my corals grew just fine. But the early ones were a PITA to control as you needed to hook up a laptop. It also ran pretty hot compared to the EverGrow IT2080's (same as the original Reef Breeders Photon 32). The new Photon runs so cool the fans only kicked on when I ran it at 100% power while I was doing a freshwater system check before I switched to saltwater. Now the system is about 40% to 50% of full power and the center 2 fans run but the end fans don't come on and the top of the fixture isn't really even warm!
Based on my limited experience with my Radion (I do PAR tests for others in my local club as well) and my 4 years with the EverGrow/Reef Breeders fixtures (I have 3), I would never consider spending 2 or 3 times more than I need to. My 180g sps/lps tank grew corals fast enough that I was always fragging things down and selling them.
I expect I'm going to be very happy with the Photon V2. And my one big concern was the controller. It took me 30+ minutes to reprogram 24 hours of settings on 2 channels over 3 fixtures. Now I have 1 fixture, but 6 channels and I expected it to be very similar... not so! I completely reprogrammed the V2 in under 10 minutes. The new controller is MUCH more user friendly.
Any discoballing given the fact that the LEDs are spaced far apart vs cluster type lights?
Ron Reefman
09/06/2016, 07:06 AM
Any discoballing given the fact that the LEDs are spaced far apart vs cluster type lights?
Yes & no. I think any led fixture with leds spread out will have some color edges to shadows. It's unavoidable in that design.
Some light gets through small openings in the rock of my islands and the through the egg crate platforms the rock sits on and when you look inside (which you can do for now) there are real red, green and yellow shadow edges on the sand (if that is what you mean by disco balling). I think this is due to only a small number of leds that shine on the opening in the rock and that creates kind of a pinhole lens and exaggerates the colored shadows.
But the amount of color edges to shadows outside the rocks is minimal if even visible.
ohrcen
09/06/2016, 11:40 AM
this is a good question. one I cant answer at this time.http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/48.gifhttp://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/34.gif
http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/37.gif
http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/43.gif
Editour2
09/23/2016, 09:31 AM
Hi Frank, and no, I haven't run them side by side. But I do have a PAR meter and I can tell you that neither fixture can be run at 100% power over a 24" deep tank and the PAR levels are very similar. And given they both have individual channels for each color of led, you should be able to almost match them up overall color wise.
I used the Radion over a frag tank and it was OK, my corals grew just fine. But the early ones were a PITA to control as you needed to hook up a laptop. It also ran pretty hot compared to the EverGrow IT2080's (same as the original Reef Breeders Photon 32). The new Photon runs so cool the fans only kicked on when I ran it at 100% power while I was doing a freshwater system check before I switched to saltwater. Now the system is about 40% to 50% of full power and the center 2 fans run but the end fans don't come on and the top of the fixture isn't really even warm!
Based on my limited experience with my Radion (I do PAR tests for others in my local club as well) and my 4 years with the EverGrow/Reef Breeders fixtures (I have 3), I would never consider spending 2 or 3 times more than I need to. My 180g sps/lps tank grew corals fast enough that I was always fragging things down and selling them.
I expect I'm going to be very happy with the Photon V2. And my one big concern was the controller. It took me 30+ minutes to reprogram 24 hours of settings on 2 channels over 3 fixtures. Now I have 1 fixture, but 6 channels and I expected it to be very similar... not so! I completely reprogrammed the V2 in under 10 minutes. The new controller is MUCH more user friendly.
Ron.....are you cultivating SPS? I currently have a mixture of T5's and LEDs. I have 3 reeftech fixtures which had all the bells & whistles in 2011, (which after a month you don't use), and they are antiquated now. They only have Cree cool white, Cree Royal Blue and Cree Blue LEDs, (3 channels)....that's why I added the T5's....to broaden the color spectrum. I run the whites at 35% and both blues at 85%....at some point in time I am going to replace the whole system and that's why I am looking at the V2's. Each LED unit is 180 watts at full power and I run 4x80watt T-5's.
How are you finding the growth with the V2's?
Can you program 1 light and have this unit serve as the master for other fixtures? For my tank I would need 2 x 32" V2's..........
thanks
Frank
Ron Reefman
09/24/2016, 05:48 AM
Ron.....
How are you finding the growth with the V2's?
Can you program 1 light and have this unit serve as the master for other fixtures? For my tank I would need 2 x 32" V2's..........
thanks
Frank
Frank, I'm still not running the lights the way I would 'normally' because I have a lot of coral in a new tank. I couldn't cycle the tank as all my coral was struggling in holding tanks. Because I used a lot of my own live rock I have NOT had any issues with ammonia and nitrates are going up slowly. But my new 50g display refugium will be running water in a day or two. However, I am still having some of the other typical cycling issues like a diatom bloom. Over the last week I went 4 days with normal lights, 1 day of lights out and 2 days of just blue light. On the lights out days the corals don't open up at all. On the blue only days the corals open up and look pretty normal, but the diatoms continue to fade away. So I can't say anything about coral growth under the V2. BUT... I had, and have, great coral growth under my old EG IT2080 (same as RB Photon originals). And I still have a 32" IT2080 over my 65g shallow reef and the corals and anemones are doing just fine! So I expect the V2 to be at least as good if not better.
The program is stored in the remote, so program it and you can run that program on any fixture. The fixtures have ID# and the remote can be set to that ID. But I don't know if the remote can store more than one CUSTOM sunrise/sunset program. And the new controller in the remote takes about 1/3 the amount of time to set as the original EG & RB controllers. I programmed 6 channels at 1 hour intervals over 24 hours in about 6 or 7 minutes. It may not be as fast as some other fixtures, but then mine cost $900 to $1600 less than EcoTech Radions would have and they just aren't worth nearly that much more IMHO.
bokeron_84
10/03/2016, 03:42 PM
Anyone can post the color config for.all the day??
Sorry for my poor english
Reefer40b
10/08/2016, 05:08 AM
Anyone can post the color config for.all the day??
Sorry for my poor english
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cf6mjpyvph8mwgb/PhotonControllerInstructions.pdf?dl=0
This link will get you started this is the settings to acclimate your corals to the new light and then increase to about 5-10% per week till you get to desired intensity.
bokeron_84
10/09/2016, 02:49 PM
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cf6mjpyvph8mwgb/PhotonControllerInstructions.pdf?dl=0
This link will get you started this is the settings to acclimate your corals to the new light and then increase to about 5-10% per week till you get to desired intensity.
The file is the instructions for the old controller light, It isn't the setting to acclimate my corales.
Can anyone post a good configuration of colors for my corals please??? Thanks
Ron Reefman
10/12/2016, 02:50 AM
OK, I have 2 ReefBreeders Photon v2 fixtures, a 50" over a 125g reef tank and a 16" over a display refugium. I want to run them with very different custom programs, the reef more blue and white the refugium more red, green and white.
But I can't get my fixtures to work when I try to change the 'address ID' from zero to 1 or 2 so they work separate from each other. They both work fine on zero, but using zero makes both fixtures run the same program.
Logan gave me this set of instructions and I've tried following them 4 or 5 times now and they don't work:
1. Unplug both lights
2. Plug in the first light, and power up the controller.
3. Go to the settings section under the menu, and select “control channel”.
4. Set the control channel to 1 (a setting of 0 will program all nearby lights)
5. Enter your custom settings, then save them by going to save and pressing ok, then going to return, and pressing okay.
6. Unplug the first light.
7. Plug the second light in, and repeat steps 2-5 with the controller for the next light, entering “2” for the control channel instead of 1, then “3” for the third light and so on. You can program up to 7 control channels.
8. Plug the first light in again.
Note: While the lights are now on separate controllers, changing the settings on either of the lights will require you to repeat the steps above. The lights will continue to run the custom program once it has been set then saved to the light.
It's as if the remote doesn't save the change in ID. They still work with zero as an ID but not with 1 or 2.
Anybody besides me using 2 Photons with 2 different custom settings? How did you do it?
It may not be as fast as some other fixtures, but then mine cost $900 to $1600 less than EcoTech Radions would have and they just aren't worth nearly that much more IMHO.
Ron, have you ever do a white paper test on Ecotech Radion vs V2?
Put a piece of paper about 12 inch under the lights and you can see the Radion or Hydra 52/26 give out uniform white light and V2 or similar style LED gives..un-blended color dots. It is not just the software difference.
I have been testing the v2 on actual reef systems, on frag tanks and display tanks for 10 month now.
I can tell you that the coral growth is not that great for v2 compare to the old AL sol, which I use as a baseline for comparison.
Coral under v2 look nice in color but the growth is not that great regardless what the par meter read.
And my alternative to a single $610 Photon 50 V2 was 3 Radions at $750 each ($2200 total). Ha!
One photon V2 is about 220w,
One Radion G4 is about 175w
bokeron_84
10/28/2016, 02:09 PM
This thread is stopped!!! Posts yours results guys!!!
Capt_Dan
10/29/2016, 09:45 PM
I have an older model of the reef breeders led, and I love it! I think that man an awesome product.
Ron Reefman
10/30/2016, 05:58 AM
The new Photon V2 fixtures work great. They are the best full control (6 channel and sunrise/sunset) full spectrum, good looking led fixture for the money. If you pay twice as much, you are lucky if you get any better light. BTW, the new light gets a lot more shimmer than the old Photon. Here are my 2 at work.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/RonReefman/20161018_170631_zpsfaas63gv.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/RonReefman/media/20161018_170631_zpsfaas63gv.jpg.html)
Mohawk man
11/10/2016, 06:12 PM
Figured I'd share my lighting schedule that I've been using with my 24 v2.
http://i.imgur.com/XO0lQ8jl.jpg
Hey just wondering how this program is working for you ? I have no coral yet just added my first fish last week but am looking. To program my light now and just looking for a starting point . Hope to add some coral soon ! Thank !
Reefer40b
11/10/2016, 11:15 PM
Hey just wondering how this program is working for you ? I have no coral yet just added my first fish last week but am looking. To program my light now and just looking for a starting point . Hope to add some coral soon ! Thank !
Do not follow that light schedule you will bleach everything! Use the schedule from the reefbreeders website to start off with on there FAQS page also there is a spreadsheet where you can set your peak intensity for the blue channel and the ratio in % of the blue for the others. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2607207
I would not set the white at 75% like this spreadsheet does. I like a ratio of 100% to 40% blues to white.
Ron Reefman
11/12/2016, 08:11 AM
I agree with Reefer40b. Start out with lower settings and SLOWLY move power levels up. My corals have been under high PAR for years and this is what I run my new V2 fixtures at. BTW, I don't use the red or green at all since it does little or nothing for the coral's health or growth and I don't care for the red and green shadow edges in my tank. But that aside, these are great fixtures!
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/RonReefman/Photon%20schedule%20jpeg%20R1_zps85vcccbv.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/RonReefman/media/Photon%20schedule%20jpeg%20R1_zps85vcccbv.jpg.html)
biecacka
11/29/2016, 10:57 AM
How are you guys still liking these units? Anyone have previous experience with say an Orphek? I feel like these 2 layouts might be the best. Not clusters so you get a lot of coverage from one fixture.
Corey
Ron Reefman
11/30/2016, 07:27 AM
Corey, I never used an Orphek, but I have used a Radion along with several other less expensive, less feature laden fixtures. And I have friends with other high end units. Frankly, for the money and unless you are looking for something you can adjust with an Apex, I don't see anything out there that compares.
I have one issue with the Photon that it seems almost nobody else does. They claim to have the ability to change addresses in the fixture so you don't change all of them when you change one. I run 2 fixtures side by side, one very cool white (DT) and one very warm white (display refugium) and the address changing ability doesn't work.
One other point, Reef Breeders does excellent customer service. I got new wet sides for my Jebao Crossflows even after RB stopped selling them. It turns out the motor is pure junk, but RB still holds to the 1 year warranty even if Jebao doesn't warranty them to RB! Now that's customer service!
biecacka
11/30/2016, 08:59 PM
Cool I'm not opposed to trying them, I mostly like the orpheks because of the spread out leds. I could run 2 on my tank very easily. 1 to start with the way my rockwork is, until things start to grow out. I was curious about the spread between the two.
Yeah Logan and those guys are great guys no doubt!!
Corey
indyjaco
11/30/2016, 09:03 PM
I just got mine today. Very clean setup and very bright. We will see how well they grow corals.
Having 6 channels makes it a big confusing for setup. Right now I am keeping channels 1 & 2 below 10% and the rest under 35%.
Ron Reefman
12/01/2016, 06:15 AM
Cool I'm not opposed to trying them, I mostly like the orpheks because of the spread out leds. I could run 2 on my tank very easily. 1 to start with the way my rockwork is, until things start to grow out. I was curious about the spread between the two.
Yeah Logan and those guys are great guys no doubt!!
Corey
The spread out leds, especially if they are all the same wattage, makes for less 'shimmer'. It's not a big issue to me, but the new Photon V2 has leds slightly grouped and uses some 5 wand 3 w leds. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that is why the V2 has more shimmer than the old Photon does.
ca1ore
12/03/2016, 09:55 AM
Curious whether the dimming capability on these v2 lights is any better than on the v1? Steps smoother? Does it dim down lower? Also can lights be linked? Thx.
chamjack
12/03/2016, 11:15 AM
can lights be linked?
They can be linked through one remote. I just set (2) 24" V2's up over my 125 gal tank yesterday. I programmed one remote and both lights work off of that setting if you desire it that way. You can keep them separate too. Reefbreeders has a video of programming them on their site under questions. My biggest thing is they draw hardly any power. I attached a shot from the Apex of the almost 4 amp draw from my (8) 80w T5 to the little blip of these running at max. These aren't even reading at the less than 30% I'm acclimating the corals at now.:dance:
Ron Reefman
12/04/2016, 06:29 AM
Curious whether the dimming capability on these v2 lights is any better than on the v1? Steps smoother? Does it dim down lower? Also can lights be linked? Thx.
Seriously? Haveing the intensity change a small step every hour or half hour is a problem for you?
They dim down to zero%
See the next post!
Ron Reefman
12/04/2016, 06:34 AM
They can be linked through one remote. I just set (2) 24" V2's up over my 125 gal tank yesterday. I programmed one remote and both lights work off of that setting if you desire it that way. You can keep them separate too. Reefbreeders has a video of programming them on their site under questions. My biggest thing is they draw hardly any power. I attached a shot from the Apex of the almost 4 amp draw from my (8) 80w T5 to the little blip of these running at max. These aren't even reading at the less than 30% I'm acclimating the corals at now.:dance:
You are right about being able to set 2 or more fixtures with one remote. But that also means they all have the same custom program.
Good luck trying to program 2 fixtures with 2 different programs. Logan and I worked on this for a couple of days and the addressing ability doesn't work. Logan is trying to get it fixed, but I know it will be very difficult to get China to do anything about it.
There is a work around, but to say it's a PITA to do is an serious understatement.
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