About to pull the trigger on some LED's

[RexBrown]

So... part of me feels crazy for doing this, but I'm about 90% positive that I'm going to order me some LED's this week for my 180gallon tank.

What I'm looking at?
The Orphek pendants.

Why?
My other choice would be some AI Leds, but I think I'm buying into the their disadvantage being the use of Cree LED's. While they are great diodes, they are not designed to have the appropriate spectrum for photosynthesis. Orphek makes their own diodes, which are specifically designed for this.

Again, Why?
They're on sale right now for a hefty discount.

I would use two DIF-100 18k with 120 degree optics with two DIF-30 blue with 120 degree optics.

Depending on how things work out, I may end up supplementing with T-5's.

I would like some input on this decision. Why I might be crazy or why I should go for it.

here are some images and spectrographs:

 

[danagui]

Ur crazyy because i have no clue what u just said

 

[wickedfish]

I am tuned in and agree that AI's are good for more of the less Demanding corals. Lps/zoanthids/softies.


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[OCReefMadness]

Not for SPS?

 

[wickedfish]

Not for SPS?

Millies yes Acropora negative.


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[OCReefMadness]

I agreed with you.

 

[gumbii]

hmmm...

some of the stuff they're saying doesn't make any sense... you're going to want algae to grow in your tank... if algae and zooxanthelae(sp?) algae use the same kind of light to grow... that doesn't strike you as dumb...? also... what's PUR...?

well... i guess you're gonna have to try them out, or read some reviews... but everyone that spends money on LED's always backs them up so they don't feel dumb.... they look cool, and dope... buy them and let us know how they work out for you...

 

[wickedfish]

I thought a 70 degree optic was cool, I wonder how a 120 degree optic would spread out par ratings and beam of light????

I can't wait till they develop a truly awesome led system that replaces out old T5 and MH technology.


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[dp9160]

bought Led all my sps browned or died

 

[RexBrown]

I thought a 70 degree optic was cool, I wonder how a 120 degree optic would spread out par ratings and beam of light????

I can't wait till they develop a truly awesome led system that replaces out old T5 and MH technology.


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With the 120 degree optics, the lights can be as close as 12 inches off the water. Also, the optics are interchangeable, so I can always switch them out if it's not a good fit.

 

[RexBrown]

bought Led all my sps browned or died

What LED system where you using?

 

[RexBrown]

Certainly I think that LED's are the future of lighting in our hobby. However I'm not deluded by expecting these particular LED's to be the game changer in lighting. However I do think that this company has taken the most comprehensive approach in developing their lights. I hope to get good results, but I understand that I may be doing some t-5 supplementation if things don't go so well.

The price is right and I'm willing to be a guinea pig.

Another person willing to be a guinea pig is Peter from Ontario Canada over on "that other forum". He's been running a combination of lighting, but is now going to switch entirely to Orphek LED's on his 1350 gallon beast. With bottomless pockets and a ton of research done, I do think it's significant that he's made that choice.

I'm excited about the experiment and I'll start a thread about it when I make the switch.

 

[GoReef165]

Any opinions on ecoray lighting? I heard they give some pretty good growth?

 

[RexBrown]

Any opinions on ecoray lighting? I heard they give some pretty good growth?

I don't know too much about them. Looking at their site, I see that they use 1 watt LED's. The comparable unit by Orphek would be the PR-156 unit. It uses 2 watt LED's. They both have blues that range from 450nm to 470nm. That seems pretty limited to me. The Ecoray and the orphek-156 both use fans for cooling. That's a source of noise and maintenance in the future when they will likely need replacing. Also if they go out, increased heat may cause damage to the diodes. I'm not sold on either.

I'm getting the Orphek DIF pendants. These are the ones that have me excited. The blues on those range from 420nm to 480nm. That's the broadest range in any LED I have seen. They are also passively cooled, so no need for fans.

I ordered them last week after going from doubts to justification, topped with a moment of insanity that lasted just long enough to authorize the paypal payment. I went from asking myself if I could afford getting them, to asking myself if I could afford NOT to get them.

When they come in I will start a thread on here to document everything and track the progress of them.

 

[Cmartin]

Cant wait for the thread

 

[wickedfish]

Good stuff Rex. Man I do hope these work better than the AI's.

 

[chunkypeanutlove]

I dont get why you would pay that much for something that you could make for a tiny fraction and make it look better.... and the way LED's are going right now they are not looking so hot since people use potentiometers to dim them...

 

[lazeballz]

I dont get why you would pay that much for something that you could make for a tiny fraction and make it look better.... and the way LED's are going right now they are not looking so hot since people use potentiometers to dim them...

wow - this is the 2nd post i've read by you and you sure are a negative nancy...

Have you looked at the product? I'd like to see you make that with an LED that size and with their spectrum and have it come under 200. #justsayin

The utilization of a potentiometer to Dim is more than likely a cost saving or easier approach. But this isn't to say that you can't execute it well. Look at xxtechxx's build. that controller is f'king sick. and if you dont like it because it has knobs...to each his own. Id much rather have knobs over looks. Function over form IMO.

 

[lazeballz]

Any opinions on ecoray lighting? I heard they give some pretty good growth?

I've seen em at Underwater World. (the distributor) they have it right in their lobby area. For what it is, its a no thrills, no frills LED lighting system.
They come in various arrangements and for my preferences, I'm not too much of a fan of the design.


I'd really like to see more of the Orphek pendants though. Keep us posted!

 

[chunkypeanutlove]

wow - this is the 2nd post i've read by you and you sure are a negative nancy...

Have you looked at the product? I'd like to see you make that with an LED that size and with their spectrum and have it come under 200. #justsayin

The utilization of a potentiometer to Dim is more than likely a cost saving or easier approach. But this isn't to say that you can't execute it well. Look at xxtechxx's build. that controller is f'king sick. and if you dont like it because it has knobs...to each his own. Id much rather have knobs over looks. Function over form IMO.

Dude you really know nothing about LED's. I would suggest you do some research and then talk. To begin, at least know what a potentiometer does to LED's...