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Tag Archives: L.E.D.
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Orphek LED to Release Refugium Specific Light
LEDs are permeating the hobby and while there are plenty of options to put over your reef, the refugium has been overlooked thus far. Orphek’s DIF series are the most advanced multi chip LEDs available for your reef. The new DIF-30C aims to… More:
Being A Better Reefer: Know Your LEDs
Before I start, I want to be clear that this will not serve as an advertisement for any company and I won’t be targeting any company specifically as either good or bad. The purpose is to impart the knowledge I have gathered on the subject in general and pass that on to help you make better and more informed decisions. Those that know me or have followed the numerous threads on LEDs here know that until recently I was almost completely against LEDs as reef lighting. Not because I thought the tech was bad, but more because I felt the tech hadn’t caught up to our needs or rather the needs of our tanks, plus some of the colors were just nauseating and fake looking.… More:
Posted in DIY, Equipment, Industry, Opinion, Science
Tagged Controller, Equipment, L.E.D., LED, reef lighting, science
2 Comments
Cree Ups The Ante Again
Cree, considered by many to be one of the best producers of quality LEDs, has created a new super bulb. It was created as part of a Department of Energy sponsored ”L Prize” contest designed to create specifications for new “21st century bulbs”. Cree’s entry not only crushed current bulb technology but created a new standard even for LEDs. Cree has dubbed the unit “The 21st Century Lamp” and at just 8.7 watts with an output of more than 1,300 lumens it will be at least a little while before we see anyone knock this bulb off its throne.… More:
PAR L.E.D.s
PAR L.E.D. bulbs have forever changed pico tank lighting for the better, but they have some really fun implications for larger reefs too. Perks include low heat, low energy, compatibility with common sockets and, last but not least, a tight spot pattern. This tight spot pattern makes them perfect for little reefs, but it is also the feature that makes them great additions for larger tanks. PAR bulbs’ ability to drop a concentrated drop of light into deep water makes them the perfect choice for highlighting specific corals and adding new color temperatures to your reef. With careful timer use, PARs can be timed to come on independently during the light cycle adding an ever changing color temperature and intensity to your light cycle. PARs can be had from quite a few lighting companies, but so far my favorites are Sunshine Systems, Nano Tuners and BoostLED.… More:
Sunshine Systems L.E.D.s
The L.E.D. market is full of hot contenders, but I’m still looking for that golden fixture that holds all the markers of something revolutionary. This fixtures needs to first and foremost grow coral. It also needs to be well built, easy to use and not break the bank. Sunshine Systems has been in the grow light industry for several years now and knows what it takes to bring this perfect combination into reality. They recently decided to make a foray into the reef lighting industry and have done nothing but impress me so far. Their Grow Spot bulbs based on a PAR platform are very well designed small lights that should do well as accent, pico lights or refugium lighting. I’m currently testing one on my refugium, so I’ll have results soon. 
They also make a 32 watt AquaPanel for shallower applications and a monstrous 90 watt AquaUFO for deeper applications. I know what you’re all thinking. UFOs are all manufactured over seas anyway, and this is true, but what we outside the L.E.D. industry don’t see is the design time that is needed before manufacture. These Sunshine Systems L.E.D. fixtures are specifically designed by an engineer right here on U.S. soil before being built to order over seas. 
As a Sunshine Systems rep told me, everything down to the angle of the optics is designed before manufacture. He also stated that a huge amount of research, with the help of NOAA, went into these lights before any were even put on paper. The newest models will be Sunshine System’s second generation of UFO lights, and they have made some revisions based on the reef communities requests. They now come in black, and are made to be linkable for up to three units. Ask and we shall receive. 
Now for the best part, the pricing. Sunshine Systems is definitely right on track for what I’d like to see retailing the GrowSpot for $79.99, UFO for only $299.99 and the Panel for only $149.99. These should be promising systems with all the key ingredients, but the proof is always in the testing, so stay tuned for some hands on time with the UFO in the near future… Sunshine Systems can be found on the web at: Sunshine Systems
Their Aqua line doesn’t appear to be up for grabs yet, but I’ll keep you updated.… More:
BoostLED Reef Lamp Clamp
Finally a way to hold those PAR bulbs over our picos! I’ve been a fan of BoostLED’s PARs since they came out, but this one takes the cake. Check back soon for the hands on review.
Our BoostLED™ Reef Lamp Clamps are perfect for your PAR30 Reef Lamps! Stop hunting for random clamps at your local hardware store! The BoostLED™ Reef Lamp Clamp is a sleek and simple solution!Designed to be used with our BoostLED™ PAR30 Reef Lamps, they are made with a solid acrylic base and a hefty neck. The flexible neck will allow you to place the Reef Lamps at different angles and various heights, so you can find that sweet spot for your PAR30 Reef Lamps.Reef Lamp Clamp are designed to be used with both rimless and regular rimmed tank.*Specs:
- E26/E27 Standard Socket (regular light bulb).
- 110-240 Volts AC at 50/60Hz.
- 24-inch Black Anodized Flexible Neck.
- 2-Prong (US flat pins) Plug with 6 ft Cable.
- 3 Nylon Screws with 3 Rubber Pads.
- Maximum Tank Thickness: 1-inch
-BoostLED
