LED brands over view as seen by majicmike

[Bajamike]

As LED's seem to get more and more affordable and tax time is here I wanted to try and help answer questions people may have about the LED's available to them.


This is my take on LED lighting. This is in no way absolute and in no way set in stone. I am writing this to put my findings out there to help others try and make the best choice in lighting for themselves. One thing to know is that I am still buying and playing with lights and will continue to change, adapt and learn.
Please remember this is what I have found and your experience may or may not be different. I welcome open discussion but please if you disagree keep it constructive.
I have now owned 7 different types of LED lights.
I am going to include AI SOL'S I did not own them but have friends with them and think I can make a fair evaluation on the light.

​

 

[Bajamike]

The first where the MarineLand double bright LED's

Marineland LED Aquarium Lights have a double row of 6K LED Daylight bulbs and a single center row of 60mw Blue LED’s. Energy efficient 1-watt LED’s produce 80 lumens providing a higher output than typical fluorescent bulb lighting while using less energy.

• 6,000K one watt and 60mW blue LED lighting system
• Polycarbonate lens to focus and to protect LED lights
• Low heat output & low energy consumption
• Lifetime Hours 17,000 hours - Up to 6 years with no bulb replacement
• 1 Year Performance Warranty

The next LEDS that I purchased where TaoTronics off eBay

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[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Grow Light 120W

Description:
[TABLE="class: MsoNormalTable, width: 3"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Item​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

Value​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Packing Size​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

448x285x110mm​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Input voltage​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

AC85~264V​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Working current​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

630ma​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power consumption​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

63W​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

(Blue on, white off)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power consumption​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

66W​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

(White On, blue off)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power consumption​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

131W (Both On)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Frequency​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

50/60 Hz​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Working environment​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

-20~40°C​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Inner box​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

455×275×110mm/1PCS​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

120W (55x3W)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Lumens​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

≥5500LM(all)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Lifespan​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

50,000 Hours​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Blue ​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

25*3W LED​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

White ​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

30*3W LED​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Switch/Power cords​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

2pcs/2pcs​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Color​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

Blue & White​

Blue: 460-470 nm​

White: 12,000-14,000 K​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Lighting area​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

78㎡/3m (840ft[SUP]2[/SUP]/10ft)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

GW​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

3.4kg/pcs​

[/TD]
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[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
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​

 

[Bajamike]

Next I won a Ecotech Radion at reef stock

Dimensions
Length: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
Width: 7 inches (18 cm)
Thickness: 1.5 inches (3.9 cm)
LED
• 8x Cree XP-G Cool White LEDs run at 5W each
• 8x Cree XP-E Blue LEDs run at 3W each
• 10x Cree XP-E Royal Blue LEDs run at 3W each
• 4x Cree XP-E Green LEDs run at 3W each
• 4x Osram Oslon SSL Hyper Red LEDs run at 3W each
*Specifications Subject to Change

Features

• 34 energy-efficient LEDs
• Fully adjustable for growth and appeal
• Output optimized for PAR
• Wide light spread
• Minimal color banding
• Fully upgradeable
• Modular LED cluster, lens and driver assemblies
• Capacitive touch exterior controls
• Revolutionary heat sink design
• Switching power supply
• Evolving software and firmware
• Smart multi-light wireless functionality
• Easy import and export of saved modes
• Real-time clock
• Multiple light period programmable

 

[Bajamike]

Next I bought some 1w 2:1 blue/white used Evolutions

With 119 one watt LEDs and a 2:1 ratio of blue to white LEDs, the Evolution delivers respectable PAR numbers from a peak of 230 umol in the center down to 90 umol in the corner of an 18 x 24″ tank. Furthermore, with over a hundred single LEDs the light field is very evenly spread over the area of the tank.

Read more: http://reefbuilders.com/2010/08/25/evolution-led-delivers-great-par-and-color-with-caveats/#ixzz2ItnHpilI

Next I bought one Chinese light with programmable display from a group buy
( Picture not exact light)
Same spec as the taotronics
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Item​

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[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

Value​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Packing Size​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

448x285x110mm​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Input voltage​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

AC85~264V​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Working current​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

630ma​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power consumption​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

63W​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

(Blue on, white off)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power consumption​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

66W​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

(White On, blue off)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power consumption​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

131W (Both On)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Frequency​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

50/60 Hz​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Working environment​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

-20~40°C​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Inner box​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

455×275×110mm/1PCS​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Power​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

120W (55x3W)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Lumens​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

≥5500LM(all)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Lifespan​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

50,000 Hours​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Blue ​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

25*3W LED​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

White ​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

30*3W LED​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Switch/Power cords​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

2pcs/2pcs​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Color​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

Blue & White​

Blue: 460-470 nm​

White: 12,000-14,000 K​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

Lighting area​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

78㎡/3m (840ft[SUP]2[/SUP]/10ft)​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 181, bgcolor: transparent"]

GW​

[/TD]
[TD="width: 180, bgcolor: transparent"]

3.4kg/pcs​

[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Bajamike]

Then I bought some cheap LED lights off eBay


[TABLE="class: MsoNormalTable"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 210, bgcolor: transparent"]Power Supply
[/TD]
[TD="width: 343, bgcolor: transparent"]AC80-265V 13W
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 210, bgcolor: transparent"]Output Voltage
[/TD]
[TD="width: 343, bgcolor: transparent"]46V
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Frequency
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]47-63Hz
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]LED Qty
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]225pcs (112 Blue LEDs + 113 White LEDs)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Color
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Blue and White
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Blue LED Lumen
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]5.55 Lux x 112 LEDs (621.5lux in total)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]White LED Lumen
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]6.93 Lux x 113 LEDs (784lux in total)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Blue LED Wavelength
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]450nm
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]LEDs Diameter
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]5mm
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Working Temperature
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]-10 - 50 degree Celsius
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Working Humidity
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Less than 95%
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Power Cord Length
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]25 inch
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Light Panel Size
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]12" L x 12" W x 1-1/2" H
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Lighting Coverage
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]0.66 Ft - 6.6 Ft
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Recommended Height
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]1Ft - 5Ft
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Recommended Coverage
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]One panel per 10.8 square feet
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent, colspan: 2"]Specific Distance and Lighting Coverage:
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Distance to Plants
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Lighting Coverage
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]20inch
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]8-3/5 square feet
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]40inch
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]10-4/5 square feet
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]60inch
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]13 square feet
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]80inch
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]16 square feet
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


Then I have bought full spectrum par38

Specifications:
-12 3watt edison leds running at 2watts each
-90 degree optics
-standard US e26 screw in base
-dimmable with standard household dimmer rated for LED
-3 year warranty

Color combination:
-6 royal blue 455nm
-2 white 12000k
-2 true violet 420nm
-1 cyan 495nm
-1 deep red 660nm
-Approximately a 20k color overall
-See bulb color comparison image to compare between all of our bulbs

 

[Bajamike]

Then the AI Sol



PAR Measurement

Spectral Output
Sol Blue provides a full power color spectrum closer to 20,000K.

Suggested use
Aqua Illumination typically recommends one module per foot on tanks deeper than 30 inches. On tanks less than 30 inches, one module every 18 to 24 inches is acceptable. The latest generation System is significantly more powerful and produces greater spread than previous generations. Some users may be able to use fewer units depending on what type of corals they are keeping in their tank and how much light is needed.
LEDs Array:
· 8 Triple Lenses ( (2W x 1B) * 8) = 24 LEDs total
White:
· Quantity: 8
· Cree: XPGWHT-L1
· Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): 6500K
· White LED Wavelength
Blue:
· Quantity: 16
· Cree: XPEBLU-L1
· Dominate Wavelength: 470nm
· Blue LED Wavelength
· Two RS-232 data ports
· One DC Power Port Power Supply
· Power Output: 72W
· Universal Input Range: 100 to 240VAC / 50 to 60Hz
· AC Cable Length: 6ft
· DC Cable Length: 10ft
· AC Connector: IEC 320 Inlet
· Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.875" x 5.375" x 2.35"
· Weight: 10oz
· Regulatory Compliance (Meets Requirements/Limits): UL, CE & RoHS

Ok That is as much technical information on each light that I was able to find or thought needed to be put into one thread. As always I would encourage you to do your own research this is meant to give you the basic info.

 

[Bajamike]

Ok So Prices
Marineland double bright LEDs
$79-$149 depending on size
Taotronic LED's
I found them on eBay for $141.00 shipped
Ecotech Radion
Best I found this light $699 and no controller needed
Evolution
I think group buys on MASC you can pick up the new version for $200 each
I bought 3 used ones for $300

Chinese light with programmable display
I bought one for $249.00

Cheap LED lights off eBay
$34.00
Full spectrum par38
I picked this up for $99

AI Sol
Found these for $399 but you will need a controller

Ok So here is my review
When switching to LED'S I found that I had 1-2 months of acclamation for the corals. They would maintain color but it seems as though they grew very minimal if at all. After that time period things seem to grow just as well as other lighting.

For the lights the 2 biggest disappointments where the cheap eBay ones and the Marineland LED's

The cheap eBay ones I would not buy even to light a fish only and are too big to even be used as supplemental color. Might want to just buy a led flash light and hang it over your tank might be a better light.

The Marineland double bright. Was way to white for me and it seemed to have a hard time getting to the sand bed even in a 18" tank. None of my corals seemed to open very well under this light it was subpar in my opinion

Next another disappointment was the Chinese light with programmable display from the group buy. The light was more than capable of growing coral but had reliability issues not just with me but others too. The light had great color and nice shimmer and put out a ton of light WHEN it worked. My recommendation when buying the Chinese lights just get on/off switches and 2 cords it will save you time and headaches

Best bang for the upfront buck have to be the Taotronics and the evolution. Both lights are very good at what they do. But they are basic no frill lights on/off switches and 2 cords. I was able to keep sps lps and soft coral with no problems. only thing with these lights is they are power hogs they use 141w with the fans. also have no optics. But these are very capable lights at a great entry price

Next the full spectrum par38. I have very little time with this light but I expect great things from it. With 90 degree optics and 32w of power this should be the nano standard light. Has a great shimmer effect and some of the best color I have seen from a LED light. I will report back after more time with this light but I am excited about this one.

Possibly The best/worst light of the bunch. Ecotech Radion is hands down the best light of the group you can do SO much with this light. The shimmer is the best the color is second to none and the things you are able to do with this light is amazing. You can also sync these lights with your Ecotech MP wave maker. But here is the bad. Even though you don't need a controller for this light I hope you have a laptop to take advantage of all the capabilities. Then if you do have a laptop I personally don't like it that close to my tank lol. If you need more than one light, I hope you have deep pockets because at the $699.00 price tag you might need a second mortgage to light even a 125.

Possibly the best light out there right now the AI Sol. I my opinion the best light of the group. It has some of the same cool functions of the Radion and is a very nice compact size. With interchangeable pucks you can make this light do what you need and look how you want. This light lands in the middle for price. Yes the upfront cost is a bit more. But at the 75 watt operating power it is almost half the power consumption of the Taotronics and Evolutions. With Costing almost half the price of the Radion I can live without some of the extra settings. The cons to the AI sols I would like to see more colors available for the pucks. I would like to be able to add a red or green if I would like to. also the extra cost for one controller. While it is an extra cost ( You only need one) I would rather have a $75 controller around my tank than my $800 laptop. Plus it is able to be mounted next to or on your tank. The AI Sol's get my vote and I hope to use them on my next build as I feel they are worth the extra upfront cost and will pay off in the long run.

I hope this helps and I know it is only a hand full of the products out there but I wish I had this info when I bought my lights.
Sorry I am not a writer but I feel I laid out some good information for someone looking to upgrade to LED lighting.

Once again this is my opinion and constructive comments are welcome.

 

[jahmic]

Nice post Mike.

I concur with your assessment of the Chinese lights. That fixture I picked up from you took some tweaking, but now that I have a pair of cords and potentiometers they're solid for sure.

 

[09bumblebee]

Ill chime in for the ai sols. I believe I have the original first sols that were on the market in my 90. They are whites. Love them but wasn't hitting that full 420 spectrum so supplemented with 2 t5's and amazing the results I'm getting.

I have the latest version of the ai sol blue over my 30 and couldn't be happier with my results. Sps is growing great and color is amazing on all my corals. I originally had them about 60% whites and 80% blues and half way down in the tank I was getting par readings of 600. Changed to 70 degree optics and turned the whites down and halfway down I'm now getting par readings of 350. I think the take home message with these lights is to dial them in with a par meter otherwise your going to bleach corals really easy. Love the coloration of the tank and my sps and montis are encrusting great.

 

[daverf]

hey Mike, this hits the nail on the head for me at the moment...looking for good info on lighting as i do an upgrade, and was having a hard time finding any. this is fantastic, thanks.

 

[Mav]

Awesome post mike!

 

[Bajamike]

hey Mike, this hits the nail on the head for me at the moment...looking for good info on lighting as i do an upgrade, and was having a hard time finding any. this is fantastic, thanks.

No problem hope it helps

 

[Dr.DiSilicate]

LED brands over view as seen by majicmike

Just to add to the evolutions... They now come with 4 red led's to enhance the overall color. You hear so many attitudes about led's. many people make quick assumptions and have expectations that the lights will be great. Mike made a great point that he saw a 2 month acclimation period when changing to led's this is true if you change from any type of light to another. Thanks for your take mike. I still haven't taken the led plunge but am following them closely.

 

[Bajamike]

Just to add to the evolutions... They now come with 4 red led's to enhance the overall color. You hear so many attitudes about led's. many people make quick assumptions and have expectations that the lights will be great. Mike made a great point that he saw a 2 month acclimation period when changing to led's this is true if you change from any type of light to another. Thanks for your take mike. I still haven't taken the led plunge but am following them closely.

Thank you on the Evo info! I just wanted to talk about what I knew so any further info helps a bunch. I thinkLED tech is moving so fast right now that lights you own 6 months ago you can no longer buy. Seems like all the taotronics on ebay have dimmers on them now.

 

[2sweet]

Thanks for doing all the homework and research and sharing it with all of us Mike. You saved several of us a lot of time and
reading and money.

 

[Cherub]

very nice job Mike. Just seen this. I agree about those chinese lights. They are great if you don;t deal with the controller. I have mine running through my controller now but there was nothing worse than attempting to program through the chinese controller. Replaced mine 3 times...

 

[Chuzzler]

On the AI SOLs would 2 units of the latest gen be enough for a 120g 4x2x2 in your opinion? AI website suggests it would be.

 

[Bajamike]

On the AI SOLs would 2 units of the latest gen be enough for a 120g 4x2x2 in your opinion? AI website suggests it would be.

I would thinks so nice thing is you could always add one if you thought it was not enough light

 

[Chuzzler]

Heard AquaMedic is going to have a new led coming out soon too, something comparable to AI features. I want to buy lights but think I better wait for reef stock to see if anyone is showcasing some new tech.

 

[Walter White]

Just a word on the Radion. You don't have to have it plugged into a computer next to the tank or at all. You can plug it into a wireless usb hub that connects to any PC in the house wirelessly In addition once it is hooked up that way you can use any remote/vnc app for droid or apple to control the light right on your phone. This is the way mine is set up. A wireless usb hub costs about $40