chinese led lights

[Chicago]

Tagging

[biecacka]

I'm about to order 2 if anyone else is thinking of a group buy.....
Corey

[Dobbs1101]

Are Epistar and Bridgelux comparable LEDS? I don't know anything about LEDs except Cree are the best.

That looks like a nice light and that might be a winner for me also. It says 3w Epistar LEDs,Blue:White=2:1, would that be too blue. I asked earlier in a post and someone said b:w 2:1 might be too blue. I run 20k radiums now but I don't want it darker or bluer than that.

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs...olesalers.html

[Dustin1300]

Originally Posted by bhazard451

I'm about to blow up a companies spot, and I don't care.

Have any of you seen the "US made" Apollo Reef Led Solarbrite fixtures being sold for $399 that are Apex controllable? Apparently, Twilight Group makes those too, and sold them for $167 a fixture in bulk to Apollo Reef Led. Want Proof?

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/107126704.html

It looks like they can make an Apex Dimmable d120 for everyone for under $250.

Please be sure wherever else you posted this info that you bring light to the fact that aliexpress stole the pictures/design and broke a patent on this and you did not check your facts before stating this information. I'm still amazed that you've first sided with the Chinese...Since they never steal ideas, pictures, and infringe patents. Just wanted to bring this to light as it's not the same light, it's not dimable, laid out differently, and they even were too lazy to even take there own picture...

Here’s a quick conversation initiated with Twilight Group on an inquiry for the light this morning:

Customer(2012-07-11 06:44:44)
Hello

Customer(2012-07-11 06:45:18)
is there anyone there?

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:45:39)
hello

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:45:43)


Customer(2012-07-11 06:45:54)
Hi there

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:45:54)
what can I do for you？

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:46:04)
this is Simon

Customer(2012-07-11 06:46:08)
I am inquiring about some lighting

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:46:23)
OK, what lighting?

Customer(2012-07-11 06:46:26)
I want to buy this one

Customer(2012-07-11 06:46:31)
http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/107126704.html

Customer(2012-07-11 06:46:50)
maybe 20 pc

Customer(2012-07-11 06:47:21)
but this look like a light from USA seller, is it the Apollo Reef LED light? I see the logo on the case.

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:48:05)
wait a moment, let me check it

***** (2012-07-11 06:48:06)
Hello?

Customer(2012-07-11 06:48:40)
OK

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:49:26)
It was not our light nor our photos and infringed on US Patent Trademark for Apollo Reef LED, the company contacted us and demanded it be removed. We complied. We are not affilated with Apollo, so we can not provide this light to you, hope to get your understanding

Customer(2012-07-11 06:49:39)
oh

Customer(2012-07-11 06:49:47)
so sorry to hear that

simon liu(2012-07-11 06:49:52)
I am so sorry

I'm in no way affiliated with Apollo, just bought it and have had amazing customer service from a US based company that assembles the lights in the US. So far so good and I've had it running about 2 months on my frag tank. For an un-biased review, I've posted a review at following link:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2183870

Thread should be back on the right track after the de-railment with aliexpress copy. If anyone here has pictures or feedback on the fixture please come join

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Dustin1300

I'm in no way affiliated with Apollo, just bought it and have had amazing customer service from a US based company that assembles the lights in the US. So far so good and I've had it running about 2 months on my frag tank. For an un-biased review, I've posted a review at following link:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2183870

I did jump the gun on that, and I do apologize for it. They are not the same lights and do not make the lights for Apollo Reef Led. I do appreciate the review thread you started on the lights to inform everyone how they are. They are well made, and I look forward to more reviews of it.

What doesn't change, is the fact that a similar light with a built in controller and dimmable moonlights can be had for $260 or less shipped direct from China in 3 days.

It all depends on what really matters to the buyer. If a higher costing but well made, US assembled with US servicing Apex dimmable fixture matters most to the buyer, the Apollo is the better choice. If cost per performance and customization is more of an issue, these are the better choice, as you can also choose what color spectrum you would like.

This is the inside of one of the Twilight lights. It uses a large power supply with small led drivers attached to it. The moonlight driver is on the left. You have the option to add a third driver for 3 channel 0-10v dimming via the controller. which is the pcb board up top. You can see the heatsink too, so they didn't skimp on the cooling. Led type and optics would be similar.

[bhazard451]

All of these use the same bridgelux leds and 55x3w led layout running at 530-630mah.
The differences are:

Apollo
Uses Meanwell 0-10v drivers for power, multiple cords.
1 standard led layout, Non customization
Direct connection from DIM+ DIM- driver wires to ethernet port
Moonlights cannot be dimmed automatically
Must have an Apex or reef controller to use
$399

Twilight Group
Uses a Rubycon large power supply, with small 0-10v led drivers (they actually say PWM... hmm). 1 power cord.
Can create any led spectrum layout you desire
DIM+ DIM- wires connected to an lcd controller/timer/ sunrise/sunset dimmer
Moonlights automatically dimmable via controller
No need for Apex.
$260 or less shipped depending on quantity

Evergrow
No finned heatsink, (Nova models have finned heatsink)
Can create any led spectrum layout you desire
Manual dimming
Cheapest option, yet quality made.
~$165-185 per request (d120)
~$230-366 per Nova model (A4, A6, A8)
There are several other companies too, but these are the only ones I've seen the internals of.

[mlott132]

Just place my order, now I wait for them to come in.

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by mlott132

Just place my order, now I wait for them to come in.

They said mine would be ready by next Saturday, so you might have to wait a bit.

[Chicago]

anyone use orange led
thinking about this config thoughts

1 channel moon light 3 blue
2 channel 22 blues
3 channel 20 whites , 2 red 630, 2 green 515 2 orange 610, 2 violet 440 . 2 uv 400.

is orange worth adding in .. ?

[biecacka]

I was quoted 208 each unit by Simon for twilight and that's with the aluminum case
Corey

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by biecacka

I was quoted 208 each unit by Simon for twilight and that's with the aluminum case
Corey

With shipping, optics, 3 dimmers, customized leds?

[Chicago]

Ok new twist. These twilight units most hold 55led. But u can order them with 80 led. 180 watt. Only issue is due to space. Can only do 60 degree optics. I will put it over a 31 inch deep tank. By 31 inch wide. Would I be beter of with 60 over the 90 degrees any ways. If so maybe for few buck more I get some more LEDs in there

[newe70]

I got both of my light fixtures today. They were shipped on this Monday and I got them today, Wednesday only two days in transit from Hong Kong through DHL. My first impression of these fixtures after I opened both boxes was the fixture was well built and appeared to use a good material, imo. The factory did a very damn good job on the packaging and provided a very good protection for the light from getting tossing around, during logistics.

I did a quick functional test on both fixtures, and they both fired up very nicely. I was surprised to see how bright these leds lit up when I turned it up to 100%. These leds are super super bright...it hurts your eyes if you look at them long enough.

I have to figure out how to hang both of these fixtures on my 48" long tank this weekend.

[Zoanut]

Originally Posted by newe70

I got both of my light fixtures today. They were shipped on this Monday and I got them today, Wednesday only two days in transit from Hong Kong through DHL. My first impression of these fixtures after I opened both boxes was the fixture was well built and appeared to use a good material, imo. The factory did a very damn good job on the packaging and provided a very good protection for the light from getting tossing around, during logistics.

I did a quick functional test on both fixtures, and they both fired up very nicely. I was surprised to see how bright these leds lit up when I turned it up to 100%. These leds are super super bright...it hurts your eyes if you look at them long enough.

I have to figure out how to hang both of these fixtures on my 48" long tank this weekend.

Which fixtures are these ones?

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Chicago

Ok new twist. These twilight units most hold 55led. But u can order them with 80 led. 180 watt. Only issue is due to space. Can only do 60 degree optics. I will put it over a 31 inch deep tank. By 31 inch wide. Would I be beter of with 60 over the 90 degrees any ways. If so maybe for few buck more I get some more LEDs in there

They can fit 80 in there? Wow that's kinda nuts, but cool at the same time.

[newe70]

Originally Posted by Zoanut

Which fixtures are these ones?

I got these fixtures from EverGrow. 32Royal blues + 4 Violet + 19 Whites, 90 degree led angle with no optic lens.

[biecacka]

Bhazard here is my fixture I'm thinking of buying

blue460nm:white10000k:white14000k:UV400nm: moonlight460nm=35:10:5:2:3

I checked the shipping cost for 2pcs aluminum lights, it is 90USD, shipped by DHL.
*
So the product unit price will be $188+$20=208USD/pcs.
*
And total amount for 2pcs is 506USD.

Corey

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by biecacka

Bhazard here is my fixture I'm thinking of buying

blue460nm:white10000k:white14000k:UV400nm: moonlight460nm=35:10:5:2:3

I checked the shipping cost for 2pcs aluminum lights, it is 90USD, shipped by DHL.
*
So the product unit price will be $188+$20=208USD/pcs.
*
And total amount for 2pcs is 506USD.

Corey

Sounds fine to me. Post pics and thoughts once you get them.

[Tater11]

Originally Posted by Dustin1300

Please be sure wherever else you posted this info that you bring light to the fact that aliexpress stole the pictures/design and broke a patent on this and you did not check your facts before stating this information. I'm still amazed that you've first sided with the Chinese...Since they never steal ideas, pictures, and infringe patents. Just wanted to bring this to light as it's not the same light, it's not dimable, laid out differently, and they even were too lazy to even take there own picture...

Here’s a quick conversation initiated with Twilight Group on an inquiry for the light this morning:



I'm in no way affiliated with Apollo, just bought it and have had amazing customer service from a US based company that assembles the lights in the US. So far so good and I've had it running about 2 months on my frag tank. For an un-biased review, I've posted a review at following link:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2183870

Thread should be back on the right track after the de-railment with aliexpress copy. If anyone here has pictures or feedback on the fixture please come join

thanks for clearing that up justin.I've dealt with Joe at Apollo for awhile now great guy and great lights getting my 4th one next week sometime

[biecacka]

I sure will!
Corey

[Tater11]

Oops sorry dustin not Justin dang phone lol

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Tater11

thanks for clearing that up justin.I've dealt with Joe at Apollo for awhile now great guy and great lights getting my 4th one next week sometime

I also apologize for making accusations without all the facts.

Tater, would you mind posting some pictures and comments on how your experience has been with the light in this thread too? I really should have picked one up when they were on sale. Would have saved a lot of time instead of modding my Chinese fixture to get Apex dimming working.

[cmantis]

Originally Posted by Chicago

anyone use orange led
thinking about this config thoughts

1 channel moon light 3 blue
2 channel 22 blues
3 channel 20 whites , 2 red 630, 2 green 515 2 orange 610, 2 violet 440 . 2 uv 400.

is orange worth adding in .. ?

I would stick with 630 which is orange/red. That hits for chlorophyll B but I was told that the white also hit this and 660 hits for chlorophyll B but might also add color to certain colors. Remember red is the first to get filtered out. Most people go for 660 but I have seen a few using 630. I was going to go 630 but ended up going 660. I will let you know in a few days how it turned out.

[Chicago]

Ok need more help. The unit can hold 80 LEDs. For some price of 30 bucks can pack 80 v 55 led. Trade off is can only do 60 degree optics then. Will not fit 90 degree optics. Thank is 31 deep 31 wide. I can hand at any distance
Your thoughts please. In other words what is hanging height for this dimensions and does it seem like good idea to do upgrade

[Dustin1300]

Just wanted to clear up the muddy water and bring the facts to light for this light (No pun intended).

Tater has some great shots of the fixtures over his tank and some coral shots...If I can get a better grasp of my new DSLR, I'll try to post pics too.

***Tater, no worry on Justin....I'm amazed at some of the jibberish I post/text on my phone some times!