Chinese LED Lights - Page 132

ErosJN · 08/17/2015, 12:08 PM

Great information guys, I think I'll purchase 3 of these LEDs for my 210

Ron Reefman · 08/17/2015, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Mortician

Nothing, are these not all generic IT2080 that Evergrow sells to other companies for rebranding? The claim is that they don't use lower Kelvin whites, all whites are supposed 14k whites.

That freaking sucks, these guys claim 8 shipping from DHL.

You misunderstood my point. Mine were not 'generic' IT2080 fixtures. I ordered 24 fixtures. Each one had to be custom made by hand. And there were 18 different layouts so only 6 fixtures were duplicates. I emailed in the order and 22 days later I had 24 fixtures that were all custom made by hand in China! I couldn't believe they made 24 fixtures and delivered them to me from China in just 22 days! Take 8 days for shipping and a day or two for order processing. They hand made 24 custom fixtures in 12 or 13 days.

Reef Mortician · 08/17/2015, 03:42 PM

I had replied to ScubaSteve, I read your post about how yours are custom. Sorry for the confusion.

Reef Mortician · 08/18/2015, 12:27 AM

Just discovered that the basic model can be mod to work off of an Apex Controller; which opens up full dimmer control on both channels.

The savings on the basic model compensates for the Apex. So, looks like I'll go that route even though there are no moonlights on the basic model. I can always run the blue channel very low.

oldpaddy · 08/19/2015, 03:36 PM

Hi all, will 3 evergrow D120's be enough for a 220gal (6'×2'×2.5') mixed reef tank?
If so, how high off the tank should I hang them?
I really don't want to hang them and I don't have a canopy, is there a decent tank mount I could buy?

Thanks for any help!

colorful1180 · 08/19/2015, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpaddy

Hi all, will 3 evergrow D120's be enough for a 220gal (6'×2'×2.5') mixed reef tank?
If so, how high off the tank should I hang them?
I really don't want to hang them and I don't have a canopy, is there a decent tank mount I could buy?

Thanks for any help!

Yes,3 of them will be enough for 220gal (6'×2'×2.5'), need about 14" above the water,you can DIY a canopy.

ceslane13 · 08/20/2015, 07:00 AM

I have a 150 gal 4' tank and was looking at getting 2 of the Evergrow D120's. Will this be enough lighting for the tank?

oldpaddy · 08/20/2015, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorful1180

Yes,3 of them will be enough for 220gal (6'×2'×2.5'), need about 14" above the water,you can DIY a canopy.

Thank you very much!
Do you think I'm better off with 2 300w systems? I don't need to overkill my lighting, but I definitely don't want to under do it.

scubasteve3 · 08/20/2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Mortician

Nothing, are these not all generic IT2080 that Evergrow sells to other companies for rebranding? The claim is that they don't use lower Kelvin whites, all whites are supposed 14k whites.

That freaking sucks, these guys claim 8 shipping from DHL.

Where are you buying them from? Can you link me to a tutorial on how to connect these to an Apex

Reef Mortician · 08/20/2015, 03:16 PM

There's a group buy on FB that has models with better spectrum than those on ebay. In that group there is a write up in the files section. The group is Chinese Black Box Proof Club.

The moderator posted the same write up here:

http://www.panhandlereefers.com/foru...eeper-control/

Also, a guy on here (reef central) attempted the mod and a better write up with better pics here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2515591

Now, the last link you will read the kid had a problems making it work with Apex because of an issue with the technology of the dimmer.

Apparently there two models, one with pvm(?) and others with analog 0-10v signals. The kid did get it to work.

Lastly, the moderator assured me that is mod works on the fixture with analog signal (group buy), and has heard people having to buy a converter from stevesled.com .

colorful1180 · 08/20/2015, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpaddy

Thank you very much!
Do you think I'm better off with 2 300w systems? I don't need to overkill my lighting, but I definitely don't want to under do it.

Yes,I used 2 x 300w ramping led lights,you can set brightness and time on the light,so no worry about overkill.

I bought them from the Group Buy on FB,cost me $320 each.

colorful1180 · 08/20/2015, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceslane13

I have a 150 gal 4' tank and was looking at getting 2 of the Evergrow D120's. Will this be enough lighting for the tank?

what length width height is your tank?

scubasteve3 · 08/20/2015, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Mortician

There's a group buy on FB that has models with better spectrum than those on ebay. In that group there is a write up in the files section. The group is Chinese Black Box Proof Club.

The moderator posted the same write up here:

http://www.panhandlereefers.com/foru...eeper-control/

Also, a guy on here (reef central) attempted the mod and a better write up with better pics here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2515591

Now, the last link you will read the kid had a problems making it work with Apex because of an issue with the technology of the dimmer.

Apparently there two models, one with pvm(?) and others with analog 0-10v signals. The kid did get it to work.

Lastly, the moderator assured me that is mod works on the fixture with analog signal (group buy), and has heard people having to buy a converter from stevesled.com .

Which option (#1, 2, 3, etc) did you order? I want to order the equivalent of the reef breeder photon 32" and modify it to tie into an Apex. I am between Option 4 & 5

Reef Mortician · 08/20/2015, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve3

Which option (#1, 2, 3, etc) did you order? I want to order the equivalent of the reef breeder photon 32" and modify it to tie into an Apex. I am between Option 4 & 5

The only option you can convert is the basic one (option 4 300w basic for 165)

The moderator there has a tweaked version of those which he will start selling soon under brand "SB Reef lights". He will have an Apex ready out the box light. He also claims those will have better spectrum than the group buy ones.

I'd go for the basic 300w and do the mod myself. With the money you save on not buying a timer, you can buy an Apex. That's my plan, just waiting to finish my degree.

ceslane13 · 08/21/2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorful1180

what length width height is your tank?

tank is 48"L x 24"W 150 gallon....so its a tall tank

colorful1180 · 08/21/2015, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceslane13

tank is 48"L x 24"W 150 gallon....so its a tall tank

Yes,2 of them would be perfect,one of 32'' 300w timer light will be fine if your tank no center brace,great spectrum and cool features.

scubasteve3 · 08/21/2015, 09:39 AM

Whats the benefit of option 6 with the ramp vs 5 with just a timer

ceslane13 · 08/21/2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorful1180

Yes,2 of them would be perfect,one of 32'' 300w timer light will be fine if your tank no center brace,great spectrum and cool features.

I have a center brace so i will go for the two....the one would be very clean looking though...thanks for the help

Reef Mortician · 08/21/2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve3

Whats the benefit of option 6 with the ramp vs 5 with just a timer

The timer only tells the channels when to power up/shutdown, and the intensity is manually adjusted using a knob.

The advantage ramping has over timer is both time and intensity can be set on a timer. The timer has 48 storage banks, so one can create sunrise/sunset buy "ramping" the intensity throughout the day and back down at night.

Only draw back to ramping is the manner in which the ramping occurs, the intensity does not intensify gradually in between points. In other words, if at 12:00 to 12:30 you program the intensity at 25% and then program 12:30 to 1:00 at 50%, there will be a noticeable transition. Meaning you will see a flash as the led fires up.

Most people circumvent this by doing a 5% ramp over 10 minutes until desired intensity is achieved.( The 48 banks can be done in 10 minute intervals)

However, it was suggested to me by the group moderator to buy the basic model and mod it to run off of the Apex for the smoothest ramping up of LEDs. Using the Apex, you can tell the unit to fire up the fixture from 9:00 am to noon from 25% to 50%. Afterwards, you can have it order the channels to slowly dim to 30% from noon to 5:00 pm, giving you more control of the lights.

scubasteve3 · 08/21/2015, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Mortician

The timer only tells the channels when to power up/shutdown, and the intensity is manually adjusted using a knob.

The advantage ramping has over timer is both time and intensity can be set on a timer. The timer has 48 storage banks, so one can create sunrise/sunset buy "ramping" the intensity throughout the day and back down at night.

Only draw back to ramping is the manner in which the ramping occurs, the intensity does not intensify gradually in between points. In other words, if at 12:00 to 12:30 you program the intensity at 25% and then program 12:30 to 1:00 at 50%, there will be a noticeable transition. Meaning you will see a flash as the led fires up.

Most people circumvent this by doing a 5% ramp over 10 minutes until desired intensity is achieved.( The 48 banks can be done in 10 minute intervals)

However, it was suggested to me by the group moderator to buy the basic model and mod it to run off of the Apex for the smoothest ramping up of LEDs. Using the Apex, you can tell the unit to fire up the fixture from 9:00 am to noon from 25% to 50%. Afterwards, you can have it order the channels to slowly dim to 30% from noon to 5:00 pm, giving you more control of the lights.

This is exactly what I wanted to know! Now just waiting for the basic to come back in stock. Altho I read the #5 with the timer has better spectrum

Reef Mortician · 08/21/2015, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubasteve3

This is exactly what I wanted to know! Now just waiting for the basic to come back in stock. Altho I read the #5 with the timer has better spectrum

The timer does from what I've heard, it includes 2 kinds of blue and I think warm whites. Check with Mike on availability, they may have it in stock. I don't know if that ad has been updated in a while.

I'm using this fixture as a DIY project since its cheaper and quicker than building one on my own. I plan on experimenting with different LEDs( Just for the hell of it). I hear people complain about the fans being loud. So, I think I will be swapping those out for quieter fans as well when I mod it to work on the Apex.

k4ndyk1ng · 08/21/2015, 12:30 PM

If I decide to get a standard 180g tank which ones to use? Thanks
Also my 60g 4x2x1'h so shallow tank, what LEDs for that? Thanks for any help and I am sorry if this violates any rules

colorful1180 · 08/21/2015, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k4ndyk1ng

If I decide to get a standard 180g tank which ones to use? Thanks
Also my 60g 4x2x1'h so shallow tank, what LEDs for that? Thanks for any help and I am sorry if this violates any rules

what is length width and height is your 180 gal tank?

I run 2 of black box 165w timer light for my 4ft tank,better spectrum and cool features,plus moonlight channel,it works great,I am happy with that.

Reefstarter2 · 08/22/2015, 08:44 PM

so been trying to read through this thread theres a lot of info and opinions here , what I want to know is this ....... well let me say what I am building
I am setting up a 180 mixed reef in my sunroom full canopy and a light rack inside that sits about 12-14 inches at highest placement ( its adjustable .) I will have fans one blowing in the other out . Since its in a sunroom I am thinking the natural sunlight the tank will get should take care of most of the photo needs of the corals . so I thought maybe getting some cheap Leds to give the corals some pop and viewing on dim days and at night . Are there any thoughts on this out there ? I also have 2 sets of halides to choose from I already own single ended and double ended . and its getting harder and harder to find bulbs for these , not to mention $300 or so every 10-12 months , heat isn't a big concern for me running a chiller . but would be nice to not have to

metrontech · 08/23/2015, 12:10 AM

Ok, so I started with a T5HO setup...didn't see much growth (months 1-4). I know that is really young for the tank to do anything.

Went to a Chinese 300W light fixture, same thing...

Back to a 4 bulb T5HO and same thing...

Now back to using the 300W LED

I bought the Seneye Reef tool today...I just had to know what was happening in regards to the PAR ratings.

Here is my findings:

LED (100%)

TOP - 1200

Middle - 700

Bottom 350-450

T5 (100%)

Top - 550

Middle - 300

Bottom - 125

I know this thing isn't the best PAR meter, but I am wondering why I don't see "more" growth with a great PAR reading?

Also the LED is a more direct lighting, meaning in the corners or far right and left the rating drops significantly

The T5 covers more area of course, but the issue for me is the lower PAR rating...

I have a mix reef, SPS, LPS and softies - so its good to know where the higher PAR rating is

So I guess the question is why not the LED over the T5?

I mean isn't it all about PAR? OR is the spectrum as important?

08/17/2015, 03:42 PM	#3278
Reef Mortician Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 80	I had replied to ScubaSteve, I read your post about how yours are custom. Sorry for the confusion. __________________ "They say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time." -Banksy Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder FOWLR, 55 gallon Display Refugium, and a 20 Long sump, DIY stand, 2 Ecotech MP 10s, Coralife 150w halide, Reef Octopus Classic Space Saver Protein Skimmer, BRS Carbon/GFO Reactor, and Eheim 1250 return

08/18/2015, 12:27 AM	#3279
Reef Mortician Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 80	Just discovered that the basic model can be mod to work off of an Apex Controller; which opens up full dimmer control on both channels. The savings on the basic model compensates for the Apex. So, looks like I'll go that route even though there are no moonlights on the basic model. I can always run the blue channel very low. __________________ "They say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time." -Banksy Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder FOWLR, 55 gallon Display Refugium, and a 20 Long sump, DIY stand, 2 Ecotech MP 10s, Coralife 150w halide, Reef Octopus Classic Space Saver Protein Skimmer, BRS Carbon/GFO Reactor, and Eheim 1250 return Last edited by Reef Mortician; 08/18/2015 at 12:38 AM.

08/20/2015, 03:16 PM	#3285
Reef Mortician Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 80	There's a group buy on FB that has models with better spectrum than those on ebay. In that group there is a write up in the files section. The group is Chinese Black Box Proof Club. The moderator posted the same write up here: http://www.panhandlereefers.com/foru...eeper-control/ Also, a guy on here (reef central) attempted the mod and a better write up with better pics here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2515591 Now, the last link you will read the kid had a problems making it work with Apex because of an issue with the technology of the dimmer. Apparently there two models, one with pvm(?) and others with analog 0-10v signals. The kid did get it to work. Lastly, the moderator assured me that is mod works on the fixture with analog signal (group buy), and has heard people having to buy a converter from stevesled.com . __________________ "They say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time." -Banksy Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder FOWLR, 55 gallon Display Refugium, and a 20 Long sump, DIY stand, 2 Ecotech MP 10s, Coralife 150w halide, Reef Octopus Classic Space Saver Protein Skimmer, BRS Carbon/GFO Reactor, and Eheim 1250 return

08/21/2015, 12:30 PM	#3297
k4ndyk1ng Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Posts: 349	If I decide to get a standard 180g tank which ones to use? Thanks Also my 60g 4x2x1'h so shallow tank, what LEDs for that? Thanks for any help and I am sorry if this violates any rules __________________ I have acropora disease :) Current Tank Info: The Plate Garden 60g http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2474978

08/23/2015, 12:10 AM	#3300
metrontech Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 14	Fresh outlook....LED vs T5HO - PAR Ok, so I started with a T5HO setup...didn't see much growth (months 1-4). I know that is really young for the tank to do anything. Went to a Chinese 300W light fixture, same thing... Back to a 4 bulb T5HO and same thing... Now back to using the 300W LED I bought the Seneye Reef tool today...I just had to know what was happening in regards to the PAR ratings. Here is my findings: LED (100%) TOP - 1200 Middle - 700 Bottom 350-450 T5 (100%) Top - 550 Middle - 300 Bottom - 125 I know this thing isn't the best PAR meter, but I am wondering why I don't see "more" growth with a great PAR reading? Also the LED is a more direct lighting, meaning in the corners or far right and left the rating drops significantly The T5 covers more area of course, but the issue for me is the lower PAR rating... I have a mix reef, SPS, LPS and softies - so its good to know where the higher PAR rating is So I guess the question is why not the LED over the T5? I mean isn't it all about PAR? OR is the spectrum as important?

08/17/2015, 12:08 PM	#3276
ErosJN Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: New Port Richey Posts: 290	Great information guys, I think I'll purchase 3 of these LEDs for my 210

08/19/2015, 03:36 PM	#3280
oldpaddy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cape Cod, Mass Posts: 326	Hi all, will 3 evergrow D120's be enough for a 220gal (6'×2'×2.5') mixed reef tank? If so, how high off the tank should I hang them? I really don't want to hang them and I don't have a canopy, is there a decent tank mount I could buy? Thanks for any help!

08/20/2015, 07:00 AM	#3282
ceslane13 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 147	I have a 150 gal 4' tank and was looking at getting 2 of the Evergrow D120's. Will this be enough lighting for the tank?

08/21/2015, 09:39 AM	#3292
scubasteve3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 54	Whats the benefit of option 6 with the ramp vs 5 with just a timer

08/22/2015, 08:44 PM	#3299
Reefstarter2 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 295	so been trying to read through this thread theres a lot of info and opinions here , what I want to know is this ....... well let me say what I am building I am setting up a 180 mixed reef in my sunroom full canopy and a light rack inside that sits about 12-14 inches at highest placement ( its adjustable .) I will have fans one blowing in the other out . Since its in a sunroom I am thinking the natural sunlight the tank will get should take care of most of the photo needs of the corals . so I thought maybe getting some cheap Leds to give the corals some pop and viewing on dim days and at night . Are there any thoughts on this out there ? I also have 2 sets of halides to choose from I already own single ended and double ended . and its getting harder and harder to find bulbs for these , not to mention $300 or so every 10-12 months , heat isn't a big concern for me running a chiller . but would be nice to not have to