Cree LED Unit - Page 3

Eshine Robin · 11/02/2010, 08:59 AM

Hi jjsan, could you pls post some pics how you hang the light because I think it's really hard to mount the light, in addition, what is the beam angle of the light, does it spread enough to cover the whole tank? and penetrate the whole bottom? how high do you put the light above the surface of water? Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

jjsan · 11/02/2010, 04:21 PM

The lights aren't hard to mount. I just bought an external cable line from HD and looped it through the whole. The beam angle was advertised as 45 degrees and it pentrates all the way to the bottom. The light covers a design range, but not the complete tank, but there are spill overs.

I have the lights 6 inches from the water surface.

houmickey · 11/04/2010, 11:21 PM

To switch out the LED isn't hard. You have to remove the screws on the front, the sides, and the ones connected to the fan. Then you slide out the unit slowly and gently because you do not want to damage the LED and lense. Afterwards, its just pop em, snap em, screw em, and you are done.
To the poster, I don't know why you have trouble hooking up the hanging kit. It isn't rocket science, there are holes on the side, you slide the hooks/self locking hooks in them, then you are done. Its no different than any other unit.
The AI units are nice, but imho, the sunset and sunrise function is overrated. Its not like you will watch the tank light up and then watch it set. Don't get me wrong. I don't have anything against the unit.
To those who are interested in the lights, just to give you guys a heads up. There are a couple of copy cat manufacturers. They claim to be using cree and have almost identical boxing and unit, but our the Taiwan reef forum, a few reefers got scammed. They took it apart and found out the LEDs were not CREE, but an off brand.
My apologies if I am very direct. No harm is intended.

Psionicdragon · 11/19/2010, 12:47 AM

!!!

Mmckibben · 11/28/2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chimmike

$500 for $100 worth of LED's on a small heatsink with dimmer controls.

Two meanwells to drive 10 LED's each: $35 each.

heatsink: $20 maybe
Various wiring: $10
Rheostats: $7 for two

So maybe $250 total for a DIY setup, or $500 for that?

Sorry......I like LED's, but not enough to know those guys are probably making over $150 on each fixture. Profit is profit but for comparison's sake, that's a ripoff. Even if it looks good.

he forgot to mention buck pucks for dimming, optics, anti spray shield, outlet adapter, hanging system, and the tools. +$100

Shard · 11/28/2010, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mmckibben

he forgot to mention buck pucks for dimming, optics, anti spray shield, outlet adapter, hanging system, and the tools. +$100

You do not need buckpucks if you have meanwell drivers. The meanwells connect to 110v AC and drive the LEDs directly. Some of the meanwells have dimming also, it depends on the model. Obviously, with Buckpucks you need a separate powersupply.

Some people like meanwells, some like buckpucks + power supplies. Really just depends on the build, and preference I guess.

Concerning the guy talking about the cost.... see my comment above about his post. He completely does not understand the realities of economics that go into manufacturing fixtures like this. Everyone wants a deal and a great price, but sometimes we have to remember other costs, like the chain of supply and labor.

Hope this helps,
Landon

nygiants72 · 11/28/2010, 01:20 PM

Has anyone else tried this besides JJsan? I saw some were sold before the post was reset. Its at 339 per unit.

Shard · 11/28/2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nygiants72

Has anyone else tried this besides JJsan? I saw some were sold before the post was reset. Its at 339 per unit.

Some sold where?

nygiants72 · 11/29/2010, 12:01 AM

sorry, I misread the post. It was 3 available, not 3 sold haha.

Shard · 11/29/2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nygiants72

sorry, I misread the post. It was 3 available, not 3 sold haha.

You missed the last part of the question...... where? as in where were/are they for sale?

nygiants72 · 11/29/2010, 12:58 AM

oh, sorry. I misunderstood your question. Seems like I am doing that a lot.

On ebay, Reefing Evolution. They dropped the price down. Still a good deal for a basic whole unit. Its cheaper than the Maxspect and cheaper than buying 4 par 38s unless par 38s dropped in price too.

jjsan · 11/29/2010, 10:41 AM

I do not know if anyone else is using it, but I like my unit. Too bad they dropped the price even more after I bought it.

tomago · 01/23/2011, 09:54 AM

I'm thinking about purchasing one of these units. Did you verify that these do indeed have Crees LEDs in them? Did you verify that the LEDs are indeed replaceable?

BenR7132 · 05/04/2011, 06:44 PM

Just to chime in with my reactions to this unit...I have three tanks - all running LEDs. One has AIs (90 gallon), one running Reefbrites (57 gallon), and one I am trying this fixture on (60 cube). I just received the unit today, and it seems to be good quality. The one thing I can tell you immediately is that it's nowhere near an AI. So all things considered, I would save up for an AI. However, if these continue to become cheaper - and availability remains better than AIs - these are a nice fixture.

I wonder how this fixture compares to something like a Maxspect...my hypothesis would be on a par or better, with better longevity. But that's a guess, whereas the other comparisons are grounded in experience.

Feel free to PM if you want any other thoughts/reactions!

Ben

Salty1953 · 05/05/2011, 07:36 AM

Looks like the same unit from OCREEF.com which is $100 less.

110galreef · 05/06/2011, 08:42 PM

anymore input on these? they are ike $360 now?

benz598 · 05/06/2011, 09:04 PM

I can give some input on these units. I purchased one from ocreef.com about 2 months ago. First, if you have an older unit with an on/off switch, you MUST run the fan all the time or the LEDs will eventually burn out. That happened to mine even though I ran the fan for about an hour each day. The large heatsinks weren't enough to control the heat.

The units have been redesigned with a fan that is controlled by a temp sensor. It will now come on automatically by itself. Here is the MAJOR problem with this fix- the fan they installed is so f****** loud that I cannot believe someone would sell a light like this. My fix has been to slightly dim the LEDs so the fan only comes on once or twice a day. I can't run them at full intensity because you will literally laugh at how loud/powerful the new fan is and then cry when you realize your roommate is about to throw it into the lake. It sounds like someone is starting a jet engine in a quiet apartment.

Changing out the fan or running a separate one on top would probably do the trick. I haven't really looked into it though. I think it would be worth saving up for the AI units or getting something else. It's a very bright light and puts out a beautiful 14k light at full intensity. Unfortunately, I can no longer run it at full intensity (I'm sure it still puts out plenty of light though)

So, if you don't care about noise, then get this light. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

jjsan · 07/21/2011, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benz598

I can give some input on these units. I purchased one from ocreef.com about 2 months ago. First, if you have an older unit with an on/off switch, you MUST run the fan all the time or the LEDs will eventually burn out. That happened to mine even though I ran the fan for about an hour each day. The large heatsinks weren't enough to control the heat.

The units have been redesigned with a fan that is controlled by a temp sensor. It will now come on automatically by itself. Here is the MAJOR problem with this fix- the fan they installed is so f****** loud that I cannot believe someone would sell a light like this. My fix has been to slightly dim the LEDs so the fan only comes on once or twice a day. I can't run them at full intensity because you will literally laugh at how loud/powerful the new fan is and then cry when you realize your roommate is about to throw it into the lake. It sounds like someone is starting a jet engine in a quiet apartment.

Changing out the fan or running a separate one on top would probably do the trick. I haven't really looked into it though. I think it would be worth saving up for the AI units or getting something else. It's a very bright light and puts out a beautiful 14k light at full intensity. Unfortunately, I can no longer run it at full intensity (I'm sure it still puts out plenty of light though)

So, if you don't care about noise, then get this light. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

Hm that sounds very odd that yours burn out. I actually don't really turn on the fan.

I dont think OCreef's led is the same one that I am using. The unit that I am using weighs around 15lbs...If it is the same one that I am using, you mightve gotten a defective unit =/. Because I do agree the fan is loud, but I leave my led on 6 hours a day since I gotten it and never had any issues.

Can you tell us how much your unit weighs? I have been in contact with the owners at Reefing Evolution and they are bringing in the newer model in a few weeks and will continue to sell it at 349. I am going to have two over a 40gallon breeder.

WingoLED · 07/21/2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjsan

Hm that sounds very odd that yours burn out. I actually don't really turn on the fan.

I dont think OCreef's led is the same one that I am using. The unit that I am using weighs around 15lbs...If it is the same one that I am using, you mightve gotten a defective unit =/. Because I do agree the fan is loud, but I leave my led on 6 hours a day since I gotten it and never had any issues.

Can you tell us how much your unit weighs? I have been in contact with the owners at Reefing Evolution and they are bringing in the newer model in a few weeks and will continue to sell it at 349. I am going to have two over a 40gallon breeder.

I think they are the same units but he got a defective fan probably due to shipping or just a QC missed. He should ask the seller to replace the fan.

My buddy bought two of these for his 75G and he's loving them. He got them for for $700 and warrantied in New York. He loves AI too but he was short at cash during the time of purchase.

WingoLED · 07/21/2011, 11:26 AM

Has anyone opened one of these to change the LEDs? I would like to know whether the LEDs are mounted on a "star" or not.

jjsan · 07/24/2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingoLED

Has anyone opened one of these to change the LEDs? I would like to know whether the LEDs are mounted on a "star" or not.

I can try and open mine up later and take pics.

11/04/2010, 11:21 PM	#53
houmickey Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2	To switch out the LED isn't hard. You have to remove the screws on the front, the sides, and the ones connected to the fan. Then you slide out the unit slowly and gently because you do not want to damage the LED and lense. Afterwards, its just pop em, snap em, screw em, and you are done. To the poster, I don't know why you have trouble hooking up the hanging kit. It isn't rocket science, there are holes on the side, you slide the hooks/self locking hooks in them, then you are done. Its no different than any other unit. The AI units are nice, but imho, the sunset and sunrise function is overrated. Its not like you will watch the tank light up and then watch it set. Don't get me wrong. I don't have anything against the unit. To those who are interested in the lights, just to give you guys a heads up. There are a couple of copy cat manufacturers. They claim to be using cree and have almost identical boxing and unit, but our the Taiwan reef forum, a few reefers got scammed. They took it apart and found out the LEDs were not CREE, but an off brand. My apologies if I am very direct. No harm is intended. Last edited by houmickey; 11/05/2010 at 12:16 AM.

11/19/2010, 12:47 AM	#54
Psionicdragon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3,727	!!! __________________ Economy sucks bad! Lets pray for the best! in the meantime, liquidation! Last edited by Psionicdragon; 11/19/2010 at 01:25 AM.

05/06/2011, 08:42 PM	#66
110galreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toledo OH Posts: 2,466	anymore input on these? they are ike $360 now? __________________ Inwall Basement Setup w/ Growout Tank & Common Acrylic sump, SRO XP3000E, Neptune Apex, Bubble Magus Triple Doser, CLS- Super Dart Gold + OM 4way, 2-400w MH & 4-80w T-5, ROX .08 carbon...

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11/02/2010, 08:59 AM	#51
Eshine Robin Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6	Hi jjsan, could you pls post some pics how you hang the light because I think it's really hard to mount the light, in addition, what is the beam angle of the light, does it spread enough to cover the whole tank? and penetrate the whole bottom? how high do you put the light above the surface of water? Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

11/02/2010, 04:21 PM	#52
jjsan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 141	The lights aren't hard to mount. I just bought an external cable line from HD and looped it through the whole. The beam angle was advertised as 45 degrees and it pentrates all the way to the bottom. The light covers a design range, but not the complete tank, but there are spill overs. I have the lights 6 inches from the water surface.

11/28/2010, 01:20 PM	#57
nygiants72 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 42	Has anyone else tried this besides JJsan? I saw some were sold before the post was reset. Its at 339 per unit.

11/29/2010, 12:01 AM	#59
nygiants72 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 42	sorry, I misread the post. It was 3 available, not 3 sold haha.

11/29/2010, 12:58 AM	#61
nygiants72 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 42	oh, sorry. I misunderstood your question. Seems like I am doing that a lot. On ebay, Reefing Evolution. They dropped the price down. Still a good deal for a basic whole unit. Its cheaper than the Maxspect and cheaper than buying 4 par 38s unless par 38s dropped in price too.

11/29/2010, 10:41 AM	#62
jjsan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 141	I do not know if anyone else is using it, but I like my unit. Too bad they dropped the price even more after I bought it.

01/23/2011, 09:54 AM	#63
tomago Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Palatine Posts: 60	I'm thinking about purchasing one of these units. Did you verify that these do indeed have Crees LEDs in them? Did you verify that the LEDs are indeed replaceable?

05/04/2011, 06:44 PM	#64
BenR7132 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clayton/Concord Posts: 1,060	Just to chime in with my reactions to this unit...I have three tanks - all running LEDs. One has AIs (90 gallon), one running Reefbrites (57 gallon), and one I am trying this fixture on (60 cube). I just received the unit today, and it seems to be good quality. The one thing I can tell you immediately is that it's nowhere near an AI. So all things considered, I would save up for an AI. However, if these continue to become cheaper - and availability remains better than AIs - these are a nice fixture. I wonder how this fixture compares to something like a Maxspect...my hypothesis would be on a par or better, with better longevity. But that's a guess, whereas the other comparisons are grounded in experience. Feel free to PM if you want any other thoughts/reactions! Ben

05/05/2011, 07:36 AM	#65
Salty1953 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 7	Looks like the same unit from OCREEF.com which is $100 less.

05/06/2011, 09:04 PM	#67
benz598 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 6	I can give some input on these units. I purchased one from ocreef.com about 2 months ago. First, if you have an older unit with an on/off switch, you MUST run the fan all the time or the LEDs will eventually burn out. That happened to mine even though I ran the fan for about an hour each day. The large heatsinks weren't enough to control the heat. The units have been redesigned with a fan that is controlled by a temp sensor. It will now come on automatically by itself. Here is the MAJOR problem with this fix- the fan they installed is so f****** loud that I cannot believe someone would sell a light like this. My fix has been to slightly dim the LEDs so the fan only comes on once or twice a day. I can't run them at full intensity because you will literally laugh at how loud/powerful the new fan is and then cry when you realize your roommate is about to throw it into the lake. It sounds like someone is starting a jet engine in a quiet apartment. Changing out the fan or running a separate one on top would probably do the trick. I haven't really looked into it though. I think it would be worth saving up for the AI units or getting something else. It's a very bright light and puts out a beautiful 14k light at full intensity. Unfortunately, I can no longer run it at full intensity (I'm sure it still puts out plenty of light though) So, if you don't care about noise, then get this light. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

07/21/2011, 11:26 AM	#70
WingoLED Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 258	Has anyone opened one of these to change the LEDs? I would like to know whether the LEDs are mounted on a "star" or not.