chinese led lights

[WinnipegDragon]

Originally Posted by bhazard451

I might have found drivers through alibaba that will fit inside the units, are 60-75w each, have 580-700mah output current, and are 0-10v dimmable (pwm dimmable versions too). Getting pricing now.

After finding drivers, next step would be to add some quick connects to the new drivers so that everything can stay easily swappable, and extend the DIM+ DIM- wires through the fixture to the controller.

It's a bit of DIY work that always has the possibility of going horribly wrong if wired incorrectly, but as long as we can find cheap drivers similar in output to the ones included in the fixture, in theory this should work in getting apex dimming working.

Please keep us in the loop! Sam hasn't had any updates for me yet

Also note that in the Novas the driver also powers the integrated fans, so there may need to be something done to power them if you swap the drivers.

[mwminer]

I bought 6 of the Pharos modules for the 450 I am putting up. Currently I am running 2 on my 165 gal. They do have a really good spread and the wireless controller handles multiple modules. I love the features they offer and they are simple to program (if you want something different than the default setting). It includes cloud simulation, sunrise/sunset, lunar cycle, set your night time hours how you want it, dimmable. I love them and have had no problems with them.

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by WinnipegDragon

Please keep us in the loop! Sam hasn't had any updates for me yet

Also note that in the Novas the driver also powers the integrated fans, so there may need to be something done to power them if you swap the drivers.

The only updates I had were they were looking into making a Cree version of the fixtures, and that they are still researching an Apex solution.

I'm hoping that by just replacing the driver, it doesn't affect the fans. That assumes them being wired into the led output line itself with a resistor implemented of some sort. The key in this is figuring out why the fans stay running when the pot switch is turned off.

[biecacka]

I'm not sure DIY is cheaper than these fixtures?
Corey

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by WinnipegDragon

Also note that in the Novas the driver also powers the integrated fans, so there may need to be something done to power them if you swap the drivers.

Looks like they could just be wired seperately to a $5 12v power adapter, assuming that extra port they come out of on the driver isn't hooked to the lights.

Ugh, so much figuring out to do. Sucks not having a schematic.

[Mussin]

Does anyone have any info on these lights?

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/53...arium_for.html

[Bcamp]

Only 1 watt led's in it.

[bskiba]

I ordered my lights yesterday. Sam referred me to Hendy and they have been great as far as communication. standard 30 blue 25 white for my 60 cube. $165

[Boxfish]

Originally Posted by biecacka

I'm not sure DIY is cheaper than these fixtures?
Corey

I think if you have to get more than one unit then I think DIY is cheaper and better. Have much more control and in most cases better LED's. But thats just my opinion.

[Mussin]

Originally Posted by bskiba

I ordered my lights yesterday. Sam referred me to Hendy and they have been great as far as communication. standard 30 blue 25 white for my 60 cube. $165

So what one did you order?

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by biecacka

I'm not sure DIY is cheaper than these fixtures?
Corey

DIY offers a lot more customization options, can be made into one big unit, and can be cheaper or higher quality, depending on what you use.

If you don't have the time or ability to DIY, or want something plug and play, you cannot beat the value of the $165 unit. 55 bridgelux leds alone would cost $110, nevermind the rest of the parts needed.

A lot more legit resellers on ebay are selling the dimmable lights now with a $20 or more premium.

I personally love the Nova units, because they can be upgraded in the future a bit easier, should I decide to swap out leds or drivers if they become cheaper/better in a few years. The fans and drivers are on quick connects, and the leds might even be too... we haven't checked yet.

[Mussin]

So how high off the water surface is the reccomendation to hang these?


Jeremy

[Boxfish]

I run mine about 12 inches so I can get in and feed etc. Course mine are DIY

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Boxfish

I run mine about 12 inches so I can get in and feed etc. Course mine are DIY

If I ever convert my freshwater 120 gallon, I would do a DIY design like yours. It looks great.

[bhazard451]

@WinnipegDragon

I just brainstormed something. You tested from the Pot..

There are 4 wires going into the red connector which connects to the leds from the driver. They would be LED+ DIM+ (Red) and LED- DIM- (Black). Did your friend ever test the return voltage from there? Remember, we want to bypass the pot completely. The pot output on the driver might be screwing things up. It is non-standard compared to a meanwell driver.

If it actually takes the 0-10v signal, we would divert those two wires (DIM+, DIM-) from the red connector to the apex port via the apex dimming cable. Thoughts?

This would solve the fan issue, save $$ on drivers, and would make my day.

[Travis1787]

My light is at my house can't wait to get home!

[ghrorick]

So I think I am going to order 2 a6s for my 120 gallon. I think I am going to go with

dimmer 1 18 blue and 6uv
dimmer 2 30 white 12 royal blue (or blue if I can't get royal blue) and 6 violet.
trying to decide if I want the uvs on dimmer 1 or one of the other colors. I think that this is basically like one of the diy units they offer with the only difference being the royal blues instead of the blues. I really just need to break down and buy the lights, I've been looking for 2 months now.

[Travis1787]

Well got my unit opened it up and I must say very nicely put together! The only error I see made is the dimmers are labled backwards the one that says white is blue and one that says blue is white. No big deal.

I went with 30 blues 21 whites 4 violets. And I'm suprised to say I wish I went bluer! But there product it self is gorgeous so well made and nice looking the only thing I wish was bettter is a way to hang this thing haha gotta figure that out still pics will come as I get it up

[Trevenator]

Originally Posted by ghrorick

So I think I am going to order 2 a6s for my 120 gallon. I think I am going to go with

dimmer 1 18 blue and 6uv
dimmer 2 30 white 12 royal blue (or blue if I can't get royal blue) and 6 violet.
trying to decide if I want the uvs on dimmer 1 or one of the other colors. I think that this is basically like one of the diy units they offer with the only difference being the royal blues instead of the blues. I really just need to break down and buy the lights, I've been looking for 2 months now.

Your Idea is close to setup im going to try to get with my A6.
Im going to see if they can do
24 white
16 blue
16 royal blue
6 violet
6 uv

The par 38 bulbs I have now have a 3 blue to 2 white ratio and I think the color looks good. Around 20k

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Travis1787

Well got my unit opened it up and I must say very nicely put together! The only error I see made is the dimmers are labled backwards the one that says white is blue and one that says blue is white. No big deal.

I went with 30 blues 21 whites 4 violets. And I'm suprised to say I wish I went bluer! But there product it self is gorgeous so well made and nice looking the only thing I wish was bettter is a way to hang this thing haha gotta figure that out still pics will come as I get it up

How do the violets look? Is It worth putting them in? I have 4 waiting to be put in my fixture.

I'll make a guide to make a wall bracket to hang from like I did later.

[Chicago]

so confused.. the web site. has so many options for different lights.. nova and others.. are all made by same manufacturer?

[Travis1787]

Its hard to tell now cause its not installed but I would say be carefull with how many violets you add I would do at most 1 violet every ten leds at most I got 4 and my 55 unit and I think its ok if anything I wish I got more blues I did 30 blues 21 whites id deff think about trying 34 blues 17 whites 4 violets ..a 2:1 blue ratio....

Hanging this thing in my canopy is gonna be a pain lol

[bhazard451]

Like a few others, I had no idea how to mount my LED fixture once I got it. Most of these do not come with a leg bracket like I'm used to using, and my ceiling is way too high.

I also could not buy the Aquaticlife hanging fixture because my tank is up against the wall, and I could not drill to a stand. What to do.....

Instructions to hang a led fixture from a wall bracket

(Probably should be a sticky)

You will need:

-Rubbermaid 25 in. Twin Track Upright (one or two for each fixture) $5

-Rubbermaid 14-1/2 in. White Twin Track Bracket (use a smaller or bigger one depending on how much extension you need, one for each upright) $5

-Rubbermaid Twin Track Universal Hardware Pack (has all the screws and anchors you need) $7

-Hacksaw
-Drill, 5/16 drill bit
-Clamp
-Level / T Square
-Stud Finder
-Tape measure

Use a tape measure to measure length, and center where the bracket will be going over the tank. Divide by two or 3 sections for bigger tanks and multiple fixtures and mark it. Use a stud finder and see if you are able to use a stud in the wall to hang the bracket. If you can, you won't need the plastic anchors. If your fixture is not going into a stud (mine couldn't), you will need to use the anchors.

Since they don't make smaller uprights, use a hacksaw and a clamp, and cut the upright so it at least has two screw holes. I recommend around 16" or more. The metal cuts somewhat easily with it.

Use a bubble level/T square to place the upright. Add at least 6" for the hanging wires, and add another 10" for height. Mark the screw holes.

Pre drill for the anchors with a 5/16" drill bit (I think it was the size, hold it next to the anchor closed to compare, should look similar in size.

Close the anchor and push it into the wall so it will expand vertically. Take a hammer or mallet and knock it in flush. Use the pin included to push into the anchor to expand it. Repeat for the second hole.

Line up the upright and screw holes. Use the larger screws in the kit and drill the screws into the anchors and upright until tight.

Attach the bracket piece. I really like the ability to raise and lower the fixture easily with the twin track design.

Attach all four wires to one caribiner hook and one bracket, or use 2 wires, 2 caribiners, 2 brackets for a fixture.

Do not exceed 30lbs per fixture if you are not drilled into wall studs. My fixture was ~10 lbs and holds fine. Make sure you aren't drilling into a pipe or electrical wiring as well. If you hit metal, stop.

This is the end result:

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Chicago

so confused.. the web site. has so many options for different lights.. nova and others.. are all made by same manufacturer?

There are hundreds of manufacturers, and many different designs. Based on positive experiences and great communication, I recommend the Evergrow fixtures. I'm sure there are plenty of other good sellers too, but I had a great experience with Evergrow.

[Travis1787]

Yea bhazard my prob is I have a canopy with only 14 inches off the water to work with and due to the cords coming out of the top of the unit I lose an inch ... Plus hanging it at the least it hangs another 2 inch then the unit is 2.5" thick so I'm going to be only 8 inches off the water