Chinese LED Lights

[josephv]

Originally Posted by mess7777

Since the site is running so slow these days I won't ask "did you actually read this thread". Lots of people have them and the programming works. It jumps from one % to the next instantly at set times instead of gradually moving to that level. The other minor concern is that the touchscreen buttons are sensitive and it takes some time to get the "touch"

Hope that helps!

thanks

[Barro777]

After reading the first 50 pages of the old thread + 10 last pages of this new thread, which alone took me a couple of days, I just pulled the trigger on an IT2060. Everything is made in China these days anyways, and why a bunch of stupid leds should cost twice as much as a large-screen TV is beyond me.

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by Barro777

After reading the first 50 pages of the old thread + 10 last pages of this new thread, which alone took me a couple of days, I just pulled the trigger on an IT2060. Everything is made in China these days anyways, and why a bunch of stupid leds should cost twice as much as a large-screen TV is beyond me.

That's why we are all here. Pricing is ridiculous on many led fixtures, especially since they are still rapidly developing compared to MH or T5. Just look at all the AI Sols and Gen1 Radions that are now completely obsolete. At the end of the day, its just a light.

I'd rather solder in a few new leds when they come out, instead of having to ship my whole fixture to be upgraded for a "low" price of $200+ every time. Modular fixture designs may also turn out to be worthless, especially if a newer fixture is completely redesigned. What then?

The Maxspect Razor was the only other nicely designed, affordable light that I could see myself with. The itch to change some led colors, and the fact that one arrived DOA turned me off from them. They're both now returned, and I'm using the credit to try a Radion Pro to see if it is really worth it.

These are the only fixtures I have individual, swappable led control over without going fully DIY, or spending a crazy $10+ per led. I love that.

[mess7777]

Originally Posted by bhazard451

That's why we are all here. Pricing is ridiculous on many led fixtures, especially since they are still rapidly developing compared to MH or T5. Just look at all the AI Sols and Gen1 Radions that are now completely obsolete. At the end of the day, its just a light.

I'd rather solder in a few new leds when they come out, instead of having to ship my whole fixture to be upgraded for a "low" price of $200+ every time. Modular fixture designs may also turn out to be worthless, especially if a newer fixture is completely redesigned. What then?

The Maxspect Razor was the only other nicely designed, affordable light that I could see myself with. The itch to change some led colors, and the fact that one arrived DOA turned me off from them. They're both now returned, and I'm using the credit to try a Radion Pro to see if it is really worth it.

These are the only fixtures I have individual, swappable led control over without going fully DIY, or spending a crazy $10+ per led. I love that.

no razor vs. chinese coming I was hoping for that to help my decision. Two IT2060 or two Razor 120w. The razors are so much sleeker looking in my opinion, but the extra $160.....is it worth it for Cree and a known brand name fixture? I dunno!

[bhazard451]

Originally Posted by mess7777

no razor vs. chinese coming I was hoping for that to help my decision. Two IT2060 or two Razor 120w. The razors are so much sleeker looking in my opinion, but the extra $160.....is it worth it for Cree and a known brand name fixture? I dunno!

They really are sleek and light. They have the same hanging kit as the IT lights do, and the legs it comes with aren't bad, they just hang low. If I was never looking to change out leds for a perfect ratio all the time, and never saw what a few 660nm reds can do with my own eyes, I would have been very happy with them. I prefer Crees, but 99 bridgelux easily equals 39 Crees in power/light.

Keep in mind, one of the brand name fixtures arrived DOA, and the working fixture's power supply had issues in not always turning on, so I had to swap supplies to get it working 100%. I'm sure its rare, but it still happened. I've had 1 Reefbreeders, and 3 direct from China arrive with no issues.

I really wanted to do the comparison, but the DOA and power supply (which has a serial number tied to the fixture) forced me to ship them back. The comparison will have to be with a Radion Pro.

The 120w vs IT2060 is a tough choice though. The razor 120w is $389 right? Its the better value. IT2080 in a group buy is a better value over a 160w though. At regular pricing, its a close call. Depends if you want to swap leds or not.

[Travis1787]

my IT2060s should be here today or tomorrow about stinkin time! I was supposed to have them last Tuesday but they got shipped to the wrong address.... I ordered them in November so I'm getting impatient lol

[Ron Reefman]

Travis,

Based on the experience I've had with mineover the past 3 weeks, you'll find it was worth the wait.

[mess7777]

if radion pro can't beat the ITs , there's gonna be some 'splain to do to justify that price tag!

I wish I could go IT2080 for value....but the old center brace thinks otherwise!

Up here(Canada) the 120w razors are $449 + 15% tax.

That said, I'd buy them during a trip down to the US, saving over $100 and with the new cross border shopping rules ($800 back after 48 hours duty free) I am good to go.

Still kills to spend that much when we all know how fast LEDs are developing.

Originally Posted by bhazard451

They really are sleek and light. They have the same hanging kit as the IT lights do, and the legs it comes with aren't bad, they just hang low. If I was never looking to change out leds for a perfect ratio all the time, and never saw what a few 660nm reds can do with my own eyes, I would have been very happy with them. I prefer Crees, but 99 bridgelux easily equals 39 Crees in power/light.

Keep in mind, one of the brand name fixtures arrived DOA, and the working fixture's power supply had issues in not always turning on, so I had to swap supplies to get it working 100%. I'm sure its rare, but it still happened. I've had 1 Reefbreeders, and 3 direct from China arrive with no issues.

I really wanted to do the comparison, but the DOA and power supply (which has a serial number tied to the fixture) forced me to ship them back. The comparison will have to be with a Radion Pro.

The 120w vs IT2060 is a tough choice though. The razor 120w is $389 right? Its the better value. IT2080 in a group buy is a better value over a 160w though. At regular pricing, its a close call. Depends if you want to swap leds or not.

[bhazard451]

Come to think of it, any of the IT lights are a better value in a group buy, compared to anything else out there. For the IT2060, you add coverage, but may also add some disco. You would have to play around with optics vs no optics, canopy, height, etc.

[Genius]

I've heard conflicting reports on whether or not the center brace will affect the lighting. I was also considering a IT2080 for my 120gal 48" tank. Still not sure whether to go with the 2080 or 2 x D120. Thoughts anyone?

[Genius]

Forgot to mention that my 120gal 48" has a thick glass brace in the middle.

[mess7777]

Originally Posted by Genius

Forgot to mention that my 120gal 48" has a thick glass brace in the middle.

If the brace is glass you shouldn't be too bad off, some of the light will get through. With the normal black plastic center brace there is no doubt at all that it will block the lights directly above it. The most noticeable areas will be directly below the brace, with less noticeable efficiency loss further down due to spillover from other lights.

[tidewater]

I got my it2080 in 9 days. It's awesome it's been over the tank for a few days now. My layout came out a Little white but over all looks good.

[indyjaco]

Does anyone have any real experience with the 32" RB's light on a 48" tank?

I am considering this to replace my 4 bulb t5 setup which will need bulbs in the next month or two.

[EZTimes]

Originally Posted by Genius

I've heard conflicting reports on whether or not the center brace will affect the lighting. I was also considering a IT2080 for my 120gal 48" tank. Still not sure whether to go with the 2080 or 2 x D120. Thoughts anyone?

I have no experience with the IT2080 but part of your answer would be what types of corals you are planning to put in the tank and how much PAR you need. Hopefully you can find some good advice from the RC regulars on the IT2080 to help you make the right choice.

As you know the D120’s have manual dimmers and the IT series is more automatic but is 3 or 4 times the cost even with a Group Buy direct from EverGrow. But the IT series has less wires if looks is a big issue.

I had one D120's on a 54g corner (38 x 27 x 22) and had to put on a second one on to eliminate the shadow / lower lighted areas. I think you will have a similar problem being 24" wide and 48" long if you go with only 2 D120’s. If using D120's (16" x 9") I would go with 3 and hang them with a brace attaching them together with their existing screws to stabilize them and to look like one fixture. My HD had aluminum bars (1/2” x 1/8 x 24”) which when painted black were perfect for this. You can also reduce the hanging kit wires needed by drilling an extra hole in the brace (at each connection point of two fixtures) and use one clip there as opposed to one on each of the fixtures corners. That would use 8 clips & wires instead of 12 for 3 fixtures.

At 24” deep you may want to go with 120* optics on any LED’s between 440nm and 680nm to minimize the disco or spotlight effect of those colors and maybe 120* optics on the outside rows to get better spread being 24” wide. I used 90* optics on all my B & W and have no issues there but I had a different shape problem to deal with and mounted them as a slight "V".

[benjc]

I have the IT2080 from Reef Breeders on my 120 tank. The lights are currently 10 inches above the water, and with 90 degree optics, I do notice some disco on the sand bed...not too noticeable on the rocks. The hanging kit is nice and sleek but not super high-end; certainly better than I expected.

[EZTimes]

Sorry I made a mistake above and I don't know how to edit posts after the "edit" button goes away. The 120* optics I think should be on the Green (520nm) through Red (660nm) LED's for most tanks. According to Sunny at EverGrow and others just removing the 90* optics will help. Older D120's had 120* angle LED's (not the current which use 90* LED's) and their removal on either angled LED will help eliminate the issue if 120* optics are not available.

[Ron Reefman]

[QUOTE=EZTimes;21080163]I have no experience with the IT2080 but part of your answer would be what types of corals you are planning to put in the tank and how much PAR you need. Hopefully you can find some good advice from the RC regulars on the IT2080 to help you make the right choice.

As you know the D120’s have manual dimmers and the IT series is more automatic but is 3 or 4 times the cost even with a Group Buy direct from EverGrow. But the IT series has less wires if looks is a big issue.
QUOTE]

EZ, you also made a serious mistake here. I bought D120's, IT2040's and IT2080's direct from EG in a group buy. Here is what we paid (including delivery):

D120 - $135
IT2040 - $240
IT2080 - $ 345

The IT2040 is almost the same thing as a D120, a few less leds, added moonlights, 1 less power cord, a better hanging kit and a very cool controller. And all that for a little over 50% higher price. NOT 3 or 4 times the price!

Also, Helen at EG told me yesterday that they now have 120 degree lenses. I'm buying some along with some extra leds. Shipping is $20, but the lenses and leds are pretty cheap!

[mess7777]

[QUOTE=Ron Reefman]
D120 - $135
IT2040 - $240
IT2080 - $ 345

QUOTE]



That's a great deal. I'll have to figure out how to get in on one if I pull the trigger on these.

[Travis1787]

Wow that's some cheap group buy prices ron was that through EG or RB? I paid like 330 per unit for my 2060s .... how many do you need to buy to make it considered a group buy and get the discount?

If I dont like my 90 degree lenses ill prob look into some 120 degree optics

[Travis1787]

JUST GOT MY LIGHTS!!! Can't wait to open these up ugh work is gonna drag today! Pics to come soon of these bad boys on my 120!

[EZTimes]

[QUOTE=Ron Reefman;21080812]

Originally Posted by EZTimes

EZ, you also made a serious mistake here. I bought D120's, IT2040's and IT2080's direct from EG in a group buy. Here is what we paid (including delivery):

D120 - $135
IT2040 - $240
IT2080 - $ 345

The IT2040 is almost the same thing as a D120, a few less leds, added moonlights, 1 less power cord, a better hanging kit and a very cool controller. And all that for a little over 50% higher price. NOT 3 or 4 times the price!

Also, Helen at EG told me yesterday that they now have 120 degree lenses. I'm buying some along with some extra leds. Shipping is $20, but the lenses and leds are pretty cheap!

Thanks for the clarification and updated prices.

When I got mine last year below were the quoted prices from EverGrow (add $25+ for shipping) in our Group Buy. I am glad to see the prices have dropped on the IT series.
"D120 ( 105USD/pc , 4kg)

IT 2040 ( 200USD/pc , 6kg)

IT 2060 ( 297 USD/pc , 8kg)

IT 2080 (429 USD/pc, 10kg)" The IT 2080 is what I beleived to be 3 x the cost not all IT's (my poor wording) in response to a specific question on the 2080's versus the D120's.

And, yes 120* optics are available again from EverGrow and I have some ordered too.

Best Regards,

[Ron Reefman]

mess & Travis, We had 10 buyer in our local club and got 24 lights.

D120 - 14
IT2080 - 7
IT2040 - 3

shipping by UPS air to Florida was about $35/light and UPS hooked us for $80 in brookerage fees

[Travis1787]

Well I couldn't wait to at least open the box so here is a sneak peak

Very well made and nice design

[bhazard451]

The only group buys that can be discussed for the IT lights has to happen in the Reef Breeders sponsor forum. We don't want the thread to close again. It will be priced higher, but the US warranty would be worth it for many. I wouldn't even want to know the price to ship an IT2080 back to China if needed. If it costs them over $60 per unit to ship, you know it will be much more from here.

Travis, looking forward to pics later.