GHL Profilux and Pacific Sun - An Initial Review

[skibum9884]

Yesterday I received my Profilux LED Control Module (LEDControl4 – Passive) and a 160 watt Pacific Sun Black Python Lamp (slave unit, which will be controlled by the Profilux). I must say I’m very pleased with the unit! Both GHL and Pacific Sun delivered products on time that seem to work well. This lighting system will be used to replace my existing 8x24 watt ATI PowerModule on an SPS dominated Elos System 70 controlled by a Profilux 3ex. While I have no prior experience with LED, I have in the past used Metal Halide and T5.

Some initial comments:
Set-Up: This is really straight-forward. I installed the correct v.5.06 firmware onto the Profilux, connected the cords from the Profilux to the LED module, and then the module to the PacSun unit. From here I set up a lighting channel in the Profilux PLC software to allow for my new dimming schedule, and assigned the correct level ports L1-2, and L2-3. Also, since the lighting is controlled through the L-ports, it frees up 2 sockets on my Powerbar that were previously used for the ATI PM! I plan to hang the unit from my ceiling, however have not done so yet. This is likely a project for over the weekend.

Color Variability: Since you are able to control the white and blue LEDs separately (L1-2 controls one, and L2-3 controls the other), the combinations of color that you can create are nearly endless. While I can’t give you exact numbers, I’d describe the range as being from “beyond actinic” to ~8,000k.

Dimming and Lighting Effects: Since I’ve been working with a non-dimmable ATI PM, I’ve never been able to take advantage of the dimming and lighting effects built into the Proflux software. That was always one of my gripes in having an expensive fixture without many “extras.” Having the PacSun fixture with the LED control module gives me endless possibilities. In the short time I’ve had the fixture I have easily programmed lightning effects, moonlighting, and cloud cover. It’s all built into the Profilux software and is extremely easy to adjust settings.

Intensity:
While I don’t have a PAR-meter, I have to say without a doubt that this thing puts out some SERIOUS power, and under a pretty good spread (I know the spotlighting effect is a common problem with LEDs). I plan to dial back the power a bit as I think at max power it may burn my SPS.

Overall, while I don’t have experience with other LED fixtures such as the AI unit, I have to say I’m extremely happy with this purchase. I’m sure I have barely touched the tip of the iceberg in terms of the capabilities this fixture has when paired with the GHL. I look forward to this weekend when I will have some real time to sit down and play with all of the different settings and find what I feel is optimal (especially in terms of ideal color and intensity, which I expect to be around 70-75% of max power).

I’ll plan to continue to update this thread, include pictures once the unit is hanging over the aquarium, and document my corals response to the new lighting regime.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions!

-David

[Scej12]

hey David - how's it going so far. any new info to report. Thanks.

Sheldon

[moondoggy4]

Looking forward to the pictures and the review.

[skibum9884]

Hi, sorry for the delay. I'm going to be updating on this thread. It's easier than managing it in 2 places!

I'm overdue for some new pictures, but so far things have been doing very well.

[pawek]

Looking forward to the update.