Epistar 120W LED fixture, from Halides to LEDs

[JohnnyAirtime]

I'll write a very detailed review when I get a bit more time. But for now... here's the scenario;

I had (4) 250W halides burning over my tank. Heating my house, and my fish room (due to the ballast heat). Those were supplemented with (4) 36" 39W T5 HOs, in Actinic+ and Fiji Purple. The tank was only setup a couple weeks, and I decided to go LEDs!

The LED fixtures were ordered direct from China, using my source that I use for HID Lighting in the off-road world. I did A LOT of research on LEDs over the years, and within the last couple of months nailed down an LED color spectrum I'd want to use over my Reef tank. I spec'd out a design for the LED fixture, and ordered them up. 10days later, they were mounted in my canopy!

(Here was my initial post about my order)


I'm officially pumped....

I just ordered (today) my new LED panels (from overseas).
I spec'd them out to my needs, rather then buying what they normally sell to the masses. They say it'll take 5-7 days to build, and being they come DHL... it's a 3 day shipping timeframe. I should have my 4 panels in about 10days +/-

I'm sure this heat wave will be here for awhile, and I'm already over it. My sump room (my workout room - or 4th bedroom in my house) gets SUPER hot due to the chiller and the halide ballasts. And the tank is in my living room, where it too heats up the room from the halides. Just too darn hot... I can see I should be using my electrical meter as a fan too!! I'm sure it's spinning like no other.

The purpose of the LEDs for me is to;
- Save money on electrical (less chiller running time, no halide ballasts)
- Run the tank at cooler temps (no heat from halides)
- Give the tank some extra color due to the LED colors I ordered. And hopefully be able to remove my fiji purple and actinic T5s I have running.
- Remove the (4) T5 bulbs and ballasts

I did some homework on DIY kits, and their pricing. All-in-all it came out cheaper to order a complete panel. And, with it coming complete... all I have to do is plug it in.

I also ordered the panels with 4 elect. plugs.
- Each plug will provide power to a circuit. That circuit will run 28 LEDs.
- Each plug will get power from a power strip, that is off a timer. I can control each of the 4 circuits per panel independently. Coming on at a different interval.
- 4 timers will control the 4 panels and their on/off times. They will come on and go off at the same EXACT times. No need to synchronize 4 individual timers (1 on each panel).
- I have two circuits of white. So if it's too intense for all whites on at once, I can throttle back the intensity by not turning all the whites on.
(of course if I had been using only one panel - a timer might be a cleaner all-in-one option. Rather than 4 cords running down the back of the tank)

I also ordered them with 4 individual switches.
- Each switch will control a circuit.
- no initial benefit other than to show friends the coloring each circuit adds to the corals, or to turn on/off manually.

COLORING of the LEDs;
I don't like some of the panels on individuals tanks, due to the "too blue" problem I see with my personal taste. I like a white light, supplemented with the actinics and fiji purple in a bulb lit tank. So I opted to order my panels with 12,000K whites rather then the norm 14,000K. I almost went with 10,000K, but I think it'll look too yellow for my tastes. I'm right in between, or close enough. I also ordered them with 460nm blues and 440nm purples. Being the Fiji "purple" bulb is a combination of 440 spectrum and some red, I think it'll help the deep water corals and add some "pop" to the coloring.

The chips being used are a well known company called Epistar. They are one of the largest manufacturers of LEDs. Nice to know there's some history behind the components, and I'm not the guinea pig.

The panels will be in black, and have the standard 3 cooling fans. They'll come with no controllers or timers and be ready for install the second I unbox them.

Once I receive them, I'll take pictures. I'm going to take one apart, and take a bunch of pictures of it to document it's craftsmandship. I'll also do a full review of the quality of the build and how they illuminate my tank. If there's any details you'd like to see me cover in my review... or when taking photos, please let me know. I'd be happy to oblige.

... stay tuned. Tic-Toc!

More info in my build thread;
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79260

And a HALIDE VS LED comparison here;
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80225

MORE REVIEW COMMENTARY COMING SOON!!

[JohnnyAirtime]

Upon arrival of the pre-ordered LEDs, I snapped some pictures;

(click on any picture to make it larger)

I picked up my box, from DHL... and started snapping some pictures before I installed them;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_5be26d1d.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/5be26d1d.jpg)

Here's one, unpackaged. You can see the four power cords that will connect to timers, and allow me to turn on each "circuit" as needed. It'll also help me control all 4 panels, so that they turn on/off in sync. You'll also notice I spec'd four switches as well. Always nice to be able to turn them on/off to see the difference each circuit makes;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_4dfc6674.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/4dfc6674.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_ce324aaf.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/ce324aaf.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_fbe749a2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/fbe749a2.jpg)

I took them apart to see what's inside. And as expected, nothing too special but some LED chips, heat sinks, LED Drivers, a few fans, and some wiring. Overall, a simple design yet effective.;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_83c88ccf.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/83c88ccf.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_a13f3e62.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/a13f3e62.jpg)

Again, as I did my research I noticed most all overseas companies are using the same components and offering the same warranties. Some shine from the rest, being they'll make whatever you ask. Some won't, and therefor I found one that did and for a good price. Their shipping pricing was good too! To top it off, they sent me a "spare parts kit", that entailed 15 LED chips, and an LED Driver. GREAT company to order from!

And you know these companies know what they are doing. It's not their first rodeo... as all these lights are, are morphed GROW lights. Basically, someone figured out that you can change the LED spectrum to what a Reef Tank owner needs, and the LED Light Fixture market just grew by leaps and bounds. I know of guys ordering these types of fixtures since 2006! So the manufacturers have to be doing something right. Or, some of them anyway!

They also come with a hanging kit. Yet I chose to mount them to alum. angle and make it simple. I don't have a lid on my canopy, so "hanging" was out of the question;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_ff22eb1b.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/ff22eb1b.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_1e63db3e.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/1e63db3e.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/th_7a7c61e1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/johnnyairtime/Fish-Tank/LEDs/my%20112W%20fixtures/7a7c61e1.jpg)


:bounce:

[bobmonkey11]

how much did those things run you?

[JohnnyAirtime]

how much did those things run you?

PM'd you the answer. Out of respect for some selling on the site, I don't like to post the prices. Or at minimum, I try not to.

[Tron87]

id like a pm too please

[BajaReefs]

me too please....thanks

[JohnnyAirtime]

Even though the fan noise doesn't bother me, I'm eager to try out the quieter "silent" fans that some mention online that are made for home computers.

I ordered (12) of the GeLID Silent8 FN-SX08-16, which is an 80mm 18Db fan.
... I couldn't beat the price, of $3.98 per fan.

Once they arrive, I'll have to remove the old fans, and solder in the new fans. I'm sure it'll take me a few hours due to the small wiring and screws/bolts and nuts. I sure hope it's worth the $60 additional money spent!

I'll update the thread once completed.

[av619]

Can i get a PM too?

[bbandu]

Johnny can you send me the info on these leds

[luv4qt1004]

same here johnny!

[evee alcantar]

hey johnny real nice, nice and clean and the color spectrum is cool.

[jmekte]

hi can you also send me the info for these light thank s for all of the great information

[JohnnyAirtime]

Thanks Evee. ;)

All PMs sent.

[ReefTank123]

Please post or PM the name of the company (and Web site link). We will add to our list, if we don't yet have them. TIA.

[JohnnyAirtime]

For those that PM'd me... or anyone else interested;

I'll be placing an order for these same 112 chip panels, within 10 days from now. I need another for my FOWLR, and I have a couple others interested in ordering for their tanks. IF your interested, and in need... PM me, and we can discuss the details.

If you'd like to come see these panels over my 240, to view their color and quality... don't hesitate to PM me and schedule a time to come take a look. I'm happy to show them off, and excited to have LEDs.

[av619]

Any chance you will be getting to Aqua SD to see about borrowing their par.. Or are there any par readings for these on the net?

[JohnnyAirtime]

Any chance you will be getting to Aqua SD to see about borrowing their par.. Or are there any par readings for these on the net?

AquaSD doesn't have a PAR meter, it's a LUX meter (see post here);
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=652182&postcount=3

I am however still waiting on a fellow reefer to stop by with a PAR meter so we can take some measurements.
... there is nothing on the "net" for these light fixture/panels.

As I mentioned, I'm ordering next week. No later than 7/29.

[av619]

Oh .. ok well i hope you get that par meter soon... i will not be ordering this time around but i am interested on the readings and maybe ordering in the future.

[JohnnyAirtime]

Oh .. ok well i hope you get that par meter soon... i will not be ordering this time around but i am interested on the readings and maybe ordering in the future.

I hear ya. However, the PAR meter isn't on my "hot priority" list being I don't have anything to compare it to anymore. Not without re-installing my Halide/T5 combos and I'm not sure I am so gung-ho to do that. Especially when the tank is doing so well under these LEDs. The only reason would be to satisfy other viewers watching these LED threads.... and I'm not sure what that'll tell anyone, other than they put out! ;) (But most anyone with LEDs already know's that) ... like I said, it's more for the non-LED owners.

A PAR reading, with nothing to compare it to... is, just a PAR reading. You need like for like comparisons to see just how well or not the LED panel is doing. There's so many variances, that each tank will be different in terms of needs or actual output. If a "general" PAR reading is what your after, it'll be what any other 112-119 LED panel puts out with a similar spectrum.

And no pressure, there'll be more orders down the road I'm sure!!

[NickSDC]

Shoot me a PM on price if it's under $200

[JohnnyAirtime]

Shoot me a PM on price if it's under $200

It's not possible. Not with the custom config, 4 circuits, 3 LED colors, and the brand of LEDs adding the shipping, and bank transfer fees.

If you want a 2 cord, 2 color panel... plain jane with cheap parts, no problem. But that's not what this thread or the panels I've ordered are all about. I did extensive research to get what I wanted... for those wanting under $200 lighting, go get on the buy with xL3ONx or whatever his name is. Just don't expect the ordering person to know much more than what the website says (and can't even repeat that accurately - as his other seemingly knowledgeable comments are near direct plagiarism from my PMs to him), and make sure you understand the parts being used and your warranty and how it's handled when problems arise. ;) (can you tell I'm a bit bitter, or feeling "used" :lol:)

... there will be a day when these panels come waaaaay down. By then, we'll all have them!! LOL!

[Radman]

So what is the repair and warranty policies???
Do you have to ship back to China to get anything fix....

[JohnnyAirtime]

So what is the repair and warranty policies???
Do you have to ship back to China to get anything fix....

3year manufacturer warranty.
... as I hope to never use it, they claim they'll pay return shipping to repair a fixture IF the problem is manufacturer defect. If the problem is minor I'm authorized to do those repairs. For example an LED chip, or driver replacement BEFORE sending back to the manufacturer. I do have spare parts on hand for this reason.

[skratchiechan]

so when's the group buy? :)

[carleone90]

Im really interested in these leds! lmk some more info and price! i want to see if i can stop by and take a look if posssible! thanks..

[JohnnyAirtime]

so when's the group buy? :)
... not sure if I'd call it a "group buy" anymore, but I'm ordering 8pcs this next week. 1 for myself, and about 6 for fellow reefers. I'll send you a PM Tae.


Im really interested in these leds! lmk some more info and price! i want to see if i can stop by and take a look if posssible! thanks..

I'll PM you price. What more info would ya like?? If you search using my name as a the poster, you'll find I have about three threads with LOTS of information on them. And of course, stop by and check them out... see their quality, output coloring, and how they work. Just PM me with a day/time you'd like and I'll let ya know if I'll be here.

Also, don't forget Waves-In-Glass (Larry) sells 119chip panels and has other options as well. I honestly won't compare his, or my spec'd panels as that isn't my point of buying them for fellow reefers... but there are pros and cons to both types. More about personal preference I think than anything. I'll only talk about that if I can show you "why" I spec'd the panels the way I did. I've also mentioned it in previous posts in my "240 Build" thread. The panels I order, are 1 less row of LEDs (7 less watts)... or only 112chip panels.

The 112chip panels are an older "mold" if you will. And as I did my research, I only found a few companies willing to work within my spec of requirements. None of them had the 119chip mold at the time of ordering. They do have larger panels like a 150W, 300W, 600W etc... but, it wasn't what I was interested in at the time. So maybe down the road I'll have to order one of each to see just how large-and-in-charge those panels are... or how functional they can be.

[Allan12]

Thinking switching so pm'ed you for price. Thanks.

[JohnnyAirtime]

I've got an order going in tomorrow morning.... as it looks like some fellow reefers would also like to try the lights I've been using (or that I spec'd with 4 power cords).

The people who have seen these, often comment about how they look like others posting here on SDReefs or how they look like the ones hanging in AquaSD. VERY TRUE... they do look like them, and in some cases are nearly the same on the outside. However, this is just the outside shell that you are seeing and most all of these China based companies are using the same shell. I won't claim my insides are better then anyone elses, as I don't know... and that's not my intent. But please don't think we all have the same LEDs, JUST BECAUSE of the outside shell itself. Or don't think that the outside shell, tells you the brand or manufacturer's name or that it classifies them all made by one company. They are not.


.

[JohnnyAirtime]

The below has been completed. See this thread;
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?p=656633

I'm also asking to see if I can get these fans pre-installed into the fixture BEFORE it's shipped out of China. Being, the Nexus fan is made in China... and even wholesaled out of Korea... I hope it's possible. I should know more tonight.


Even though the fan noise doesn't bother me, I'm eager to try out the quieter "silent" fans that some mention online that are made for home computers.

I ordered (12) of the GeLID Silent8 FN-SX08-16, which is an 80mm 18Db fan.
... I couldn't beat the price, of $3.98 per fan.

Once they arrive, I'll have to remove the old fans, and solder in the new fans. I'm sure it'll take me a few hours due to the small wiring and screws/bolts and nuts. I sure hope it's worth the $60 additional money spent!

I'll update the thread once completed.

[Dankirie]

Can you send me the info on those led's you have. Im running led right now but just not enough for the size of my tank and need to upgrade. Im interested in getting two if i can afford it. Thanks fellow reefer
:ohsnap:

[JohnnyAirtime]

Can you send me the info on those led's you have. Im running led right now but just not enough for the size of my tank and need to upgrade. Im interested in getting two if i can afford it. Thanks fellow reefer
:ohsnap:

I'm home now, and my PM Box is cleaned out. I'll send you price per unit.

[JohnnyAirtime]

I ordered 8 more units before I left for a 14day trip to Maui. They came in while I was gone... and have all been sold off to eBayers or fellow reefers.

The good news is the manufacturer sent them with quieter fans already installed. I asked about using the fan I spec'd, which is silent... but, at a cost of $7 per fan or $21 more per fixture... I declined them to use the silent fan. The fan in these units is MUCH quieter than the previous versions, yet not silent... but much better than before.

... I'll be ordering again soon, as I have a few others who'd like to get the fixture. Let me know if your interested. ;)

[JohnnyAirtime]

FOLKS....
I'm again ordering some more LED lighting fixtures (as I've posted about here, or in my threads), and need to bring my order up for a MOQ (minimum order quantity). If anyone needs a nice unit, with 4 switches, 4 cords, and 3 different color LEDs (12000-14000K white, 440nm purple, 460nm blue) in one (112w unit) fixture.... let me know.

Price is $240 shipped, with taxes and shipping

[reefhobby]

Johnny will this work in my canopy on 36 inch wide tank 70 gal tall
Please pm me
Thanks
Ray

[Bubblehead]

Johnny, did this order go out? I'm upgrading to a bigger tank (135gal) and may be interested... lmk.

[JohnnyAirtime]

Johnny will this work in my canopy on 36 inch wide tank 70 gal tall
Please pm me
Thanks
Ray

PM Sent


Johnny, did this order go out? I'm upgrading to a bigger tank (135gal) and may be interested... lmk.

No, I had two people back out on me. So, it'll take an order of 4 for me to place it and keep the price (with shipping included) at $240.00

What's the width on your tank? It'll depend on your quantity needed. 3 I'd assume, if it's about 5 - 6' wide.

[Bubblehead]

Dimensions are 72"L/24"T/18"W so I was thinking three would be ok. Don't know if I could go all in for three right now, gotta revive the wife :shocked: after buying the new setup. J/k, we are getting a great deal and she was kind of upset it wasn't 180gal like we originally thought. I think 55g -> 135 gal is a good step to 220 gal. :)

4 total to order and you only need 1 for yourself? Looking for people to buy 3 others?

[JohnnyAirtime]

Dimensions are 72"L/24"T/18"W so I was thinking three would be ok. Don't know if I could go all in for three right now, gotta revive the wife :shocked: after buying the new setup. J/k, we are getting a great deal and she was kind of upset it wasn't 180gal like we originally thought. I think 55g -> 135 gal is a good step to 220 gal. :)

4 total to order and you only need 1 for yourself? Looking for people to buy 3 others?

PM me your number, and I'll give you the details over a phone call

[Bubblehead]

PM sent

[JohnnyAirtime]

FOLKS....
I'm again ordering some more LED lighting fixtures (as I've posted about here, or in my threads), and need to bring my order up for a MOQ (minimum order quantity). If anyone needs a nice unit, with 4 switches, 4 cords, and 3 different color LEDs (12000-14000K white, 440nm purple, 460nm blue) in one (112w unit) fixture.... let me know.

Price is $240 shipped, with taxes and shipping

I've been asked by a couple of people to place another order.

ANYONE want to get in on this, LED fixture is $240 (all included = tax and shipping).

(want specs?? Check this thread; http://www.sandiegoreefs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=663394&postcount=11 and read up!!!)