Best light manufacturers based in China

[Hexabonal]

Hi all,

I live in Hong Kong. Buying things online here is really stuck in the past and a very hit or miss experience so I try to buy in person. Surprisingly the infamous 'black boxes' are not for sale here. Some products, like the AI lights, are sold at hugely inflated prices. Which good companies based in China that should be good value here should I look out for? Zetlight seems to not be bad.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

lets get some help.
@Manose
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-real-black-box-light-study.503052/

 

[Manose]

Many of the lights are made in Shenzhen, https://www.alibaba.com/trade/searc...atId=&SearchText=led+aquarium+light&viewtype=
I have placed most of my orders from this website. You will find about any kind of light here just contact chat with the manufacturer and tell them how many you need and what for.

 

[Hexabonal]

Many of the lights are made in Shenzhen, https://www.alibaba.com/trade/searc...atId=&SearchText=led+aquarium+light&viewtype=
I have placed most of my orders from this website. You will find about any kind of light here just contact chat with the manufacturer and tell them how many you need and what for.

Did you ultimately find one that was good quality? I was a bit disturbed by the video that BRS did on the black boxes illustrating that the best sink was non existent and how dodgy the power supplies are - I really don't want a fire!

 

[Manose]

Did you ultimately find one that was good quality? I was a bit disturbed by the video that BRS did on the black boxes illustrating that the best sink was non existent and how dodgy the power supplies are - I really don't want a fire!

Many are great quality and made just as good or better than anything that BRS sells. The problem with the video from BRS was the total lack of diversity when doing the black box study, and then the scare tactics used in telling people they are fire hazards.
There are many good examples out in the real world of some black boxes that produce wonderful results...
Viparspectra--- A light that has as good or better quality than any of the big name brand lights.
SBReef--- A black box that is customized by Sbreef here in the USA to have great spectrum and quality.
Mars Aqua--- Probably one of the lowest priced of the term "BlackBox" brands. I know of a whole USA facility that is lit by these.
Now lets look at lights that are the Upper-grade Black Box made in China.
Aquarium System solution- About 179-200$ These are very high quality without costing an arm and leg-http://www.asaquarium.com/index.php/article/index/id/18/cid/3
https://aquariumsys.en.alibaba.com/...pm=a2700.icbuShop.maes88c8c1.8.773c1633l9dnl4
Lumini- Many different price ranges because they have many models http://www.luminiaqua.com/ and https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...alleryofferlist.normalList.289.8b427d08P4vlZS
Evergrow- Another great light with an awesome build quality. https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...alleryofferlist.normalList.289.8b427d08P4vlZS

As you can see not all Black Boxes are created equal. I am sure that the hate mail will come my way , but people need to be educated on their options.
If you want to see most of these lights in a REAL black box study then go to the following link and check out a study as it goes along- https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-real-black-box-light-study.503052/
I hope I have enlightened you that there are more choices than just the big 4 companies.

 

[Hexabonal]

Many are great quality and made just as good or better than anything that BRS sells. The problem with the video from BRS was the total lack of diversity when doing the black box study, and then the scare tactics used in telling people they are fire hazards.
There are many good examples out in the real world of some black boxes that produce wonderful results...
Viparspectra--- A light that has as good or better quality than any of the big name brand lights.
SBReef--- A black box that is customized by Sbreef here in the USA to have great spectrum and quality.
Mars Aqua--- Probably one of the lowest priced of the term "BlackBox" brands. I know of a whole USA facility that is lit by these.
Now lets look at lights that are the Upper-grade Black Box made in China.
Aquarium System solution- About 179-200$ These are very high quality without costing an arm and leg-http://www.asaquarium.com/index.php/article/index/id/18/cid/3
https://aquariumsys.en.alibaba.com/...pm=a2700.icbuShop.maes88c8c1.8.773c1633l9dnl4
Lumini- Many different price ranges because they have many models http://www.luminiaqua.com/ and https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...alleryofferlist.normalList.289.8b427d08P4vlZS
Evergrow- Another great light with an awesome build quality. https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...alleryofferlist.normalList.289.8b427d08P4vlZS

As you can see not all Black Boxes are created equal. I am sure that the hate mail will come my way , but people need to be educated on their options.
If you want to see most of these lights in a REAL black box study then go to the following link and check out a study as it goes along- https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-real-black-box-light-study.503052/
I hope I have enlightened you that there are more choices than just the big 4 companies.

Extraordinarily useful - thanks!!

 

[Manose]

Extraordinarily useful - thanks!!

No problem as that is what this place is for good information

 

[gcarroll]

Funny no one mentions Maxspect. They been producing great LED lights for ages!

 

[Manose]

Funny no one mentions Maxspect. They been producing great LED lights for ages!

Why yes we should mention them as one of the better priced big guys but, not inline with Black Box companies.

 

[Hexabonal]

I went with the Zetlight qmaven 6500ii which cost about USD 250. It is AWESOME and comes with a really great app. The day is divided into different periods and you can choose how white / blue it is.

 

[Manose]

I went with the Zetlight qmaven 6500ii which cost about USD 250. It is AWESOME and comes with a really great app. The day is divided into different periods and you can choose how white / blue it is.

I love the look of Zetlight and they are made very well..
Where did you buy it from?

 

[Cthulukelele]

I run 2 marsaqua 165w over a 4' 120g and love them. They get plenty bright, and coloration on everything is as good as it's looked in the LFS or better.

 

[gcarroll]

Why yes we should mention them as one of the better priced big guys but, not inline with Black Box companies.

But since they are a Chinese company they may be priced more competitively in their own country.

 

[Manose]

But since they are a Chinese company they may be priced more competitively in their own country.

I agree and would love to see the price of them in China.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

LEDZEAL
http://www.ledzeal.com/

this is a new model

 

[ireland425]

Dsuny I have 2 over 90 gallon and very nice got the set with controller for around $350 also wifi controllable and they have ramp timers ...had for a year and never a problem run silent also

 

[Manose]

LEDZEAL
http://www.ledzeal.com/

this is a new model

That looks like the 60 and man I think we should test those on the test thread

 

[Scrubber_steve]

That looks like the 60 and man I think we should test those on the test thread

The 60 D

Know anyone whose using them?

 

[Manose]

The 60 D

Know anyone whose using them?

Not sure of anyone but that 120 looks like a beast

 

[Scrubber_steve]

Not sure of anyone but that 120 looks like a beast

The Alfa 120s? I've got two.