ecoxotic cannon alternatives or comparable fixtures?

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

I'm considering running 3 cannons with supplemental blue LED light bars on my new 180. But can't decide if I want to build them go with ecoxotic or if there is a better alternative in high output multi chip LEDs. I've tried kessil and will not be using them because they just didn't put out the amount of light I'm looking for in my all SPS reef.

Any ideas experience or information is greatly appreciated

Thanks!
James

hart24601 · Nov 17, 2014

Did you ask ecoxotic about the cannons for that size of tank? From what I have read they are really for huge deep displays, like public aquaria.

I think these are the best design on the market: LED fixtures

They use the latest LED tech to get some amazing colors, like using lime LED. The owners have written a couple of articles for advanced aquarist and really, really know their stuff. They have good service and can tell you what you need.

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

I'm not looking for more info from ecoxotic I'd rather get it first hand from someone using the lights. I've seen the older 100w lights in person and they are not as bright as I'd like Im hoping the new ones at 120w will be closer to the 250w halide look I'm going for. Although they are used on very large tanks they are used in larger numbers and or not to grow SPS. Colors like lime are part of my concern I'm looking for more photosyntheticly usable output and not a rainbow of LEDs. Something in the 20k range would be nice. I've looked into building my own and the cost would be all most a third depending on the part I use. But it likely would not be as efficient and possible not have the lifespan of a professionally designed and assembled fixture.

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

Those look very interesting I'll look into them fore sure thanks for the link

hart24601 · Nov 17, 2014

Hope you find more info about the cannons. I have not heard of many hobbiest running them. I personally think LEDs like lime and PC amber are going to be the key to really nice pleasing looks in reef tanks. You are right, they are not part of the useful spectrum, but are used for increasing brightness and color rendition. We have focused on only the coral growing specturms and have that down really well in the hobby, but color rendition has taken a back seat. Our fixtures now have plenty of power and totally cover the spectrum to grow coral, the issue now will be improving how the coral look to our eyes, which that company and owner has spent lots of time and research. Most of the research I have seen into lime LEDs have been that they create a look that is almost indistinguishable from halide. I think jedimasterben on the nano reef site has quite a bit of info in some threads.

hart24601 · Nov 17, 2014

This article touches on the lime in this fixture just a little bit, but for people who miss the look of MH they seem to be the key:

Hands on & review of the Nano Box Reef Mini Tide LED light

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

Very interesting I take a look at it thanks for the info!

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

Thanks for moving the thread I realized right after I posted it this was where it should be

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

I wish someone would put a good multi chip led in one of these

200 Watt LED High Bay Light 200W Commercial Lighting | eBay

If I could find the right led maybe it could be swapped out

BlueZreef · Nov 17, 2014

There are these chips:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=191353487796

With a lense should produce a similar effect to the canons. A local guy has been using 50w versions. I bought one and it's super bright and many sellers will let you customize. Easy DIY with just 2 solder points.

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

So Just for fun I'm going to build a 100w cannon just need a driver and a heatsink now

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

BlueZreef said:
There are these chips:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=191353487796

With a lense should produce a similar effect to the canons. A local guy has been using 50w versions. I bought one and it's super bright and many sellers will let you customize. Easy DIY with just 2 solder points.

Thanks for the idea I'm going to give it a try

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

Could someone smarter than me please tell me what driver I need for this led

Thanks!

Keithcorals · Nov 17, 2014

I'm going with this heat sink because it was about the biggest I could find without a fan and I don't want to use a fan if I can help it. Now I just need a driver anybody have any ideas as to what cost effective driver I need.