RapidLED Aurora puck

Jlobes · Dec 26, 2013

have yall seen this thing yet?? Seems very interesting and looks like it could be promising. Just thought I would put it out there, and maybe spark a discussion or review. Im not the LED expert(far from), but this seems like a pretty viable option, for DIY and in quality.

Aurora Puck - Rapid LED

Reefing Madness · Dec 28, 2013

No wattage given, and no focusing lenses, might not be a whole lot of usable light there.

inurocker · Dec 28, 2013

I saw this the other day while browsing, very interesting multi-puck.
The lenses are included wide or normal I agree that is vague. All of the LEDs are Cree XP-E or G with the exception of the violet and specs are provided for them all.

jedimasterben · Dec 28, 2013

Interesting that they made a puck designed to use the Radion lenses. Still can't believe they're using dedicated red and green chips.

Reefing Madness · Dec 28, 2013

inurocker said:
I saw this the other day while browsing, very interesting multi-puck.
The lenses are included wide or normal I agree that is vague. All of the LEDs are Cree XP-E or G with the exception of the violet and specs are provided for them all.

Ah my bad, I didn't go looking them up. Was looking for total wattage in the spec area.
So if those are 3.5w, thats a bunch of light. Even if they are using 120 degree lenses. But for the cost I'd go with the BridgeLux unit. That puck is only 4.75x3.25, that doesn't cover a whole lot of area.

Jlobes · Dec 28, 2013

Reefing Madness said:
Ah my bad, I didn't go looking them up. Was looking for total wattage in the spec area.
So if those are 3.5w, thats a bunch of light. Even if they are using 120 degree lenses. But for the cost I'd go with the BridgeLux unit. That puck is only 4.75x3.25, that doesn't cover a whole lot of area.

size of the puck, does not dictate coverage or usable light. look at the radions, those "pucks" arent much larger.

Bridgelux!?!? youve got to be kidding me! not even in the same category.

jedimasterben · Dec 28, 2013

These pucks are the same size and layout as the Radion Pro and uses the Ecotech TIR lenses.

1.0reef · Dec 28, 2013

Everyone on 3reef loves these for some reason....
How can you like these?

inurocker · Dec 28, 2013

Everyone it seems has an opinion on all this new tech but no surprise heck not everyone can agree on the old that is being phased out and what was best. I for one am happy to see more and more choices coming to the marketplace and prices going down. Now more of us can experiment and find what works best for us and our tank.

Reefing Madness · Dec 28, 2013

Jlobes said:
size of the puck, does not dictate coverage or usable light. look at the radions, those "pucks" arent much larger.

Bridgelux!?!? youve got to be kidding me! not even in the same category.

Right, a single puck is $110. Is not going to cover much of an area. I've got what would be 4 pucks on my LED unit, now your talking $440. No thanks.
BridgeLux are bright enough to handle it. Most don't even run Cree LEDs at full strength.
Everyone talks about using Reef Breeders, they utilize BridgeLux in their units, they can't be all that bad.

Reefing Madness · Dec 28, 2013

jedimasterben said:
These pucks are the same size and layout as the Radion Pro and uses the Ecotech TIR lenses.

Start adding the cost up, when you start stringing them together to make a unit.

jedimasterben · Dec 28, 2013

Reefing Madness said:
Right, a single puck is $110. Is not going to cover much of an area. I've got what would be 4 pucks on my LED unit, now your talking $440. No thanks.
BridgeLux are bright enough to handle it. Most don't even run Cree LEDs at full strength.
Everyone talks about using Reef Breeders, they utilize BridgeLux in their units, they can't be all that bad.

The main issue with Chinese units is the use of Chinese phosphors. They get past the issue of less output (in some cases 50% less) by using more diodes, which is fine, but let's face it - the Chinese suck at phosphor tech. Even Cree, whose phosphors just aren't up to snuff compared to Bridgelux or Philips, have much better phosphor tech (keep in mind we are not talking about the same Bridgelux in the same way that despite Edison using Cree XR-E as a base that they are not Cree LEDs). This lack of phosphor tech means that color is lacking compared to American phosphor tech. They're ok, but they're just not stellar.

Reefing Madness said:
Start adding the cost up, when you start stringing them together to make a unit.

A Radion Pro is $750. Even with power supplies, you can piece these together for quite a bit less. Even adding a power controller such as the Storm it's still quite a bit less. This puck is simply a competitor to the LEDGroupBuy Lumia.

TJ's Reef · Dec 28, 2013

Very interesting..... and I'm seeing a great alternative to the Radion Pro for around half the price. Though not an Apple-to-Apple comparison being only (4) controllable channels rather than (6) and lacking snazzy Eco Tech packaging. If you already own an Apex unit this kit below could/would be a very cost effective alternative. Dual Aurora Puck Kit (Dimmable) - Rapid LED Maybe yet another DIY project to consider............

Cheers, Todd

knetz31 · Feb 25, 2014

Is anyone using this

I saw that rapid was offering this and no one seems to be posting too much about it. Is it that they are bad, or just too new? Does anyone know people using these. Also, im thinking about doing a dual puck build controlled by a reef angel. Any opinions or input would be much appreciated.

I know cost effectiveness was a concern. The comparable option is radion. Im looking at the fact that I can do a whole reef controller and control the dual pucks for close to the price of the radion.