<!-- wp:image {"id":303901,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303901"/></a></figure>
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<p>We are ready to test the new <strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong>, it's the second LED bar we've ever had, and we expect to get even more in the future.</p>
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<p>The bars are<strong> beautiful, solid, and seem very well made</strong>. They can't be dimmed, but <strong>Orphek </strong>plans to release a dimmer soon. Right now the bars have a switch that can be connected to a timer.</p>
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<h2 id="h-technical-characteristics-of-the-orphek-or2-blue-plus-led-bars">Technical characteristics of the Orphek OR2 Blue Plus LED bars:</h2>
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<ul><li><strong>Driver: </strong>external;</li><li><strong>Input Voltage:</strong> 100-240VAC;</li><li><strong>Frequency:</strong> 50-60Hz;</li><li><strong>Consumption:</strong> 60 watts;</li><li><strong>Cos(phi)</strong> > 0.95;</li><li><strong>Input current (Amps)</strong> 0.55;</li><li><strong>Length:</strong> 123.5 cm;</li><li><strong>Width:</strong> 5 cm;</li><li><strong>Height:</strong> 3.6 cm;</li><li><strong>Weight</strong>: 2.3 kg;</li><li><strong>LED used: </strong>4x410nm, 4x420nm, 4x430nm, 4x440nm, 11x460nm, 5x470nm, 4x480nm.</li><li><strong>Price to the public</strong>: 180 euro ($204 US).</li></ul>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303897,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-001.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-001.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303897"/></a></figure>
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<p>The bars are sold with a kit for hanging. Also on <strong>Orphek</strong>'s site is a hooking system. The <strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus bars are built</strong> <strong>excellently</strong>. The refinement, maybe aluminum, is also a heat sink and the assembling is perfect.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303899,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-007.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-007.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303899"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="h-the-programming">The Programming</h2>
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<p> LED bars usually can't be programmed, and the same goes for the <strong>Orphek OR2</strong>. But some bars from competitors are equipped with a controller for dimming or the controller is sold separately. <strong>Orphek </strong>announced that this dimmer is coming, but it's not available yet.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":43544,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href=" src=" alt="Le barre a LED Orphek OR2 Blue Plus testate a fondo nel DaniReef LAB" class="wp-image-43544"/></a></figure>
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<p>Unlike other times, we can't give you the values and the consumption of the LED channels because they all switch on at the same time.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303893,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...k-OR2-Blue-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-016.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...k-OR2-Blue-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-016.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303893"/></a></figure>
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<p></p>
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<h2 id="h-our-new-danireef-lab-for-par-measurement-method">Our new DaniReef LAB for PAR measurement method</h2>
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<p> During the long nights spent on our forum we always wondered how we could <strong>compare </strong>PAR from different ceiling lights. Even though we had the perfect device, the <strong>Quantum Meter MQ-510 di Apogee</strong>, we only looked at the value measured at the center, at 20 cm of distance, more or less.</p>
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<p> The <strong>Quantum Meter MQ-510</strong> measures the <strong>PAR</strong>, expressed in <strong>PFFD</strong>, which is <em>photosynthetic photon flux density</em>, in μmol m-2 s-1. This device is calibrated to work underwater, so if it’s in air the measured value has to be divided <strong>by 1.32, the dive factor</strong>. We have to do the conversion. The values you’re going to see are correct. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303906,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...ar-plafoniera-t5-08-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" rel="Quantum Meter MQ-510"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...ar-plafoniera-t5-08-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303906"/></a></figure>
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<p> We decided to make a square base of 70×70 cm, we set <strong>17 fiducial points</strong> where we placed the <strong>Quantum Meter MQ-510</strong> sensor and we also made 3 lifts of 20, 40 and 60 cm for the ceiling light, in order to have the same distance from the sensor. This will allow us to create the curves which can be compared to other ceiling lights, all tested at the same distances. This distance is measured from the base of the sensor to the ceiling light. In reality it should be decreased by 3.5 cm which is the height of the measurement cylinder and increased by 0.5 cm which is the dimension of the spacers that lift the ceiling light. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303905,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...Marine-XL-HC-Led-34-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" rel="Quantum Meter MQ-510"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...Marine-XL-HC-Led-34-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303905"/></a></figure>
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<p> In total the three measurements are made at <strong>17, 37</strong> and <strong>57</strong> cm. Because they're done in air they will be corrected. </p>
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<p>In truth, the bars gave us other problems, because we had to distance the spacers in order to consider the light coming from the external LED.</p>
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<h2 id="h-par-measurement-at-17-cm-away"> PAR measurement at 17 cm away </h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303894,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-025.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-025.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303894"/></a></figure>
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<p>Pictured above is the setup. At the bottom is the chart and the device, and at the top you can glimpse the bar placed on the spacers. </p>
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<p>These are the values:</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303907,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...-120-misurazione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-2.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...-120-misurazione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303907"/></a></figure>
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<p> Below is the corresponding chart, we came back to our classical scale in order to compare similar ceiling lights, but as it is an LED bar, we lowered the maximum scale. With future bars you will find the same evaluation scale.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303908,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1013-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1013-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303908"/></a></figure>
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<p>As you can see the bar created a curve that looks like a tent, with the spacial differences due to the kind of LED. Unlike the classic ceiling lights the decay is very linear, at 30 cm from the light source.</p>
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<p>Here are the two charts of the two LED bars:</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":303908,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1013-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303908"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303915,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303915"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Surprisingly, the PAR are higher in the Blue Plus version. The scale, obviously, is the same.</p>
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<h2 id="h-par-measurement-at-37-cm">PAR measurement at 37 cm </h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303895,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-026.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303895"/></a></figure>
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<p> Pictured above is the setup. At the bottom is the chart and the device, and at the top you can glimpse the bar placed on the spacers.</p>
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<p> Here are the results: </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303909,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303909"/></a></figure>
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<p> And the corresponding chart.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303910,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303910"/></a></figure>
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<p>A bigger space between ceiling lights and sensor decreases the difference between PAR in the middle and on the sides. The light spreads, but the central value decreases from 459 to 207 μmol m-2 s-1, measured in the brighter spots.</p>
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<p>Notice that the coverage is wider.</p>
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<!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":303916,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303916"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303910,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303910"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<p>As we expected, the Blue Plus bar shows a higher number of PAR. Moreover, using LED with comparable wavelengths the charts are much more linear.</p>
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<h2 id="h-par-measurement-at-57-cm">PAR measurement at 57 cm </h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303896,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-027.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-027.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303896"/></a></figure>
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<p> Pictured above is the setup. At the bottom is the chart and the device (from this distance the device is very visible), and at the top you can see the bar placed on the spacers. Even visually the illuminated area is wider, so the specific power per cm decreases. </p>
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<p>Here are the values:</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303911,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303911"/></a></figure>
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<p> And the corresponding chart:</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303912,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303912"/></a></figure>
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<p> When further increasing the space between ceiling light and sensor, the difference between the PAR in the middle and on the sides doesn't decrease as we expected but instead increases. The value in the middle decreases again from 459 to 207 to 130 μmol m-2 s-1.</p>
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<!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":303917,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1012-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303917"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303912,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303912"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The difference between the coverage of the two bars increases even more, especially in the middle, while on the sides it's pretty much the same.</p>
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<h2 id="h-the-par-in-the-middle-in-the-different-configurations">The PAR in the middle in the different configurations </h2>
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<p>Let’s continue with our technical measurements. In the chart below, we can see how the PAR collected in the middle decreases with the three different distances of the tests. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303913,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...one-PAR-al-centro-DaniReef-LAB-1024x767-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...one-PAR-al-centro-DaniReef-LAB-1024x767-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303913"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="h-energy-variation-of-the-orphek-or2-blue-plus-led-bars-depending-on-the-distance">Energy variation of the Orphek OR2 Blue Plus LED bars depending on the distance</h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303914,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...AR-energia-totale-DaniReef-LAB-1024x918-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...AR-energia-totale-DaniReef-LAB-1024x918-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303914"/></a></figure>
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<p>This is the most significant and easy to compare data. The <strong>energy variation</strong>. We calculated the volumes of the three surfaces seen above. It’s obvious that moving away from the ceiling light, the PAR decreases, and the light illuminates a wider space. We try to consider all the light energy in this 60 cm square under the bar. And we see that the three values of 323,000, 291,000, and 259,000 assume a different connotation compared to the values in the middle. When the first ones decrease because the distances increase, the subtended area, that is the energy, decreases very slowly. The three areas are relatively similar. Little energy is lost over the area.</p>
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<p>Considering the values of the three curves you can see that on the sides there's more light at 57 cm than at 37.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303902,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-005.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-005.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303902"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="what-are-these-values-in-the-aquarium">What are these values in the aquarium? </h2>
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<p>This is a good question. At first we thought that we could transport these values to the aquarium <em>tout-court</em>. We filled the aquarium, inserted the probe, and redid the measurements. Basically, while at 20 cm the result is practically the same, as we progressed, thanks to the glass and the water itself reflecting the light, we found the values almost doubled those measured in air. Obviously, this isn’t a detail that can be standardized, so we think that <strong>our method of calculation is the most correct</strong>, and the best for the comparison of coverages of different ceiling lights. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303898,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-002.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-002.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303898"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="h-power-consumption">Power Consumption </h2>
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<p>The measurement of the consumption was made possible thanks to the useful device <a href="https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00JVTEYWG/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RCE PM600</a> that can also measure the Cos(fi) (or <a href=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">power factor</a>). The result is already given in watts. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303891,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-021.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303891"/></a></figure>
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<p> Above is the maximum power and below is the Cos(fi). </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303892,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-022.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303892"/></a></figure>
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<p>The calculation of the absorbed current, which is the power, is as follows: </p>
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<p><strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong> ceiling light: <strong>54.69</strong> <strong>watts</strong>. Considering that this ceiling light at 17 cm has 459 μmol m-2 s-1 in the middle, we can see that it will have a peak value of <strong>8.39 μmol m-2 s-1 w-1 </strong>(PAR per watt). This value isn't really comparable with other ceiling lights because it remains constant throughout the length.</p>
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<h2 id="h-the-comparison-with-other-ceiling-lights-on-the-market">The comparison with other ceiling lights on the market </h2>
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<p> Recently we started to use the new <strong>Apogee Quantum Meter MQ-510</strong>. For this we can’t completely compare the data of other ceiling lights because we used to use the <strong>Seneye</strong> probe. </p>
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<p>But considering the first ceiling lights we tested we can do an interesting comparison about their produced energy: </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td>Energy</td><td>Cost</td><td>Consumption</td><td>Energy/€</td><td>Energy/w</td></tr><tr><td>AI Hydra 32 HD at 17 cm</td><td>560.000</td><td>430</td><td>90,50</td><td>1.303</td><td>6.190</td></tr><tr><td>AI Hydra 32 HD at 37 cm</td><td>563.000</td><td>430</td><td>90,50 </td><td>1.310</td><td>6.224</td></tr><tr><td>AI Hydra 32 HD at 57 cm</td><td>463.000</td><td>430</td><td>90,50 </td><td>1.076</td><td>5.112</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRM at 17 cm</td><td>643.000</td><td>465</td><td>90,88</td><td>1.382</td><td>7.071</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRM at 37 cm</td><td>722.000</td><td>465</td><td>90,88</td><td>1.552</td><td>7.941</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRM at 57 cm</td><td>616.000</td><td>465</td><td>90,88</td><td>1.326</td><td>6.783</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRS at 17 cm</td><td>276.000</td><td>289</td><td>47,59</td><td>955</td><td>5.797</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRS at 37 cm</td><td>312.000</td><td>289</td><td>47,59</td><td>1.078</td><td>6.547</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRS at 57 cm</td><td>254.000</td><td>289</td><td>47,59</td><td>880</td><td>5.343</td></tr><tr><td>Cetus 2 at 17 cm</td><td>410.000</td><td>215</td><td>60,68</td><td>1.906</td><td>6.756</td></tr><tr><td>Cetus 2 at 37 cm </td><td>291.000</td><td>215</td><td>60,68</td><td>1.353</td><td>4.793</td></tr><tr><td>Cetus 2 at 57 cm </td><td>174.000</td><td>215</td><td>60,68</td><td>807</td><td>2.861</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm at 17 cm</td><td>323.000</td><td>180</td><td>54,69</td><td>1.794</td><td>5.906</td></tr><tr><td> Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm at 37 cm</td><td>291.000</td><td>180</td><td> 54,69 </td><td>1.616</td><td>5.321</td></tr><tr><td> Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm at 57 cm</td><td>259.000</td><td>180</td><td> 54,69 </td><td>1.438</td><td>4.736</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm at 17 cm</td><td>255.000</td><td>180</td><td>54,69</td><td>1.418</td><td>4.667</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm at 37 cm </td><td>233.000</td><td>180</td><td>54.69</td><td>1.292</td><td>4.252</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm at 57 cm </td><td>225.000</td><td>180</td><td>54.69</td><td>1.251</td><td>4.117</td></tr><tr><td>Philips CoralCare at 17 cm</td><td>1.859.000</td><td>749</td><td>190,50</td><td>2.481</td><td>9.756</td></tr><tr><td>Philips CoralCare at 37 cm </td><td>1.341.000</td><td>749</td><td>190,50 </td><td>1.790</td><td>7.037</td></tr><tr><td>Philips CoralCare at 57 cm </td><td>933.000</td><td>749</td><td>190,50 </td><td>1.246</td><td>4.899</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303901"/></a></figure>
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<p>The produced energy per watt is constant at the different distances. This linear behavior is typical of LED bars. Now we have to test other bars and do proper comparisons. Don't be deceived by the higher PAR of other ceiling lights, because it has a prevalence of blue and it behaves differently, so it can't be compared <em>tout-court</em>.</p>
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<h2 id="h-costs"> Costs </h2>
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<p>The <strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong> LED bars costs <strong>180 euros ($204 US)</strong>, and we have to add tax because there isn't a national distributor. But considering also the exchange rate, we could still buy it for 180 euro. Delivery included.</p>
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<p>The absorbed power is <strong>54.69 watt</strong>, so it has a relationship cost/watt of <strong>3,3 euro per watt</strong> ($3.70 US). In order to do a comparison with the other ceiling lights you can refer to this chart: </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Ceiling light</td><td>Price</td><td>Consuption</td><td>Relationship euro per watt</td><td>References</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong> </td><td>180 USD</td><td>54.7 w</td><td>3,3 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</strong></td><td>180 USD</td><td>54,7 w</td><td>3,3 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cetus 2</strong></td><td>215 €</td><td>60,7 w</td><td>3,5 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Philips Coralcare</strong> <strong>2019</strong></td><td>749 €</td><td>190 w</td><td>3,9 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Maxspect Ethereal</strong></td><td>500 €</td><td>126 w</td><td>4,0 euro per watt</td><td>Italian test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Radion XR30w G2 PRO<br></strong></td><td>790 €</td><td>170 w</td><td>4,7 euro per watt</td><td>Italian review</td></tr><tr><td><strong>AI Hydra 32 HD</strong></td><td>430 €</td><td>90,5 w</td><td>4,75 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB </td></tr><tr><td><strong><a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=101&url=333"target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Radion" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Radion</a> XR30w G4 PRO</strong></td><td>915 €</td><td>190 w</td><td>4,84 euro per watt</td><td>Italian article</td></tr><tr><td><strong>OceanLed Sunrise 600</strong></td><td>870 €</td><td>180 w</td><td>4,8 euro per watt</td><td>Italian test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Orphek Atlantik V4</strong></td><td>1099 €</td><td>226 w</td><td>4,9 euro per watt</td><td>Test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Radion XR30w G2</strong></td><td>690 €</td><td>140 w</td><td>4,9 euro per watt</td><td>Italian review</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Radion XR30w G4</strong></td><td>760 €</td><td>150 w</td><td>5,1 euro per watt</td><td>Italian article</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Aqamai LRM<br></strong></td><td>465 €</td><td>87,5 w</td><td>5,1 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Zetlight UFO ZE-8000</strong></td><td>500 €</td><td>91,5 w</td><td>5,5 euro per watt</td><td>Test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Aqamai LRS</strong></td><td>289 €</td><td>47,6 w</td><td>6,1 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>CEAB Slide & Led</strong></td><td>2.700 €</td><td>275 w</td><td>9,8 euro per watt</td><td>Review</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Sicce GNC 466</strong></td><td>1.592 €</td><td>120 w</td><td>13,3 euro per watt</td><td>Italian review</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-011.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-011.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303903"/></a></figure>
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<p>As we have said, the ceiling light <strong>is very well built</strong>, solid and well assembled. I really like the extruded borders as well as the refinement. It isn't programmable, and you can add other bars in other to obtain the power you need. We have to focus on the measured PAR, given that that's not possible to do a proper comparison with other ceiling lights. But if you consider the overall energy you have a more realistic picture. The bars are perfect for breeding corals, but you have to ask yourself a couple of questions: Do you need twice the PAR? Use two bars. Do you need four times the PAR? Use four, and so on. <strong>The cost per watt is incredibly low, the lowest among the ones we have tested, while before comment the value of PAR per watt we have to test other blue bars.</strong> What else can you ask of an LED bar?</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-009.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-009.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303900"/></a></figure>
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<p>Questions and comments, as always, are welcomed.</p>
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<p>[<em>Translated by Agnese Poggi</em>]</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303901"/></a></figure>
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<p>We are ready to test the new <strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong>, it's the second LED bar we've ever had, and we expect to get even more in the future.</p>
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<p>The bars are<strong> beautiful, solid, and seem very well made</strong>. They can't be dimmed, but <strong>Orphek </strong>plans to release a dimmer soon. Right now the bars have a switch that can be connected to a timer.</p>
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<h2 id="h-technical-characteristics-of-the-orphek-or2-blue-plus-led-bars">Technical characteristics of the Orphek OR2 Blue Plus LED bars:</h2>
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<ul><li><strong>Driver: </strong>external;</li><li><strong>Input Voltage:</strong> 100-240VAC;</li><li><strong>Frequency:</strong> 50-60Hz;</li><li><strong>Consumption:</strong> 60 watts;</li><li><strong>Cos(phi)</strong> > 0.95;</li><li><strong>Input current (Amps)</strong> 0.55;</li><li><strong>Length:</strong> 123.5 cm;</li><li><strong>Width:</strong> 5 cm;</li><li><strong>Height:</strong> 3.6 cm;</li><li><strong>Weight</strong>: 2.3 kg;</li><li><strong>LED used: </strong>4x410nm, 4x420nm, 4x430nm, 4x440nm, 11x460nm, 5x470nm, 4x480nm.</li><li><strong>Price to the public</strong>: 180 euro ($204 US).</li></ul>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-001.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-001.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303897"/></a></figure>
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<p>The bars are sold with a kit for hanging. Also on <strong>Orphek</strong>'s site is a hooking system. The <strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus bars are built</strong> <strong>excellently</strong>. The refinement, maybe aluminum, is also a heat sink and the assembling is perfect.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-007.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-007.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303899"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="h-the-programming">The Programming</h2>
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<p> LED bars usually can't be programmed, and the same goes for the <strong>Orphek OR2</strong>. But some bars from competitors are equipped with a controller for dimming or the controller is sold separately. <strong>Orphek </strong>announced that this dimmer is coming, but it's not available yet.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href=" src=" alt="Le barre a LED Orphek OR2 Blue Plus testate a fondo nel DaniReef LAB" class="wp-image-43544"/></a></figure>
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<p>Unlike other times, we can't give you the values and the consumption of the LED channels because they all switch on at the same time.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303893,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...k-OR2-Blue-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-016.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...k-OR2-Blue-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-016.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303893"/></a></figure>
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<p></p>
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<h2 id="h-our-new-danireef-lab-for-par-measurement-method">Our new DaniReef LAB for PAR measurement method</h2>
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<p> During the long nights spent on our forum we always wondered how we could <strong>compare </strong>PAR from different ceiling lights. Even though we had the perfect device, the <strong>Quantum Meter MQ-510 di Apogee</strong>, we only looked at the value measured at the center, at 20 cm of distance, more or less.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p> The <strong>Quantum Meter MQ-510</strong> measures the <strong>PAR</strong>, expressed in <strong>PFFD</strong>, which is <em>photosynthetic photon flux density</em>, in μmol m-2 s-1. This device is calibrated to work underwater, so if it’s in air the measured value has to be divided <strong>by 1.32, the dive factor</strong>. We have to do the conversion. The values you’re going to see are correct. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303906,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...ar-plafoniera-t5-08-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" rel="Quantum Meter MQ-510"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...ar-plafoniera-t5-08-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303906"/></a></figure>
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<p> We decided to make a square base of 70×70 cm, we set <strong>17 fiducial points</strong> where we placed the <strong>Quantum Meter MQ-510</strong> sensor and we also made 3 lifts of 20, 40 and 60 cm for the ceiling light, in order to have the same distance from the sensor. This will allow us to create the curves which can be compared to other ceiling lights, all tested at the same distances. This distance is measured from the base of the sensor to the ceiling light. In reality it should be decreased by 3.5 cm which is the height of the measurement cylinder and increased by 0.5 cm which is the dimension of the spacers that lift the ceiling light. </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303905,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...Marine-XL-HC-Led-34-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" rel="Quantum Meter MQ-510"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...Marine-XL-HC-Led-34-Copyright-by-DaniReef.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303905"/></a></figure>
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<p> In total the three measurements are made at <strong>17, 37</strong> and <strong>57</strong> cm. Because they're done in air they will be corrected. </p>
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<p>In truth, the bars gave us other problems, because we had to distance the spacers in order to consider the light coming from the external LED.</p>
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<h2 id="h-par-measurement-at-17-cm-away"> PAR measurement at 17 cm away </h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303894,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-025.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-025.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303894"/></a></figure>
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<p>Pictured above is the setup. At the bottom is the chart and the device, and at the top you can glimpse the bar placed on the spacers. </p>
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<p>These are the values:</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303907,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...-120-misurazione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-2.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...-120-misurazione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303907"/></a></figure>
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<p> Below is the corresponding chart, we came back to our classical scale in order to compare similar ceiling lights, but as it is an LED bar, we lowered the maximum scale. With future bars you will find the same evaluation scale.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303908,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1013-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1013-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303908"/></a></figure>
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<p>As you can see the bar created a curve that looks like a tent, with the spacial differences due to the kind of LED. Unlike the classic ceiling lights the decay is very linear, at 30 cm from the light source.</p>
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<p>Here are the two charts of the two LED bars:</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":303908,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1013-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303908"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303915,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-17-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303915"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Surprisingly, the PAR are higher in the Blue Plus version. The scale, obviously, is the same.</p>
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<h2 id="h-par-measurement-at-37-cm">PAR measurement at 37 cm </h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303895,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-026.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-026.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303895"/></a></figure>
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<p> Pictured above is the setup. At the bottom is the chart and the device, and at the top you can glimpse the bar placed on the spacers.</p>
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<p> Here are the results: </p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303909,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303909"/></a></figure>
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<p> And the corresponding chart.</p>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303910,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303910"/></a></figure>
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<p>A bigger space between ceiling lights and sensor decreases the difference between PAR in the middle and on the sides. The light spreads, but the central value decreases from 459 to 207 μmol m-2 s-1, measured in the brighter spots.</p>
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<p>Notice that the coverage is wider.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":303916,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303916"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303910,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-37-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1001-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303910"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<p>As we expected, the Blue Plus bar shows a higher number of PAR. Moreover, using LED with comparable wavelengths the charts are much more linear.</p>
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<h2 id="h-par-measurement-at-57-cm">PAR measurement at 57 cm </h2>
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<!-- wp:image {"id":303896,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-027.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...razione-dei-PAR-Copyright-by-DaniReef-027.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303896"/></a></figure>
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<p> Pictured above is the setup. At the bottom is the chart and the device (from this distance the device is very visible), and at the top you can see the bar placed on the spacers. Even visually the illuminated area is wider, so the specific power per cm decreases. </p>
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<p>Here are the values:</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...120-misurazione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303911"/></a></figure>
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<p> And the corresponding chart:</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303912"/></a></figure>
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<p> When further increasing the space between ceiling light and sensor, the difference between the PAR in the middle and on the sides doesn't decrease as we expected but instead increases. The value in the middle decreases again from 459 to 207 to 130 μmol m-2 s-1.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":303917,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1012-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303917"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...azione-PAR-57-cm-DaniReef-LAB-1024x1010-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303912"/><figcaption>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The difference between the coverage of the two bars increases even more, especially in the middle, while on the sides it's pretty much the same.</p>
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<h2 id="h-the-par-in-the-middle-in-the-different-configurations">The PAR in the middle in the different configurations </h2>
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<p>Let’s continue with our technical measurements. In the chart below, we can see how the PAR collected in the middle decreases with the three different distances of the tests. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...one-PAR-al-centro-DaniReef-LAB-1024x767-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...one-PAR-al-centro-DaniReef-LAB-1024x767-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303913"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="h-energy-variation-of-the-orphek-or2-blue-plus-led-bars-depending-on-the-distance">Energy variation of the Orphek OR2 Blue Plus LED bars depending on the distance</h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...AR-energia-totale-DaniReef-LAB-1024x918-1.png"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...AR-energia-totale-DaniReef-LAB-1024x918-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-303914"/></a></figure>
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<p>This is the most significant and easy to compare data. The <strong>energy variation</strong>. We calculated the volumes of the three surfaces seen above. It’s obvious that moving away from the ceiling light, the PAR decreases, and the light illuminates a wider space. We try to consider all the light energy in this 60 cm square under the bar. And we see that the three values of 323,000, 291,000, and 259,000 assume a different connotation compared to the values in the middle. When the first ones decrease because the distances increase, the subtended area, that is the energy, decreases very slowly. The three areas are relatively similar. Little energy is lost over the area.</p>
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<p>Considering the values of the three curves you can see that on the sides there's more light at 57 cm than at 37.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-005.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-005.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303902"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="what-are-these-values-in-the-aquarium">What are these values in the aquarium? </h2>
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<p>This is a good question. At first we thought that we could transport these values to the aquarium <em>tout-court</em>. We filled the aquarium, inserted the probe, and redid the measurements. Basically, while at 20 cm the result is practically the same, as we progressed, thanks to the glass and the water itself reflecting the light, we found the values almost doubled those measured in air. Obviously, this isn’t a detail that can be standardized, so we think that <strong>our method of calculation is the most correct</strong>, and the best for the comparison of coverages of different ceiling lights. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-002.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-002.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303898"/></a></figure>
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<h2 id="h-power-consumption">Power Consumption </h2>
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<p>The measurement of the consumption was made possible thanks to the useful device <a href="https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00JVTEYWG/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RCE PM600</a> that can also measure the Cos(fi) (or <a href=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">power factor</a>). The result is already given in watts. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-021.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-021.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303891"/></a></figure>
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<p> Above is the maximum power and below is the Cos(fi). </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-022.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...o-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303892"/></a></figure>
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<p>The calculation of the absorbed current, which is the power, is as follows: </p>
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<p><strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong> ceiling light: <strong>54.69</strong> <strong>watts</strong>. Considering that this ceiling light at 17 cm has 459 μmol m-2 s-1 in the middle, we can see that it will have a peak value of <strong>8.39 μmol m-2 s-1 w-1 </strong>(PAR per watt). This value isn't really comparable with other ceiling lights because it remains constant throughout the length.</p>
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<h2 id="h-the-comparison-with-other-ceiling-lights-on-the-market">The comparison with other ceiling lights on the market </h2>
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<p> Recently we started to use the new <strong>Apogee Quantum Meter MQ-510</strong>. For this we can’t completely compare the data of other ceiling lights because we used to use the <strong>Seneye</strong> probe. </p>
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<p>But considering the first ceiling lights we tested we can do an interesting comparison about their produced energy: </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td>Energy</td><td>Cost</td><td>Consumption</td><td>Energy/€</td><td>Energy/w</td></tr><tr><td>AI Hydra 32 HD at 17 cm</td><td>560.000</td><td>430</td><td>90,50</td><td>1.303</td><td>6.190</td></tr><tr><td>AI Hydra 32 HD at 37 cm</td><td>563.000</td><td>430</td><td>90,50 </td><td>1.310</td><td>6.224</td></tr><tr><td>AI Hydra 32 HD at 57 cm</td><td>463.000</td><td>430</td><td>90,50 </td><td>1.076</td><td>5.112</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRM at 17 cm</td><td>643.000</td><td>465</td><td>90,88</td><td>1.382</td><td>7.071</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRM at 37 cm</td><td>722.000</td><td>465</td><td>90,88</td><td>1.552</td><td>7.941</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRM at 57 cm</td><td>616.000</td><td>465</td><td>90,88</td><td>1.326</td><td>6.783</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRS at 17 cm</td><td>276.000</td><td>289</td><td>47,59</td><td>955</td><td>5.797</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRS at 37 cm</td><td>312.000</td><td>289</td><td>47,59</td><td>1.078</td><td>6.547</td></tr><tr><td>Aqamai LRS at 57 cm</td><td>254.000</td><td>289</td><td>47,59</td><td>880</td><td>5.343</td></tr><tr><td>Cetus 2 at 17 cm</td><td>410.000</td><td>215</td><td>60,68</td><td>1.906</td><td>6.756</td></tr><tr><td>Cetus 2 at 37 cm </td><td>291.000</td><td>215</td><td>60,68</td><td>1.353</td><td>4.793</td></tr><tr><td>Cetus 2 at 57 cm </td><td>174.000</td><td>215</td><td>60,68</td><td>807</td><td>2.861</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm at 17 cm</td><td>323.000</td><td>180</td><td>54,69</td><td>1.794</td><td>5.906</td></tr><tr><td> Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm at 37 cm</td><td>291.000</td><td>180</td><td> 54,69 </td><td>1.616</td><td>5.321</td></tr><tr><td> Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm at 57 cm</td><td>259.000</td><td>180</td><td> 54,69 </td><td>1.438</td><td>4.736</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm at 17 cm</td><td>255.000</td><td>180</td><td>54,69</td><td>1.418</td><td>4.667</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm at 37 cm </td><td>233.000</td><td>180</td><td>54.69</td><td>1.292</td><td>4.252</td></tr><tr><td>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm at 57 cm </td><td>225.000</td><td>180</td><td>54.69</td><td>1.251</td><td>4.117</td></tr><tr><td>Philips CoralCare at 17 cm</td><td>1.859.000</td><td>749</td><td>190,50</td><td>2.481</td><td>9.756</td></tr><tr><td>Philips CoralCare at 37 cm </td><td>1.341.000</td><td>749</td><td>190,50 </td><td>1.790</td><td>7.037</td></tr><tr><td>Philips CoralCare at 57 cm </td><td>933.000</td><td>749</td><td>190,50 </td><td>1.246</td><td>4.899</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-004.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303901"/></a></figure>
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<p>The produced energy per watt is constant at the different distances. This linear behavior is typical of LED bars. Now we have to test other bars and do proper comparisons. Don't be deceived by the higher PAR of other ceiling lights, because it has a prevalence of blue and it behaves differently, so it can't be compared <em>tout-court</em>.</p>
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<h2 id="h-costs"> Costs </h2>
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<p>The <strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong> LED bars costs <strong>180 euros ($204 US)</strong>, and we have to add tax because there isn't a national distributor. But considering also the exchange rate, we could still buy it for 180 euro. Delivery included.</p>
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<p>The absorbed power is <strong>54.69 watt</strong>, so it has a relationship cost/watt of <strong>3,3 euro per watt</strong> ($3.70 US). In order to do a comparison with the other ceiling lights you can refer to this chart: </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Ceiling light</td><td>Price</td><td>Consuption</td><td>Relationship euro per watt</td><td>References</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Orphek OR2 Blue Plus</strong> </td><td>180 USD</td><td>54.7 w</td><td>3,3 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus</strong></td><td>180 USD</td><td>54,7 w</td><td>3,3 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cetus 2</strong></td><td>215 €</td><td>60,7 w</td><td>3,5 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Philips Coralcare</strong> <strong>2019</strong></td><td>749 €</td><td>190 w</td><td>3,9 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Maxspect Ethereal</strong></td><td>500 €</td><td>126 w</td><td>4,0 euro per watt</td><td>Italian test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Radion XR30w G2 PRO<br></strong></td><td>790 €</td><td>170 w</td><td>4,7 euro per watt</td><td>Italian review</td></tr><tr><td><strong>AI Hydra 32 HD</strong></td><td>430 €</td><td>90,5 w</td><td>4,75 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB </td></tr><tr><td><strong><a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=101&url=333"target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Radion" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Radion</a> XR30w G4 PRO</strong></td><td>915 €</td><td>190 w</td><td>4,84 euro per watt</td><td>Italian article</td></tr><tr><td><strong>OceanLed Sunrise 600</strong></td><td>870 €</td><td>180 w</td><td>4,8 euro per watt</td><td>Italian test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Orphek Atlantik V4</strong></td><td>1099 €</td><td>226 w</td><td>4,9 euro per watt</td><td>Test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Radion XR30w G2</strong></td><td>690 €</td><td>140 w</td><td>4,9 euro per watt</td><td>Italian review</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Radion XR30w G4</strong></td><td>760 €</td><td>150 w</td><td>5,1 euro per watt</td><td>Italian article</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Aqamai LRM<br></strong></td><td>465 €</td><td>87,5 w</td><td>5,1 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Zetlight UFO ZE-8000</strong></td><td>500 €</td><td>91,5 w</td><td>5,5 euro per watt</td><td>Test</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Aqamai LRS</strong></td><td>289 €</td><td>47,6 w</td><td>6,1 euro per watt</td><td>DaniReef LAB</td></tr><tr><td><strong>CEAB Slide & Led</strong></td><td>2.700 €</td><td>275 w</td><td>9,8 euro per watt</td><td>Review</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Sicce GNC 466</strong></td><td>1.592 €</td><td>120 w</td><td>13,3 euro per watt</td><td>Italian review</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-011.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...2-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-011.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303903"/></a></figure>
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<p>As we have said, the ceiling light <strong>is very well built</strong>, solid and well assembled. I really like the extruded borders as well as the refinement. It isn't programmable, and you can add other bars in other to obtain the power you need. We have to focus on the measured PAR, given that that's not possible to do a proper comparison with other ceiling lights. But if you consider the overall energy you have a more realistic picture. The bars are perfect for breeding corals, but you have to ask yourself a couple of questions: Do you need twice the PAR? Use two bars. Do you need four times the PAR? Use four, and so on. <strong>The cost per watt is incredibly low, the lowest among the ones we have tested, while before comment the value of PAR per watt we have to test other blue bars.</strong> What else can you ask of an LED bar?</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-009.jpg"><img src="https://reefs.com/blog/wp-content/u...s-Reef-Day-Plus-Copyright-by-DaniReef-009.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-303900"/></a></figure>
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<p>Questions and comments, as always, are welcomed.</p>
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<p>[<em>Translated by Agnese Poggi</em>]</p>
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