by AquaNerd | Dec 16, 2014 | Science, Tanks, Technology
I’m not entirely sure how or why we have yet to post about the new Kessil LED pendants, but hey, better late than never, right? A few months ago, Kessil debuted the follow-up to their immensly popoular A150, the A160we. Where the A150 models had plenty of power and an awesome spectrum, they were a bit lacking in the functionality department. Sure, you could manually dim or brighten the light, but pampered aquarists prefer not to have to touch dials and knobs, opting for something a bit more tech friendly instead. We’re not saying the A150 was incapable by any means. by AquaNerd | Sep 22, 2014 | Equipment, Industry, MACNA, Technology
GHL is updating their Mitras Lightbar for 2014 by offering them up in one brand new color configuration and two new sizes. Where the first generation of the Lightbar saw its smallest fixture tipping the scales at roughly 60 cm in length, or just under two feet, the new nano models will be suited for 40 or 50 cm aquariums. This is a good move to hit those smaller desktop nano aquariums that are all the rage these days, and nano owners could certainly appreciate the access to this high end LED striplight.As for the new color, the Mitras LED striplight will now be available in a deep actinic. Prior to this release, the Lightbar was only available in a daylight (freshwater), actinic (saltwater), and an ocean blue (mix of fresh and salt) configuration. This new color offers up the deep blue that has become synonymous with reef aquaria and it gives users more options for color blending and bolstering coral coloration.The Mitras Lightbar fixtures for 40 and 50 cm nano tanks are currently available in the GHL webshop, and the deep actinic models will become available in mid-October.Features common to all models:Selected high-power-LEDs of Cree, Osram and SemiLEDs Lifetime of at least 60,000 hours High quality LEDs with at least 122 lumen/watt (white LEDs) 13 different lightbar lengths 120° reflectors Can be operated standalone or with a ProfiLux controller Controllability of 5 to 7 LED channels (depending on lamp model) Individually set up the light output and color according to personal desires Storm, rainy day, cloud, tropical, and twilight simulations via the ProfiLux controller This entry was posted in Aquarium Equipment and tagged Aquarium Equipment, aquarium lighting, GHL, GHL LED, LED lighting, Mitras, Mitras Light Bar by Brandon Klaus. Bookmark the permalink. by AquaNerd | Aug 14, 2014 | Equipment, Industry, Tanks, Technology
Did you know that EcoTech Marine has a light designed specifically for freshwater applications? Neither did we. Amidst all of the fanfare of the XR15w Pro launch, EcoTech quietly slipped their XR15FW light into the mix, kicking off what might be a very lucrative venture into the freshwater side of the aquarium hobby. Since we don’t dabble in freshwater tanks, we can only speculate, but seeing as how revolution the EcoTech Marine produce line has been for salty tanks, we’re positive that the freshwater community will accept them with wide open arms. Getting back to the fixture itself, the Radion XR15FW uses the same form factor as the pro model, but comes with fewer LEDs and a much different array of LED colors. Where the pro model uses 21 diodes that emphasize blues and cool whites, the freshwater version only uses 15 LEDs and relies heavily on warmer colors. Here is a breakdown of each of the color channels: • Neutral White: 5 • Deep Blue: 2 • Blue: 2 • Green: 2 • Hyper Red: 2 • Indigo: 1 • UV: 1 The XR15FW will feature the same wireless technology and TIR lenses found on the pro model, meaning it will work flawlessly with the EcoSmart Live platform and the ReefLink wireless hub. As for the fixture’s price, the XR15FW will retail for $299, or about $150 less than the pro version. The light is currently available for preorder, but hasn’t quite hit the market as of yet by AquaNerd | Aug 11, 2014 | Science, Tanks
Hey, you got Atlantik in my DIF. No! You got DIF on my Atlantik. Does anyone else remember those Reeses Peanut Butter Cup commercials or am I just a bit too nostalgic? Well, as the metaphor implies, Orphek is blending their lighting technologies, cramming the LEDs from their flagship Atlantik fixture into their DIF pendant. Now, users can have the same power and flexibility of the Atlantik v2.1 but in a much smaller form factor. The light will replace the DIF, which is being discontinued, and it will feature the same wireless controllability that is channeled through an on-board WiFi module and Orphek’s free Android app. Similar to the Atlantik fixture, the pendant will enjoy controllability across four different channels, allowing users to fine tune colors and intensities to get the right look with the right amount of light by AquaNerd | Jul 31, 2014 | Opinion, Science
Ever since EcoTech Marine introduced their Radion XR30 LED fixture at MACNA in 2011, aquarium keepers have been on the hunt for the best solution to mounting them on or hanging them above their aquariums. Since aesthetics are so, so important in the appeal of an aquarium, there’s really no surprise that the hunt has been never ending for some. Fortunately, that search may be over, as BioTek Marine has (in our humble opinions) the best looking tank mounts for the Radion XR30 light fixtures. The light mounts, which are distributed through Aquarium Specialty, are made from solid cast acrylic and have been machined and polished to give a mirror like finish. They mount simply to the aquarium, using discretely placed thumbscrews, and additional hardware keeps the cords from the light fixtures hidden from view. For the Radion, there are two models available, an 18-20″ mount and a 24″ arm. They are each priced at $209. If you’re in the market for a mounting arm such as this, but don’t have a Radion, there are other models available form BioTek that accommodate the AquaIllumination Hydra and Hydra FiftyTwo LED fixtures. Eventually, models for the Hydra TwentySix and Radion XR15w Pro will be available
