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 | 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 by AquaNerd | Jul 22, 2014 | Science
EcoTech Marine is generously giving away one of their brand new, just released Radion XR15w Pro LED fixtures to one lucky hobbyist in a Facebook promotional contest. To enter, all you have to do is click like, make a comment, and share the original contest announcement posted on their Facebook page. This will net you three entries ink the contest, and hopefully a brand new light fixture. The contest is open now until August 15th at midnight. Besides the light, the winner will also receive a free t-shirt and a bottle of EcoTech Elements Coral Glue. Continue below for the full announcement. In celebration of the release of the new Radion XR15w Pro LED fixture, we’re having a Radion Giveaway right here on Facebook! One lucky winner will receive an EcoTech Marine Radion XR15w Pro! That’s not all, either… the winner of the contest will also receive a complimentary bottle of Elements Coral Glue and T-Shirt by AquaNerd | Jun 30, 2014 | Science
We’ve been dying to make this announcement for almost three weeks now, and the cat is finally out of the bag. EcoTech Marine is releasing their all new XR15w Pro, and as the lingo suggests, this version of the Radion is smaller than its XR30w brethren, offering up a single LED cluster but all of the same awesome features. A total of 21 LEDs fill out the lone cluster, and it features a full spectrum output with a touch of UV that has been optimized for coral growth. In terms of size, the new XR15 measures just 7″ x 7″ with an expected light spread of roughly 20″ x 20″. This spread is achieved by the standard issue 80 degree TIR lens, though a 120 degree TIR lens will also be available for those needing just a bit more. The wider lenses give the XR15 a 24″ x 24″ light spread. The maximum PAR levels are around 825 with a peak power consumption of 85 watts. In typical EcoTech fashion, the XR15w Pro will be equipped with the same wireless technology that is found in other products of the brand. The on-board RF Module makes compatibility and communication seamless, letting the light work with other lighting and flow products via the ReefLink and EcoSmart Live software. by AquaNerd | Jun 18, 2014 | Science, Tanks
Announced just moments ago, EcoTech Marine is giving their EcoSmart Live (ESL) platform a huge update that will allow users more extensive control of the VorTech wireless pumps, give the entire interface a fresh new look, and even incorporate a webcam into the mix that will allow users to check on their tanks from a PC or smartphone. While still only in Beta testing, EcoTech Marine is offering up limited spots for everyday users to test out the updates and help them create a more polished and functional product. The ESL update will release today and all you have to do to be part of it is log into www.ecosmartlive.com and check the “Participate in Beta Releases” checkbox from the Settings & Manage Account page. If you don’t make it into this beta release, more spots will be made available as time progresses. As for all of the new features coming with the EcoSmart Live update, take a look at these: All new web design provides quick and convenient access to your Radions, VorTechs, and device settings. VorTech control! Import pumps, upgrade them, schedule modes, adjust settings, and demo your VorTech pumps to dial in and wow friends, family and house guests from the website. Creating gyres has never been easier by pairing master and slave pumps visually in ESL. Create, preview, and save waves for your VorTechs. Call various saved waves with the click of a button
