Aquatic Life LED Preview!

Aquatic Life has released some great fixtures over the years, and are somewhat of a standard for high quality entry level HOT5 fixtures. They have recently released a new 1.0 Expandable LED fixture that is geared for reef keeping. There are two models in multiple sizes; we have utilized the 'double' model over top of a 20 gallon reef that is soft coral heavy with some LPS and SPS (montipora sp). With some trivial testing with a LUX meter, we found that the 1.0 LED fixture put out almost 4X as much light as their 4 bulb T5, or their direct competitor's slim black reef capable LED fixture. The color rendition of the new LED fixture is wonderful and a huge upgrade from HOT5 or the leading competitor's LED fixture - likely due to the use of pink/purple LEDs in the mix.



Enough talking! I am sure you guys would like to see what this fixture looks like over a reef.
Unfortunately we only have a Point & Shoot camera here in the office, but it will give you a good idea of what you can expect either way.





We set the camera to allow the LED colors to show in this shot, without doing so the reef looks MUCH brighter but the LED array is overwhelmingly bright for the camera.






Aquatic life is also very honest about what this fixture is or isn't capable of doing as an entry level reef LED system. On the back of the packaging is a chart that outlines what each fixture type, or pairing of fixture types is able to sustain (see photo below). Whether you use this fixture for fish only, or for a full blown reef, you will appreciate it's performance and color rendition.



These fixtures will be available on our new site when it launches this month!

 

Those look pretty sweet!

Aquatic Life LEDs: Could This be the Big One? - Marine Engineers

 

Great blog entry!

Some extra info and food for though:
- This line of fixtures does not currently utilize multiple switches, chords, or timers for dawn/dusk effect
- The LEDs are driven by appropriately matched MEAN WELL LED Drivers
- The entire fixture is an aluminum heat sink, feels heavy and well built in the hand, and has removable/replaceable lenses

This line of fixtures will have a hard time competing with super-fixtures like the Radion that have much more control-ability and higher wattage LEDs, but that is really not what Aquaticlife is trying to do with them. IMO these are likely geared as an alternative option for end users who are not interested in the price tag that accompanies features that super-fixtures have. As well as for those who want entry level, truly reef capable led fixtures that give more than just the standard 50/50 look. These will also be fantastic alternatives for Fish Only aquariums that want a nice, crisp and bright lighting solution with great color rendition.

 

Also cheaper in the long run... i.e. bulbs. also they aren't energy hogs.