Inside Rapid LED

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by Matt Rogers, Jul 23, 2012.

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  1. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    This month marks the 3rd anniversary of 3reef sponsor Rapid LED and recently I got a tour of their Bay Area operation that clearly showed why they are still around. I have to admit, I love my halide lamp and don't possess the fervor that others have for LEDs in this hobby… however, during my look inside Rapid LED, I quickly began to understand the fervor some have. High quality LEDs, parts and kits are the motus operandi of Rapid LED. See below for pics of their new par 38, solderless plug-n-play systems and sexy spreads of aluminum.

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    This light array above contained 5 fixtures, each with 24 x 5w CREE LEDs run at 700 mA with 80 degree optics.

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    Mike from Rapid LED is a great guy and a true hobbyist. A few years back he was knee-deep in the emerging LED aquarium scene, absorbing all he could and acquiring a lot of LED parts and supplies. It occurred to him that he could start selling kits to other hobbyists and the idea for Rapid LED was born. He and a partner moved into a friends to save money and lived on the floor while building the foundation for Rapid LED.

    During my visit I noted a few employees, one of which just started. It was her first day. Something tells me there are many days ahead for Rapid LED and Mike isn't sleeping on the floor anymore. Those kits are cool.



    matt


    Rapid LED Web site:
    Rapid LED


    Related:
    http://www.3reef.com/forums/coral/introducing-rapid-coral-136285.html


    FCC Disclosure - 3reef received an $8.99 Italian sandwich with bacon during this tour. It was damn good.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2012
    Matt Rogers, Jul 23, 2012
    Matt Rogers, Jul 23, 2012
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Awesome! Thanks for the photos, Matt. :)

    I love the new par38! Polished aluminum heatsink and lens cover? 8)
     
    Seano Hermano, Jul 23, 2012
    Seano Hermano, Jul 23, 2012
    #2
  3. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    Neat tour. :)
     
    evolved, Jul 23, 2012
    evolved, Jul 23, 2012
    #3
  4. Gresham

    Gresham Great Blue Whale

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    Great to see locals doing good :D
     
    Gresham, Jul 23, 2012
    Gresham, Jul 23, 2012
    #4
  5. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Pretty cool!
     
    Biocube, Jul 23, 2012
    Biocube, Jul 23, 2012
    #5
  6. hank8888

    hank8888 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Right on that is cool I got my LED's from them
     
    hank8888, Jul 23, 2012
    hank8888, Jul 23, 2012
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    What no pictures of the sandwich?

    Awesome tour Matt.
     
    mikejrice, Jul 23, 2012
    mikejrice, Jul 23, 2012
    #7
  8. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

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    very neat! that would be a very cool tour! Love getting to see "behind the scenes" of places like that! The par38 is one of the LEDs that I have considered going to one day
    (love my mh also!)
     
    schackmel, Jul 23, 2012
    schackmel, Jul 23, 2012
    #8
  9. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Indeed. Some day maybe we will get there. :lol:

    No problem. And yes to the questions.

    Thanks Mike and I should have taken a pic of that sandwich. It was a huge 2-day affair. When I go down there to buy some coral I am definitely going to that place as well.

    matt
     
    Matt Rogers, Jul 24, 2012
    Matt Rogers, Jul 24, 2012
    #9
  10. SeminoleB

    SeminoleB Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Nice shots! Mike is great! Helped me out tremendously and always answered me quickly! I will be using him again on my 20gal long build I'm starting soon!
     
    SeminoleB, Jul 24, 2012
    SeminoleB, Jul 24, 2012
    #10
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