Frequently Asked Questions
- I have a hood for my tank, and only have 'x' length. Will your fixture fit?
- How does your fixture compare PFO's
Solaris 250W (G) and the '400W' (H/I4) LED systems?
- Why do you use lenses rather than a reflector, like metal halides?
- I have a 96 x X x X inch tank, and would like to put two of your 48 inch fixtures on my tank. How can I control both of the lights?
- What is your color temperature range?
- Can I connect this to my computer to control it?
- Is there application software for PC and Mac?
- Can I create my own software?
- What is the warranty of your fixture?
- How many watts per foot does your fixture consume?
- Can I disable the fans?
- I have a hood for my tank, and only have 'x' length. Will your fixture fit?
- Actual lengths are as follows:
1 foot: 12.38 inches
2 feet: 24.25 inches
3 feet: 36.13 inches
4 feet: 48.00 inches
5 feet: 59.88 inches
6 feet: 71.75 inches
- How does your fixture compare PFO's Solaris 250W (G) and the '400W' (H/I4) LED systems?
- We are using the highest output, single-die white LED for the market combined with a high output blue LED to produce an unbeatable combination. We are significantly more powerful than the Luxeon III LED combination (as used in the Solaris G) as well as the Luxeon K2 combination (based on released data, as used in the Solaris H/I). Please see this page for more detail.
- Why do you use lenses rather than a reflector, like metal halides?
- High power LEDs typically have their own lenses, with a dispersion angle between 90 and 140 degrees. While this, in conjunction with reflector can provide a wide output spread, the actual depth penetration is reduced. We chose to use a lens with a dispersion angle of roughly 45 degrees to maximize the amount of light that is transmitted to a known area in the tank.
- I have a 96 x X x X inch tank, and would like to put two of your 48 inch fixtures on my tank. How can I control both of the lights?
- Our controller is external, which allows us to control multiple units from a single controller. To connect multiple units, you simply connect each of them individually, set the ID through the intuitive menu item list, and connect them all together. Our controller will then take care of the rest.
- What is your color temperature range?
- The LED array is designed to have control over the two LED colors (white and blue)). Varying the intensity of each bank will allow you to control the temperature range from around 6,000K to upwards of 20,000K. Maximum light output will vary based on color settings.
- Your fixture is connected to the controller
via a serial (RS232) cable.
- Can I connect this to my computer to control it?
- Yes, you can. Our external controller maintains the date and time and non-volatile settings. To use your computer, you'll need a custom cable to maintain a connection with the fixture.
- Is there application software for PC and Mac?
- Not at the moment; we are working on this, and will release it sometime in Q1 of 2008.
- Can I create my own software?
- Absolutely. We can provide the commands upon request. We'd love to see what people come up with.
- What is the warranty of your fixture?
- Our fixtures have a two-year, transferable limited warranty. The LEDs are rated for over 50,000 hours by the manufacturer. While the limited warranty is transferable, it starts at the date of original purchase. We will have the full details on this available prior to product shipment.
- How many watts per foot does your fixture consume?
- When all LEDs are full power, the unit consumes approximately 90W per foot. The per day consumption will varying based on your settings. Every two feet of fixture requires a power supply. (ie: 6 feet = 3 power supplies)
- Can I disable the fans?
- Although the fans are removable (for replacement), it is not advised. Lifespan and intensity is directly related to the junction temperature of the LEDs. Unplugging the fans will cause a heatsink temperature increase, which in turn can cause the controller to substantially decrease in light output.
