reefbreeders photon V2 is OUT...reviews here.

Devaji108 · 02/02/2016, 01:50 AM

not sure if you guys know but the newest model of the Photon series form reefbreedres are out. so lets get some reviews going..

looks like the added alot of nice features such as:

slim design! only 1" think (my biggest complaint of older models they looked like tanks on the tank..

this light looks slim and sexy!

latest LEDS the V2 uses 5 watt Cree XT-E, and 3 watt Cree, Semi, and Osram diodes

6 dimming channels..
The exact dimming channel breakdown is as follows: Channel 1; 2 Osram 660nm Deep Red. Channel 2; 2 Semi LED 520nm Green. Channel 3; 12 Cree XT-E 450nm Royal Blue. Channel 4: 10 Cree XT-E 55000K Neutral White. Channel 5: 8 Cree XP-E 480nm Cool Blue. Channel 6: 10 Semi LED 420nm Violet, for a total of 44 5 watt and 3 watt LEDs. Each light includes 120 degree optics on the reds/greens, and 90 degree optics on the remaining LEDs.

extruded aluminum case. nice touch

wireless controller
they claim and go through a canopy. we will se about that. personally i think i would have like an app on my phone. but let see how this pans out. still a cool feature.

I hope to get my hands on a unit soon to do a hands on write up and review!

so if you guys have em lets here your thoughts and reviews

RockOn681 · 02/02/2016, 08:55 AM

Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.

gcarroll · 02/02/2016, 09:55 AM

I actually think the fixture is pretty good looking. It's about time the famous "Black Box LED" is retired. I hope to never see a black box LED again as long as I live. Baased on the layout it seems like it might be "Saturday Night Fever" going on in your tank. That aside, It was very wide angle lenses which is great IMO.

Devaji108 · 02/02/2016, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockOn681

Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.

this is a good question. one I cant answer at this time.

Devaji108 · 02/02/2016, 10:59 AM

gcaroll I was wondering about the disco effect to and how high one would need to mount it.
hopefully someone will chie in.

BIGCYCS805 · 02/02/2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devaji108

this is a good question. one I cant answer at this time.

Evergrow has the same light on there site its the it-aqua model i couldnt find any info on theyre layout though to compare to reefbreeders or price

Devaji108 · 02/02/2016, 11:42 AM

^ good to know!

AZRippster · 02/02/2016, 12:38 PM

It's another black-box in sheep's clothing ready for re-branding. They are the Evergrow AquaOcean series. I've seen them online in stores from Russia, UK, France, and Spain. I'm sure there are others as well. Google Evergrow IT5080. Give it a bit and they will likely show up on ebay and Aliexpress.

gcarroll · 02/02/2016, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devaji108

gcaroll I was wondering about the disco effect to and how high one would need to mount it.
hopefully someone will chie in.

Without having one in hand, there is no way for me to tell. I can however say that when LEDs are closer together they have a better chance to blend and reduce the disco effect.

ca1ore · 02/02/2016, 04:05 PM

I wonder if these dim down better than the older models. Still looking for a LED fixture that will dim down to zero. Maybe its not possible, dunno. That'd be the only thing that would get me to upgrade absent the failure of my current units. Picture posted does not match the LED description in the OP though?

Devaji108 · 02/02/2016, 06:10 PM

yup thats the one...

dartier · 02/02/2016, 08:18 PM

Looks like the Evergrow version has nowhere near as many 420nm LEDs in the layout as the Reef Breeders version. Also uses Cool white instead of Neutral White and has Indigo LEDs (that the Reef Breeder foregoes) ... although hard to say what spectrum they are for sure. I hate when manufacturers use names rather than specifying the frequency range!!

Personally I would go for the Reef Breeders version over the Evergrow based on the use of Neutral White and more 420nm LEDs.

Dennis

doradosteve · 02/02/2016, 08:54 PM

Seems like a nice upgrade!

ca1ore · 02/02/2016, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devaji108

yup thats the one...

Went and looked. The description you pasted in the first post is for the smaller light, not the one pictured.

Devaji108 · 02/03/2016, 07:56 AM

yeah I was looking at the 24" V2..
but same light...haha

jrp1588 · 02/03/2016, 10:22 AM

6 Channels huh? I sure hope the programming is less fiddly than on their regular photon models.

kjardine519 · 02/03/2016, 01:30 PM

Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol!

jrp1588 · 02/03/2016, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjardine519

Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol!

I hear ya there. I bought 3 photon 16's in preparation for my 125gal build months before their wireless series came out. I still don't have the tank up yet (but I'm REALLY close), and now these come out. Should have just waited. Oh well.

gcarroll · 02/03/2016, 09:03 PM

Well Interzoo is in a few months and lots of new products will debut there! It's only every two years so sometimes it pays to wait!

Drummond · 02/04/2016, 01:19 PM

these look nice..I wonder how well a 16" would cover a 24" cube? 24" would probably have too much light spillover right?

kjardine519 · 02/04/2016, 02:49 PM

I believe these are using 90deg optics so light spill should be minimal. As far as I know the photon 16 series was always recommended for a 24*24 sps tank! 8-10 inches above the waterline.

therealkilo · 02/04/2016, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjardine519

Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol!

My issue is the reverse. I just bought one and this one came out.

Photon-48 w

Oh well.

Devaji108 · 02/04/2016, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drummond

these look nice..I wonder how well a 16" would cover a 24" cube? 24" would probably have too much light spillover right?

I asked Logan if a 24" would work over a 36" x24 and he said it would.

aznflyfisherman · 02/05/2016, 01:01 PM

I dont' think the 24 inch is too much for a 24 inch cube, becuase they are dimmable so you have the options to dial it down, plus if you ever upgrade to a bigger tank you can still use it. I might get the 24 for my 60 cube as well, but it might not fit under my canopy. Still debating...hahaha.

Drummond · 02/05/2016, 01:10 PM

I spoke to Logan and he said to go with the 16" for a 24" cube. The mounting arms will not fit with the 24" light.

02/02/2016, 01:50 AM	#1
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	reefbreeders photon V2 is OUT...reviews here. not sure if you guys know but the newest model of the Photon series form reefbreedres are out. so lets get some reviews going.. looks like the added alot of nice features such as: slim design! only 1" think (my biggest complaint of older models they looked like tanks on the tank.. this light looks slim and sexy! latest LEDS the V2 uses 5 watt Cree XT-E, and 3 watt Cree, Semi, and Osram diodes 6 dimming channels.. The exact dimming channel breakdown is as follows: Channel 1; 2 Osram 660nm Deep Red. Channel 2; 2 Semi LED 520nm Green. Channel 3; 12 Cree XT-E 450nm Royal Blue. Channel 4: 10 Cree XT-E 55000K Neutral White. Channel 5: 8 Cree XP-E 480nm Cool Blue. Channel 6: 10 Semi LED 420nm Violet, for a total of 44 5 watt and 3 watt LEDs. Each light includes 120 degree optics on the reds/greens, and 90 degree optics on the remaining LEDs. extruded aluminum case. nice touch wireless controller they claim and go through a canopy. we will se about that. personally i think i would have like an app on my phone. but let see how this pans out. still a cool feature. I hope to get my hands on a unit soon to do a hands on write up and review! so if you guys have em lets here your thoughts and reviews

02/02/2016, 09:55 AM	#3
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	I actually think the fixture is pretty good looking. It's about time the famous "Black Box LED" is retired. I hope to never see a black box LED again as long as I live. Baased on the layout it seems like it might be "Saturday Night Fever" going on in your tank. That aside, It was very wide angle lenses which is great IMO. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

02/02/2016, 04:05 PM	#10
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I wonder if these dim down better than the older models. Still looking for a LED fixture that will dim down to zero. Maybe its not possible, dunno. That'd be the only thing that would get me to upgrade absent the failure of my current units. Picture posted does not match the LED description in the OP though? __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/02/2016, 08:18 PM	#12
dartier Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 958	Looks like the Evergrow version has nowhere near as many 420nm LEDs in the layout as the Reef Breeders version. Also uses Cool white instead of Neutral White and has Indigo LEDs (that the Reef Breeder foregoes) ... although hard to say what spectrum they are for sure. I hate when manufacturers use names rather than specifying the frequency range!! Personally I would go for the Reef Breeders version over the Evergrow based on the use of Neutral White and more 420nm LEDs. Dennis __________________ 560G Miracles tank in process making a DIY DyMiCo style filter (for 560G) Current Tank Info: 560G Miracles tank in progress, 80Frag Temporary

02/03/2016, 01:30 PM	#17
kjardine519 question master Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 121	Cant wait for a video review on this fixture, It seems just before I buy one ANOTHER design comes out lol! __________________ Trying to master the art of reef keeping, one mistake at a time Current Tank Info: 40 breeder reef

02/02/2016, 08:55 AM	#2
RockOn681 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Bloomingdale, IL Posts: 326	Is this light similar to a evergrow product or is it a stand alone unit built fully by reefbreeders? The photon v1 series was the same as the EG2040 line.

02/02/2016, 10:59 AM	#5
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	gcaroll I was wondering about the disco effect to and how high one would need to mount it. hopefully someone will chie in.

02/02/2016, 11:42 AM	#7
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	^ good to know!

02/02/2016, 12:38 PM	#8
AZRippster Diver & Reef Aquarium Nut Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 1,127	It's another black-box in sheep's clothing ready for re-branding. They are the Evergrow AquaOcean series. I've seen them online in stores from Russia, UK, France, and Spain. I'm sure there are others as well. Google Evergrow IT5080. Give it a bit and they will likely show up on ebay and Aliexpress.

02/02/2016, 06:10 PM	#11
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	yup thats the one...

02/02/2016, 08:54 PM	#13
doradosteve Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Palm Beach Posts: 145	Seems like a nice upgrade!

02/03/2016, 07:56 AM	#15
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	yeah I was looking at the 24" V2.. but same light...haha

02/03/2016, 10:22 AM	#16
jrp1588 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 1,864	6 Channels huh? I sure hope the programming is less fiddly than on their regular photon models.

02/03/2016, 09:03 PM	#19
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	Well Interzoo is in a few months and lots of new products will debut there! It's only every two years so sometimes it pays to wait! __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

02/04/2016, 01:19 PM	#20
Drummond Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 83	these look nice..I wonder how well a 16" would cover a 24" cube? 24" would probably have too much light spillover right?

02/04/2016, 02:49 PM	#21
kjardine519 question master Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 121	I believe these are using 90deg optics so light spill should be minimal. As far as I know the photon 16 series was always recommended for a 24*24 sps tank! 8-10 inches above the waterline. __________________ Trying to master the art of reef keeping, one mistake at a time Current Tank Info: 40 breeder reef

02/05/2016, 01:01 PM	#24
aznflyfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 957	I dont' think the 24 inch is too much for a 24 inch cube, becuase they are dimmable so you have the options to dial it down, plus if you ever upgrade to a bigger tank you can still use it. I might get the 24 for my 60 cube as well, but it might not fit under my canopy. Still debating...hahaha.

02/05/2016, 01:10 PM	#25
Drummond Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 83	I spoke to Logan and he said to go with the 16" for a 24" cube. The mounting arms will not fit with the 24" light.