The real Black Box light study

[theatrus]

What most people are going to have to realize is that because something is made in China does not mean it is inferior. The basis of this study was to show that there are more REAL options out there than
what many currently regard as the go to lights.
So many haters out there spread misinformation and untruths that place all Chinese lights in the same category and that is just shameful. I will continue this study until we have no more lights to test, or
the "Big Guys" force my removal from R2R.
End of Rant

Back on topic-
I got a new light to test as it came in a day earlier than expected. I will take some pictures here in a little while so we can check it out together.

For some insights on the Shenzhen innovation scene I recommend Bunnie Huang’s book The Hardware Hacker. Or read some of his blog articles on the area.

As with anything there is a whole range of product out there. If all you want is absolute lowest cost, then you’ll get all the corners cut and the cheapest possible product. But as this thread shows there is a lot of quality for not much more available.

Also, when you see BST pump threads on US name brand pumps or other fittings, it’s very obvious these are OEM rebadges from China (though with a stateside support and warranty program)

 

[Manose]

For some insights on the Shenzhen innovation scene I recommend Bunnie Huang’s book The Hardware Hacker. Or read some of his blog articles on the area.

As with anything there is a whole range of product out there. If all you want is absolute lowest cost, then you’ll get all the corners cut and the cheapest possible product. But as this thread shows there is a lot of quality for not much more available.

Also, when you see BST pump threads on US name brand pumps or other fittings, it’s very obvious these are OEM rebadges from China (though with a stateside support and warranty program)

Thank you for your insight and observant comment. :)

 

[Manose]

I wonder how many of those would have to ordered to tweak the spectrum?

They would be sweet with this:

Channel A : Cree White 2pcs

Channel B : Cree Royal blue 8pcs

Channel C : Cree Blue 1pcs

Channel D : Epileds Violet 7pcs

Channel E : cyan 1pcs

Channel F : mint 1pcs

Obviously with the channels mixed differently. Like the white, cyan and blue on one channel. Mint and a couple RB on another and so on...

I bet they might send us one customized if we ask but it would be a long lead time. Every light that I have gotten from China has had the option to customize the spectrum except for Aquarium System Solutions.

 

[dantimdad]

Well, I would be willing to wait.

Let's talk off thread.

 

[alton]

I would like to see a picture of this light working on an aquarium because the three lights on the large tank on their website looks amazing.

 

[wangspeed]

I will admit they are expensive compared to the cheap BB lights and not so expensive compared to the Radions or Orpheks. I just like the Mitra's for the way they grow corals in my system, how easy they are to program , and the coverage area, and no disco ball effect due to their parabolic reflectors. Some of the components inside may be made in China, but I wouldn't bet on it, and I don't feel like taking one apart and looking inside, as it will probably void my warranty.

I’m with you Jay. I have 5 GHL Mitras over my DT. About to move to 7 since I got some on sale in the FS forum. I have had awesome success with them so far. Really like them, but the program interface is very dated.

 

[Jay Norris]

I’m with you Jay. I have 5 GHL Mitras over my DT. About to move to 7 since I got some on sale in the FS forum. I have had awesome success with them so far. Really like them, but the program interface is very dated.

Are they still on sale, as I will be getting a bigger tank in the near future?

 

[dantimdad]

I think they were here in the market place used

 

[Manose]

I am having a blizzard here in east Tennessee so I am not going to get to the shop today.

 

[dantimdad]

Safety third!

;)

 

[Manose]

Safety third!

;)

LOL

 

[That Crusso Kid]

For anyone following this study; @noopsyche is having another give away. Enter below and good luck!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/light-up-your-reef-giveaway-by-noopsyche-and-r2r.547923/page-2

 

[Manose]

Tomorrow I am going to head down to the shop and redo the tank we are using to take measurements. When I say redo, I'm just going to empty and clean it.

 

[dantimdad]

Tomorrow I am going to head down to the shop and redo the tank we are using to take measurements. When I say redo, I'm just going to empty and clean it.

Is the weather going to be better?

 

[Manose]

Is the weather going to be better?

Should be good but very cold. New car should be okay tho for some heat :)

 

[Rooneski]

Are you going to do the galaxy hydro / doleadro 165 wifi ? I can’t find the photos of the mars aqua or viparspectra would you mind putting them up again please. Thanks and love the study.

 

[D.train]

Page 1 has the results

 

[Rooneski]

Photos of which lights were used

 

[Kampo]

Photos of which lights were used

Just read thru the thread. The charts are labeled with what light for each. Could Google them as well

 

[dantimdad]

So what will really make your head spin about the lights is none of them have been modded.

There are several of these you can mod and get better performance and more even coverage out of with minimal loss of power.

I have now seen a Radeon Gen3 pro with and without a DIY diffusor right next to a viparspectra that has had the lenses removed and a sheet of photo diffuser put on with magnets. Honestly, if it weren't for the viparspectra being brighter and having a wider coverage, I couldn't tell the difference.

I wish the pics I took turned out. I really, really stink at it. I keep saying I am going to get a good camera...

Anyway, the guy who had this setup has ordered a second viparspectra and is going to take the Radeon off. I asked would he sell it and he said no that he is going to use it on a nano. Tried to get him to join the group but he refuses any online groups or social media. His tank is really pretty.