basicfisherman Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 From the time you place your order till the time it ships feels like the longest week! I wouldn't worry about the slow response from Ray. Link to comment
YankeePete Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Guys dont' think AquaStyles is just some dude who is trying to get use a great deal on LEDS. AquaStyles is part of Advance Tech. In China. They are a huge company that deals in communications and software support. This is just one of their many businesses. And I doubt there is really a guy named "Ray" that works there. That is just the name they use on customer support. Link to comment
Ralgo Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Guys dont' think AquaStyles is just some dude who is trying to get use a great deal on LEDS. AquaStyles is part of Advance Tech. In China. They are a huge company that deals in communications and software support. This is just one of their many businesses. And I doubt there is really a guy named "Ray" that works there. That is just the name they use on customer support. If that's true then that's really disappointing... Not to be a nag but, do you have proof of that? Until then... PICS!!!!! Before... After!! Playing around with the pots.. got a lot of different looks All those pics are with the pots some degree less than 100% Here is what happens to my camera when I put them to full power both 100% Blues 100% I wasn't planning to mount the fixture until I got the par tested today but I couldn't wait to see the results Still getting the par tested later today Link to comment
Hook'Em2006 Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 If that's true then that's really disappointing... Not to be a nag but, do you have proof of that? Until then... PICS!!!!! Before... After!! Playing around with the pots.. got a lot of different looks All those pics are with the pots some degree less than 100% Here is what happens to my camera when I put them to full power both 100% Blues 100% I wasn't planning to mount the fixture until I got the par tested today but I couldn't wait to see the results Still getting the par tested later today Wow! That looks really awesome. Now I really can't wait to get mine in so I can build it up! Link to comment
basicfisherman Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 Guys dont' think AquaStyles is just some dude who is trying to get use a great deal on LEDS. AquaStyles is part of Advance Tech. In China. They are a huge company that deals in communications and software support. This is just one of their many businesses. And I doubt there is really a guy named "Ray" that works there. That is just the name they use on customer support. I would agree with the fact that there isn't a guy named "Ray" but that is not a big deal to me. On the other hand I'm not to sure about your theory of Aquastyles being owned by Advanced Tech. None the less I have gotten a good deal and am happy with the product. Ralgo that is a great looking light you have built. Did you gut an old hood out to make that? What color combo are you running? Just 50/50? Link to comment
Ralgo Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 I would agree with the fact that there isn't a guy named "Ray" but that is not a big deal to me. On the other hand I'm not to sure about your theory of Aquastyles being owned by Advanced Tech. None the less I have gotten a good deal and am happy with the product. Ralgo that is a great looking light you have built. Did you gut an old hood out to make that? What color combo are you running? Just 50/50? Yeah I gutted an old Tek Light 4 bulb unit. it works perfectly for the dimensions of my tank. I used 32 Blues and 32 Whites. Ok so I went to the LFS to get the PAR tested today and I must say... I am quite impressed Results 60 degree Optics Blue only; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level - 360 1" below water level - 285 15" below water level - 185 26" below water level - 125 White only; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level - 320 1" below water level - 260 15" below water level - 165 26" below water level - 100 All Lights; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level- 700 1" below water level- 525 15" below water level - 370 26" below water level - 200 The guys at the store were quite impressed with the readings considering the cost (less than $300 total). We tested another commercially made fixture that put out similar readings but that was only half the width of my light. So for $300 I have the equivalent of two $400 to $700 fixtures. Link to comment
Hook'Em2006 Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Yeah I gutted an old Tek Light 4 bulb unit. it works perfectly for the dimensions of my tank. I used 32 Blues and 32 Whites. Ok so I went to the LFS to get the PAR tested today and I must say... I am quite impressed Results 60 degree Optics Blue only; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level - 360 1" below water level - 285 15" below water level - 185 26" below water level - 125 White only; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level - 320 1" below water level - 260 15" below water level - 165 26" below water level - 100 All Lights; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level- 700 1" below water level- 525 15" below water level - 370 26" below water level - 200 The guys at the store were quite impressed with the readings considering the cost (less than $300 total). We tested another commercially made fixture that put out similar readings but that was only half the width of my light. So for $300 I have the equivalent of two $400 to $700 fixtures. Those are some pretty impressive numbers! I cannot wait to do my new tank with them! Link to comment
YankeePete Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 This is the website to the company and address listed on the commercial invoice shipped to me from AquaStyles. No where on the paperwork does it even have AquaStyles name. http://www.adv-tech.com.hk/en/en_contact_us.htm Link to comment
basslbbig Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Hey Ralgo What was the other fixture you were comparing it to? Link to comment
Hook'Em2006 Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Mine changed from "awaiting fulfillment" to "Prepared for shipment" this morning!!! Link to comment
Ralgo Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Hey Ralgo What was the other fixture you were comparing it to? Cant remember the name unfortunately. I'll check with the guy and let you know Link to comment
scubasteve247 Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 hey buddy, its kyle from Eco reef, The lights we found comparable in par was the Eco Ray 60, and the AI sol white the eco ray put out slightly higher numbers, deeper in aquarium, but in shallow water your light was right on spec, And both your fixture and the eco ray out perform the ai in par, I was very impressed that your unit covered a area of about 14"x40" at 64 watts, and had comparable par to the eco ray 60, (coverage area 10.5x13) at 60 watts, and the AI coverage area about 14"x36" at 72w As we discussed the other day i found your unit to be very powerful, its par numbers smack around other lights. I think the only improvements that could be made would be some RGB stips inbetween your rows. i think this would allow for a more complete color rendition on your corals as well as a more complete spectrum, however that will depend on intensity of the the rgb strips. another thing i like is if you use mean well ballasts the unit can be controlled by units such as the apex and the reef keeper, all in all sweet light, especially for the price, only downside, most likely problems with customer service and repair, my guess is your going to be on your own there, they may send out replacement parts, but your prob gonna be on the hook for the work, but i doubt you care about that lol. Link to comment
Jspires688 Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 I have the 24 over my ten gallon. It sets right above the water maybe 3 inches without optics. All my coral seem to be doing great but my zoas seem to be stretching is this normal? They are at 75% Link to comment
Ralgo Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 hey buddy, its kyle from Eco reef, The lights we found comparable in par was the Eco Ray 60, and the AI sol white the eco ray put out slightly higher numbers, deeper in aquarium, but in shallow water your light was right on spec, And both your fixture and the eco ray out perform the ai in par, I was very impressed that your unit covered a area of about 14"x40" at 64 watts, and had comparable par to the eco ray 60, (coverage area 10.5x13) at 60 watts, and the AI coverage area about 14"x36" at 72w As we discussed the other day i found your unit to be very powerful, its par numbers smack around other lights. I think the only improvements that could be made would be some RGB stips inbetween your rows. i think this would allow for a more complete color rendition on your corals as well as a more complete spectrum, however that will depend on intensity of the the rgb strips. another thing i like is if you use mean well ballasts the unit can be controlled by units such as the apex and the reef keeper, all in all sweet light, especially for the price, only downside, most likely problems with customer service and repair, my guess is your going to be on your own there, they may send out replacement parts, but your prob gonna be on the hook for the work, but i doubt you care about that lol. Thanks Kyle. Link to comment
basicfisherman Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 The guys at the store were quite impressed with the readings considering the cost (less than $300 total). We tested another commercially made fixture that put out similar readings but that was only half the width of my light. So for $300 I have the equivalent of two $400 to $700 fixtures. So this brings up a question that I have been thinking of for some time. I tossed this same question around before buying these DIY LEDs. Where do some of the people that have multiple $300-700 fixtures above there tanks find the money for this? On a different note I'm glad to see that someone has posted some PAR readings of these LEDs. I could tell that they have decent PAR because my corals have been responding nicely. Thanks for the info. Link to comment
bruinhd Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 I have the 24 over my ten gallon. It sets right above the water maybe 3 inches without optics. All my coral seem to be doing great but my zoas seem to be stretching is this normal? They are at 75% Is this for real? I have 16 over my 11.4 gallon and it's already intense. Haha...24...damn, that is bright. Link to comment
aap15 Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Got my 24 dimmable kit over my 20L this weekend. If I were to do it again though I would definitely say the 36 kit with a longer heatsink would have been better for the long tank. I think if i had a 20H or even a 10gal this kit would be great for either. I also had my PAR rating checked at a LFS. The were pretty impressed at the readings we got compare to the money spent on the unit. The have been testing out numerous LED fixtures in the shops and have been building their own. He had a new fixture that was just released last week and retails for $1300....for some reason it is not lighting like it should and my $135 DIY kits PAR numbers for the same it not a little higher when checking just under the waters surface. Link to comment
wrx1908 Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Can't wait to get my second order now Order Date: 17th Feb 2012 today This order is marked as Awaiting Fulfillment Your Order Contains the Following Items: 1 x 36 LEDs DIY Dimmable Kit (LEDs Color Options: 18 White 14 Blue 2 Red 2 UV, Heatsink(with a fan): No) OR 18 blue 14 White thanks 2 Red 2 UV Please help what would you get thanks guys Link to comment
sliceOreef Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 I just received tracking info for my order. Here is what I'm doing for a layout: Driver 1: 4 cool white: 2 neutral white, 2 deep red 660nm, 2 royal blues 460nm, 2 turquoise 495nm. Driver 2: 8 royal blues 460nm Driver 3: 7 Trues Violet 420nm (design only shows 6 but I will probably add the 7th right in the middle) These will be driven at 680ma max and likely dimmed 50% (adjusted for proper color balance). there will be 2 60mm fans blowing across the heatsink which is 30cm x 80cm. I will be mounting inside the hood of my Nanocube 12dx. Ray at Aquastyles sourced the turquoise 495nm LEDs for me so if you are looking for a one stop shop for your more exotic colors, I'd say Aquastyles fits the bill. I had problems getting a timely response until I put in an order then there was prompt communication. Keep in mind the timezone will put you on a 12 hour communications lag. I went back and forth with Ray and had 8 responses over a period of 3 weeks but when the 420s finally came in, my order was finalized, I was sent a Paypal invoice and my order shipped the next day. Now I was originally told the 420s would be in stock by Feb 12th. They were delayed a week further and came in Feb 19th. In the meantime I made a significant change to my design and now needed the 24 LED dimmable kit plus 3 LEDs and an extra driver vs the 14 LED dimmable kit I originally ordered. Ray sent me an invoice for the 3 extra LEDs and driver but gave me a FREE upgrade to the 24 LED kit for my patience with the delay on restocking the 420s. I was shocked at the gesture considering that's a $29 difference in price and it included 4 of the expensive 420s. I think my total was about $131.00 and that included 3 day Fedex shipping. I just hope everything arrives as ordered. Ray if you are reading this...Thank you! Link to comment
sliceOreef Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Can't wait to get my second order now Order Date: 17th Feb 2012 today This order is marked as Awaiting Fulfillment Your Order Contains the Following Items: 1 x 36 LEDs DIY Dimmable Kit (LEDs Color Options: 18 White 14 Blue 2 Red 2 UV, Heatsink(with a fan): No) OR 18 blue 14 White thanks 2 Red 2 UV Please help what would you get thanks guys I'd say 18 blue 14 White thanks 2 Red 2 UV would give a better color balance. Link to comment
sliceOreef Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Got my 24 dimmable kit over my 20L this weekend. If I were to do it again though I would definitely say the 36 kit with a longer heatsink would have been better for the long tank. I think if i had a 20H or even a 10gal this kit would be great for either. I also had my PAR rating checked at a LFS. The were pretty impressed at the readings we got compare to the money spent on the unit. The have been testing out numerous LED fixtures in the shops and have been building their own. He had a new fixture that was just released last week and retails for $1300....for some reason it is not lighting like it should and my $135 DIY kits PAR numbers for the same it not a little higher when checking just under the waters surface. I looked hard at the commercially available LED lighting solutions and came to the conclusion that if you want effective and affordable then DIY was the only way to go. I'm happy to hear the 24 kit can go head to head with the high $ stuff in the PAR test. My guess is the DIY Aquastyles kits can even look better too. Thats my hope anyway. Link to comment
wrx1908 Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 I'd say 18 blue 14 White thanks 2 Red 2 UV would give a better color balance. Thanks ray is a great guy and takes care of his people A+ This order is marked as Awaiting Shipment Link to comment
gjones Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 My 90 LED order is "awaiting shipment". I'm stoked! Link to comment
DimePieceReef Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 If that's true then that's really disappointing... Not to be a nag but, do you have proof of that? Until then... PICS!!!!! Before... After!! Playing around with the pots.. got a lot of different looks All those pics are with the pots some degree less than 100% Here is what happens to my camera when I put them to full power both 100% Blues 100% I wasn't planning to mount the fixture until I got the par tested today but I couldn't wait to see the results Still getting the par tested later today Sweet! thanks for sharing! How bout we get everybodies FTS and put them on the 1st page. It has to have the aquastyles fixture above the tank of course...and under each pic will have the specs. Can we do that OP? Link to comment
DimePieceReef Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Yeah I gutted an old Tek Light 4 bulb unit. it works perfectly for the dimensions of my tank. I used 32 Blues and 32 Whites. Ok so I went to the LFS to get the PAR tested today and I must say... I am quite impressed Results 60 degree Optics Blue only; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level - 360 1" below water level - 285 15" below water level - 185 26" below water level - 125 White only; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level - 320 1" below water level - 260 15" below water level - 165 26" below water level - 100 All Lights; Lights 12" above water Right above the water level- 700 1" below water level- 525 15" below water level - 370 26" below water level - 200 The guys at the store were quite impressed with the readings considering the cost (less than $300 total). We tested another commercially made fixture that put out similar readings but that was only half the width of my light. So for $300 I have the equivalent of two $400 to $700 fixtures. Once again Ralgo comes thru! Again this is great work and great information. I dont care what anyone says about you Ralgo.If you want to do DIY's with cupcake workclothes be my guest. Link to comment
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