Last week we received samples of the new and much talked about PAR38 LED spotlights from Nanocustoms. The lights we received for review are new, as the production models have increased output (and electric consumption) than the prototypes we first saw at MACNA. These new spotlights are said to pull 21w (6w more than the [...]
Last week we received samples of the new and much talked about PAR38 LED spotlights from Nanocustoms. The lights we received for review are new, as the production models have increased output (and electric consumption) than the prototypes we first saw at MACNA. These new spotlights are said to pull 21w (6w more than the prototypes seen) with PAR measurements in the 420 range at 18″ in open air.
We will be reviewing the 12K and 20K versions of these lights; the 12K utilizes 3 white and 2 blue LEDs, while the 20K formation uses 3 blues and 2 whites as shown above. In addition to the 12K and 20k, solid red and blue LED versions are not available by custom order. The kelvin ratings are fairly accurate, but comparing the spectral and visual qualities of LEDs to Metal Halides or T5s is difficult to do. LEDs have a clarity and crispness, as a result of their tight spectrums, that can make them difficult to visually compare to other lighting. That said I don’t know of any aquarists who do not like the effect 450nm Royal Blue LEDs have on their reef tank!
In and out of tank light intensity measurements will be taken after we give these lamps ample time to burn in to better get an idea of their a) lifespan and b) the output levels users will actually see when owning these lights and not just right out of the box.
The initial pro is quite obvious–simplicity. This LED spotlight requires no additional drivers or power supplies, simply screw it into a standard household socket and your good to go. An initial con we can foresee is size. PAR 38 spotlights are not small–for size comparison it dwarfs the iPhone at left. The Nanocustoms LED spot would make for a terrific standalone light for nano aquariums, but it will require some creativity to implement them. Aquarium spotlight fixtures are not readily available nearly anywhere outside of Japan.
We’ll have the review rolling out in the next few weeks. In the meantime for more photos and information, see our initial MACNA coverage: Nanocustoms LED Spotlights.
