Quality Marine showed off the TMC AquaBeam 1000HD and AquaRay 500 at the most recent Reefapalooza, teasing the reefers that were present. Now the production models have shipped to Quality–the Norh American distributor.
The idea of a modular system, using the AquaBeam 1000HD and Aqua Ray 500 (light bars shown below) is a somewhat new idea [...]
Quality Marine showed off the TMC AquaBeam 1000HD and AquaRay 500 at the most recent Reefapalooza, teasing the reefers that were present. Now the production models have shipped to Quality–the Norh American distributor.
The idea of a modular system, using the AquaBeam 1000HD and Aqua Ray 500 (light bars shown below) is a somewhat new idea to this side of the pond–but don’t write them off just because they’re different.
The Aqua Beam 1000HD utilizes 10 Cree XR-Es driven at 700mA with custom optics. They do not provide the exact bin used, but do list “Q”… suggesting either the Q4 or Q5. (Any quality LED fixture will provide the details of the LEDs used and how they are driven, be wary if they don’t.) The Aquabeam 1000 also come with a 5 year warranty.
Although we hate metal halide comparisons, QM have said they rival 150w Halides in PAR. Full stats below:
- Solid State Lighting – 10 x CREE X-RE Q+ PowerLEDS driven at 700mA with custom collimating optics featuring “Total Internal Reflection” for efficient and uniform light distribution.
- Delivers high LUX and PAR values which means it is suitable for all marine set ups including reef tanks incorporating LPS and SPS hard corals.
- Creates a natural “shimmer” effect.
- Suitable as an alternative to metal halides.
- Very compact – at less than 8″ x 8″ – and suitable for all aquarium types including nano and other smaller tanks
- Cool running with low heat transfer to aquarium water reducing the need for expensive cooling systems.
- Suitable for installation in aquarium hoods.
- Offers a minimum of 50,000 hours lamp life – 6x standard fluorescent lighting.
- Versatile mounting fixtures included, allowing a wide variety of replacement, retrofit and new install options on all sizes of aquaria.
- Low running costs and environmentally friendly – long-life, very low carbon footprint, and no mercury.
- Future-proofed with built-in capability and compatibility for digital control including timing and dimming and available with or without an AquaRay Control unit.
- Sealed, water-resistant casing and a low voltage DC power supply makes AquaRay easy and safe to use in all conditions.
- Designed and manufactured by Tropical Marine Center in the EU
- 5 year guarantee.
- Modular Mounting System (MMS) compatible, offering an extensive range of mounting options for your AquaRay light unit.
Don’t be surprised to see these updated in 2010 with the latest Cree XP-G LEDs. The PCB and internals of the AquaBeam line can support the XR and XP format, it’s only a matter of time.
Pricing is TBA–currently these retail in the U.K. for £299 with the AquaRay control unit (for dimming) and £225 without. We’ll have more on these new lights in the near future.
[Quality Marine, TMC]
