When I first saw IceCap’s T5 sized LEDs at MACNA I was a bit caught off guard. Patent issues aside, why would a company that has a track record of creating PAR-intense products (particularly ballasts) offer such an aesthetics only, non-intense, LED product? I admittedly did not get a chance to chat with IceCap President, [...]
When I first saw IceCap’s T5 sized LEDs at MACNA I was a bit caught off guard. Patent issues aside, why would a company that has a track record of creating PAR-intense products (particularly ballasts) offer such an aesthetics only, non-intense, LED product? I admittedly did not get a chance to chat with IceCap President, Chris Conti at the event. Once released for sale, I was a relieved with Chris and the IceCap crew’s branding of the product–IceCap LED Moonlight.
The IceCap T5 LED Retro is a moonlight, and a damn good one at that. As shown later on, it is not a PAR monster and I don’t think IceCap would tell you differently. Chris and I eventually spoke about this product and I agreed to try out a free unit for review. I was very blunt with him regarding the review and at the end of my discussion I asked him what he hoped to get out of it. “Tell me if you like it,” he responded. After a couple weeks with the unit I can say that I do.
The 470nm surface mount LEDs do not put out much light, but they do not draw many watts either. For our own curiosity we threw a PAR meter underneath one and at ~10″ we’re hitting a whopping 10 ppfd.
Kidding aside, PAR measurements here are of no value. The light is intended for visual enjoyment and that is where it exceeds. 450-470nm LEDs pop greens, oranges and blues unlike any light available to the aquarium industry. The IceCap LED Retro Moonlight offers that same pop, while also creating an even spread across the length of the aquarium for night time viewing.
As shown above, the small LEDs lack optics for a wide spread. Typically I am a fan of the spotlight effect, tuned to the needs of our corals. In the case of a moonlight, an even spread across the tank is nice to have.
One thing you do not see when these lamps are installed is the curved metal heatsink. A plastic tube slides over the heatsink which is then sealed using rubber caps at the ends. After 8hrs of operation the heatsink keeps the unit just warm to the touch. Additionally, each unit comes with metal lamp clips for mounting. This combined with the retro’s extreme light weight makes installation a breeze. I found it best to place the LED retro directly in the middle of the aquarium, or, towards the front of the glass and angled back.
The IceCap T5 LED Retro is a great option for moonlighting. It’s not revolutionary and don’t expect to see any increase in growth from these, but do expect to have some colorful night time viewing.
