How to Evaluate These Numbers in an Aquarium?
This is a great question, as initially, we thought we could directly translate these numbers into aquarium conditions. Then, we filled an aquarium with water, submerged the probe, and repeated some measurements. At first glance, the results surprised us. In practice, while at 20 cm the results are practically identical, as you go deeper, thanks to the glass reflecting light and the water itself diffusing it more, you can find values even double those measured in air. Obviously, this isn’t a detail that can be standardized, so we believe our calculation methodology is the most accurate and the best for comparing the coverage of different fixtures.
Power Consumption
The measurement of instantaneous power consumption was made possible thanks to the handy RCE PM600 tool, which can also measure the Cos(φ) (or phase shift). The result is provided directly in watts.
Above, we see the maximum power and, following that, the phase shift value.
The calculation of the absorbed current and, therefore, the power is as follows:
Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef Fixture: 38.14 watts. Considering that at 17 cm, the fixture develops 236 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ at the center, we can say, in perspective, that it has a peak value of 6.19 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ per watt (PAR per watt). This value is difficult to compare with a traditional fixture because it’s more or less constant along its entire length.
The Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef LED Bars cost €109 , on the Hydor and Ferplast website, with no power switch. The absorbed power, as we’ve seen, is 38.14 watts, resulting in a cost/watt ratio of approximately €2.85 per watt.
We must also consider a phase shift of 0.96, an optimal value well above the average for a fixture. Rarely have we seen fixtures so well phase-corrected. Kudos to Hydor.
Comparison with Other LED Bars on the Market
Since we started using the Apogee Quantum Meter MQ-510, we’ve collected data on various LED fixtures. Let’s look at the values of the LED bars we’ve measured so far.
Considering these first fixtures tested, we can make an interesting comparison of the energy produced.
| Energy | Cost | Consumption | Energy/€ | Energy/w | |
| ASF Proten LED Reef Blue a 17 cm | 138.000 | 130 | 27,80 | 1.060 | 4.956 |
| ASF Proten LED Reef Blue a 37 cm | 93.000 | 130 | 27,80 | 718 | 3.357 |
| ASF Proten LED Reef Blue a 57 cm | 60.000 | 130 | 27,80 | 464 | 2.166 |
| Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef a 17 cm | 287.000 | 109 | 38,14 | 2.629 | 7.514 |
| Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef a 37 cm | 198.000 | 109 | 38,14 | 1.815 | 5.188 |
| Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef a 57 cm | 127.000 | 109 | 38,14 | 1.167 | 3.335 |
| Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm a 17 cm | 323.000 | 180 | 54,69 | 1.794 | 5.906 |
| Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm a 37 cm | 291.000 | 180 | 54,69 | 1.616 | 5.321 |
| Orphek OR2 Blue Plus 120 cm a 57 cm | 259.000 | 180 | 54,69 | 1.438 | 4.736 |
| Orphek OR3 Blue Sky a 17 cm | 318.000 | 200 | 62,04 | 1.590 | 5.129 |
| Orphek OR3 Blue Sky a 37 cm | 220.767 | 200 | 62,04 | 1.103 | 3.449 |
| Orphek OR3 Blue Sky a 57 cm | 205.518 | 200 | 62,04 | 1.027 | 3.211 |
| Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm a 17 cm | 255.000 | 180 | 54,69 | 1.418 | 4.667 |
| Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm a 37 cm | 233.000 | 180 | 54,69 | 1.292 | 4.252 |
| Orphek OR2 Reef Day Plus 120 cm a 57 cm | 225.000 | 180 | 54,69 | 1.251 | 4.117 |
| Reef Flare Bar Blue S a 17 cm | 202.000 | 220 | 24,34 | 918 | 8.299 |
| Reef Flare Bar Blue S a 37 cm | 177.000 | 220 | 24,34 | 804 | 7.272 |
| Reef Flare Bar Blue S a 57 cm | 155.000 | 220 | 24,34 | 704 | 6.368 |
The comparison values are very interesting. The fixtures are more affordable than the competition, but the PAR developed relative to the cost is top-tier. Even in terms of economic efficiency, they’re second only to the Reef Flare. Compared to the Proten LED, which is in the same market segment, they’re better in all technical aspects, provided the spectrum meets your preferences.
Conclusions
The fixture is spectacularly built, with the added bonus of IP67 certification. Its technical efficiency (PAR per watt) is very, very high. The cost per PAR is top-tier. Of course, the total PAR reflects the purchase price and isn’t extremely high. But this allows you to use one or two in a beginner aquarium, perhaps with fish and soft corals, or even LPS corals, spending little while getting all the light you need. You can always add more bars later to accommodate more demanding corals.
I really like the extruded profiles and the finish. The ability to adapt to aquariums of different lengths is very interesting. The simple integrated controller is excellent, providing everything we need while leaving the door open to integrate a more advanced controller later.
Join the conversation! Follow us on Telegram, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit our forum to share your thoughts, ask questions, and stay updated!
The Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef Fixtures were provided by Ferplast for this test
