Reef Capable LED vs. Double Bright LED, comparing Marineland’s LED fixtures

By Jake Adams on Oct 06, 2010

We’ve already given you a thorough look at the Marineland Double Bright LED and the Reef Capable LED but now it’s time for these two lights to be pitted against each other. Given the nature of the comparison, we know that the Reef Capable LED will be judged most favorably but it’s till important to see how far the design has come already from the first generation in a little less than a year. We’ve got tons of hands-on picks of these two Marineland LED fixtures after the break, including the all-important comparison shots of these lights over real, live corals.

Reef Capable LED above, Double Bright LED below.

Reef Capable LED above, Double Bright LED below.

Reef Capable LED on left, Double Bright LED on right.

Double Bright LED, not as blue as it appears in photo

Reef Capable LED

Double Bright LED

Reef Capable LED

The Reef Capable LED is significantly brighter than the Double Bright at a depth of 24 inches. The color is very much improved and pretty good on it's own, but reefers will want to add at least some blue light supplementation.

The Double Bright LED is not as bright as the Reef Capable LED, bringing out some warm colors but not very balanced light.

Dan

Meh. If they’re anything like Marineland’s other fixtures, the price sounds good until it needs to be replaced a couple months out of warranty.

Not to be a hater or anything.
Dan

Meh. If they’re anything like Marineland’s other fixtures, the price sounds good until it needs to be replaced a couple months out of warranty.

Not to be a hater or anything.
DrB

completely agree with Dan, but it’s good to see major companies getting into the LED game. In my opinion, the more the merrier. The more companies producing LED units, the more the prices will come down and the quality will go up.
DrB

completely agree with Dan, but it’s good to see major companies getting into the LED game. In my opinion, the more the merrier. The more companies producing LED units, the more the prices will come down and the quality will go up.
Felix

Looks like they are good enough for softies and some lps. How do they fair with sps? any plans for par readings?
Felix

Looks like they are good enough for softies and some lps. How do they fair with sps? any plans for par readings?
jakespeppermintangeldoll

Exactly which Marineland fixtures are you referring to, Dan? I am in the business and have not heard of any issues with their light fixtures….
jakespeppermintangeldoll

Exactly which Marineland fixtures are you referring to, Dan? I am in the business and have not heard of any issues with their light fixtures….
Matt

If this is supposed to be a comparison, how come there is no data like energy consumption or par readings?
Matt

If this is supposed to be a comparison, how come there is no data like energy consumption or par readings?
rroselavy

Yeah, a visual comparison is not worth much compared to PAR readings…
rroselavy

Yeah, a visual comparison is not worth much compared to PAR readings…
Bamboo

So are these things even for sale yet. I looked around some but can’t find them. Don’t see them on the Marineland site either.
Bamboo

So are these things even for sale yet. I looked around some but can’t find them. Don’t see them on the Marineland site either.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-S-Boksha/774974684 Matthew S. Boksha

Im just wondering… If some of the color spectrum is still missing??? Why not add a row of LED’s that color…. From the pics it appears that the red spectrum is pretty weak. Still… And its not like you would have to add a full row of red that over powers and makes everything red… Just enough so you can see the color red… I have a 27 gal. Fresh water cube aquarium that has the double 18-24 and I am looking to add more lighting… I.E. Having my glass man glue a mirror to the back of the tank, and or get another double LED… Or just go old school… Tubes
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-S-Boksha/774974684 Matthew S. Boksha

Im just wondering… If some of the color spectrum is still missing??? Why not add a row of LED’s that color…. From the pics it appears that the red spectrum is pretty weak. Still… And its not like you would have to add a full row of red that over powers and makes everything red… Just enough so you can see the color red… I have a 27 gal. Fresh water cube aquarium that has the double 18-24 and I am looking to add more lighting… I.E. Having my glass man glue a mirror to the back of the tank, and or get another double LED… Or just go old school… Tubes

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