The GHL Mitras LX8 series is officially here, and it is shaping up to be a viable option for high-end aquarium lighting. When speaking with GHL’s CEO, Matthias Gross I couldn’t help but get excited over his enthusiasm for the product. He’s recently returned from the factory, where he has been putting these units through rigorous testing, and the performance metrics are better than he had expected. It’s always a good sign when product testing exceeds expectations!
GHL Mitras LX8: The Highlights
Built to be a powerhouse in a compact form factor, the LX8 is rated at 250W. According to GHL’s testing, the fixture has been pushed well beyond its rated limits without issue.
Key Specifications:
- Power: 250W fixture + dedicated moonlight channel.
- LED Count: 132 high-power LEDs + 3 moonlight LEDs.
- Control: 12-channel control system for precise spectral adjustment.
- Spread: Up to a 125cm (49”) diameter spread for LPS-dominated systems (PAR level of 100 µmol/m²/s) and 95cm (37”) diameter spread for SPS-dominant reefs (PAR level of 200 µmol/m²/s). These results are from testing in air at 60 cm (24?) mounting distance, all channels at 100%.
Availability & Pricing
GHL has opened the pre-order window for the Mitras LX8, with an introductory discount currently available. The units are available in two colours: white and black. You can find the full technical details and secure your pre-order directly on the GHL Mitras LX8 product page.
Thoughts:
$1,000 LED fixtures have become the norm and my expectations from them have rightfully gone up. Performance, controllability, customer service, and longevity are increasingly important at this price point. GHL is well known for its quality, so while I haven’t handled this fixture in person, I’m confident it’ll be a well built piece of equipment based on their reputation alone.
Mathias told me the LEDs are run at 50% of their rated current. While this could result in lower temperatures and a longer lifespan, I can’t help but think about what performance is being untapped? If I was a tinkerer, I’d love to “overdrive” the fixture and see what it’s truly capable of! Or, is this a subtle hint that we may see a higher output when the units finally ship?
The 12 channel control is very interesting and could provide a near infinite number of colour tuning options. While I love simplicity, being able to perfectly tune the colour of your lighting is something I can get behind and brings me back to the t5 days.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen a fixture in person and GHL wasn’t able to share any photos with us, so all we have to reference are their website photos. For more info and photos, head to the GHL website.
