Tech Central

Lighting

Panorama LED System

Panorama LED Module

Stunner LED Strips

PAR38 Lamps

Panorama 36 LED Retro

What is the difference between a reflector and a lens?

Both reflectors and lenses are designed to manipulate light. A reflector is located behind a light (to direct it) and a lens is located in front of a light (to focus it).

What is the best LED for adding the shimmer effect to my T5HO or power compacts?

The Panorama Module and Stunner are all good candidates for adding a shimmering effect to any fluorescent lighting system. Since each application is different, the quantity and placement of the LEDs will vary based on the individual set up. Also, a good tip is to create turbulent water flow at the surface of the aquarium to significantly enhance the shimmering effect. For other tips and tricks, be sure to visit our Community section.

How much light do I need for my aquarium?

It depends on your aquarium size and the animals you keep. Please refer to our Coral Planning Map for help understanding the lighting needs of various animals.

Will LEDs provide more shimmer to my aquarium?

Yes. LEDs produce more shimmering than conventional forms of aquarium lighting.

How do LEDs work?

Basically, LEDs are just tiny light bulbs that fit easily into an electrical circuit. But unlike ordinary incandescent bulbs, they don’t have a filament that will burn out, and they don’t get especially hot. They are illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material, and they last just as long as a standard transistor.

What is the recommended photo period for my aquarium?

Generally you will want to run your lighting 8-10 hours a day.

Can I add more Panorama Modules to my Panorama Fixture?

We know many people like to upgrade, so the answer is Yes! There is room between every two modules to add an additional Panorama LED Module. If you’d like to dial up the shimmer, add some blue, or to spotlight something, we’ve given you plenty of room to customize to your hearts’ content. You may also want to check out our Stunner LED strips. For complete instructions on how to install additional modules into your Panorama Fixture, please see the pdf here.

Does the Panorama Fixture use cooling fans?

No. By using LEDs that produce very little heat and by utilizing a design that allows for convection cooling, the Panorama is able to run completely quiet with no cooling fans.

Can I use the Panorama outside the USA?

At this time the Panorama Fixture and Panorama Modules are only designed and approved for 120V.

Do I need to drain my tank to install the Panorama Fixture?

No, it is not necessary to drain your tank to set up the Panorama Fixture. This is one of the many benefits of our Stand Mount. Assuming you have an open back stand, you can access the necessary locations for a secure install. You can download detailed instructions here.

How many watts does my Panorama Fixture consume?

You can download complete specifications for the Panorama Fixture here.

What is the wattage rating for each LED on the Panorama Fixture?

The Panorama Fixture uses a highly efficient LED driver which powers each individual LED to 1 watt, therefore providing long LED life and high light output while keeping things cool and quiet. Although we could overdrive each LED to provide more light, this would shorten the life of the LED, create more heat and require a cooling fan.

How loud is the Panorama LED fixture?

It is completely silent. There are no fans or buzzing transformers.

How does the Panorama LED Fixture compare to conventional aquarium lighting systems?

LEDs provide the same light output, with significantly less energy consumption. Plus, with convection cooling you get rid of noisy fans and buzzing transformers.

Can I use different lenses on the Panorama LED Fixture?

While there are some aftermarket lenses that will fit the LED, it is not recommended as you will risk damaging the LED and void the warranty.

Is the Panorama Fixture UL/CSA approved?

The Panorama Fixture is built to UL standards and utilizes all UL certified components. In addition, multiple safety features have been designed into the product for its safe operation. You can download a complete product manual including safety information here.

Can I overdrive my Panorama LED Fixture?

No. The Panorama Fixture is designed for maximum performance, efficiency and longevity. Altering the driving system (overdriving) is not recommended and will void the warranty.

Does the Panorama Fixture come with moonlights?

The Panorama Fixture ships with 1-453nm Stunner LED strip per fixture. This is both for dawn to dusk and moonlighting. Stunners are linkable and available at a number of color temperatures, so you can easily add more strips to customize the moonlighting effect to your desired level.

Can I install a Panorama fixture over a hex or bowfront aquarium?

Yes, although it may look a little awkward depending on the actual dimension of the aquarium. If you have a canopy, you might also consider using the Panorama Module or the Stunner.

Will the Panorama LED produce enough light to keep Tridacna clams?

Yes. The Panorama Fixture provides light that is appropriate for many types of animals. And because they have places they like to live and places they don’t, we’ve developed a Coral Planning Map to help guide you in the successful placement of your corals for optimal growth and health.

Can I add higher wattage LED’s to my Panorama Fixture?

No. Modifying the transformers or the use of third party LEDs will void the warranty. We know many people like to upgrade, but the Panorama Fixture is optimized for the exact Modules that come stock in the unit. If you’d like to dial up the shimmer, add some blue, or some UV, we’ve given you plenty of room to customize to your hearts’ content. You might want to check out our Stunner Strip Lights.

Can I overdrive my Panorama LED Module?

No. The Panorama Module is designed for maximum performance, efficiency and longevity. Altering the driving system (overdriving) is not recommended and will void the warranty.

How warm does the Panorama Module get?

Under standard operating conditions the Panorama Module runs at 55°C. Based on your specific application and how many modules you are using, a fan may be required to ensure they are operating below 55°C.

Will the Panorama Module produce enough light to keep Tridacna clams?

Yes. The Panorama Module can provide enough light for many types of animals. And because they have places they like to live and places they don’t, we’ve developed a Coral Planning Map to help guide you in the successful placement of your corals for optimal growth and health.

Can I connect my Panorama Module to a dimmer or controller?

You can connect the Panorama Module to a timer, but use of a dimmer or controller is not possible at this time.

Can I use the Panorama Module inside a plastic hood?

Yes, we have many hobbyists who use the Panorama modules in their all-in-one (AIO) nano-aquariums. We do recommend keeping the fans installed in your hood in case it gets too warm.

Is the Panorama Module UL/CSA approved?

The Panorama LED module uses a low voltage UL listed wall transformer.

Can I use the 36″ extension cable with the Panorama Module?

Yes, the extension cable is compatible with the Panorama Module.

Can I use the 4-way splitter with the Panorama Module?

No, the 4-way splitter is not designed for use with the Panorama Module.

My Panorama Module keeps blinking, what’s wrong?

The Panorama Modules have a thermal shutoff switch which protects them from overheating. If your Panorama module begins to blink or turn on/off intermittently, it usually indicates more cooling and air flow is required to keep it cool.

Can I use the Panorama Module to grow freshwater plants?

Yes, our 8,000K Panorama Module works excellent for planted aquariums.

Do you offer the Panorama Module in other voltages for overseas?

Yes, we carry both the 8K/453nm Blue and straight 453nm Actinic blue modules in 220VAC for Europe. Please contact us via email at info@ecoxotic.com for information.

Can I use the Stunner LED outside the USA?

Yes. The Stunner LED strip is 24 volt and includes a 90-220VAC, 50-60Hz transformer.

Will the Stunner produce enough light to keep Tridacna clams?

Not on their own. However, adding Stunner strips to our Panorama LED fixture or existing light fixtures will tremendously accent the colors of clams.

What is the difference between the 403nm and 453nm Stunner?

The 403nm emits ultaviolet purple light that is ideal for viewing many coral species at night. The 453nm emits a purple-blue light that is great for enhancing color, moonlighting and for creating dawn to dusk cycles.

Is the Stunner LED UL/CSA approved?

The Stunner LED uses a low voltage UL listed wall transformer.

How much light intensity will increase by adding a Stunner reflector?

Using the Stunner reflector will double the light intensity and focus the light output.

How easy is a reflector to install and can I use it on my existing Stunner LED strip?

They are very easy to install on new or existing strips – they simply snap into place.

How many Stunners can be used with the 4-way splitter?

The transformer for the Stunner LED strips will only power up to 6 Stunner LED strips.

What applications are PAR38 lamps recommended for?

The combination of an integrated LED driver, 21 watts of high power LEDs and shaper lens angles makes our PAR38 lamps extremely versatile. The can be used for a variety of applications including:

- Stand-alone lighting for smaller nano-aquariums
- Adding shimmer & actinic color supplementation
- Adding shimmer to deeper aquariums
- Spot-lighting PAR & color on clams and corals
- Frag tank lighting

Can I use Ecoxotic PAR38 lamps outside the USA?

Yes, our PAR38 lamps fit in standard E26/E27 sockets and are 100V-220V.

Are Ecoxotic PAR38 lamps dimmable?

No, PAR38 lamps cannot be used with any type of dimmer. Using with a dimmer will void the warranty.

Will a PAR38 lamp provide enough light for SPS corals and Tridacna sp. clams?

Yes, PAR38 LED lamps are very powerful lamps and will provide plenty of PAR and light for both SPS & LPS corals as well as clams.

What angle optics are used on the Ecoxotic PAR38 lamps?/h3>
Ecoxotic PAR38 lamps currently use 40 degree lenses.

Are lenses in different angles also available for Ecoxotic PAR38 lamps?

At this time, we only offer these lamps with 40 degree lenses.

What LED chip is used in these lamps?

Ecoxotic uses CREE LED chips in our PAR38 lamps.

What type of light fixture do you recommend for use with PAR38 lamps?

We recommend any light fixture UL-Approved as suitable for wet locations. Remember, always use a GFCI with any electrical aquarium products.

How much light will the Panorama Retro spread over my aquarium?

The Panorama Retro produces a spread of approximately 24” x 24”.

What do I do if I want the dawn-to-dusk effect with my Panorama Retro?

The modular design of the Panorama Retro allows it to work great with our Stunner LED strips or our
453nm Blue Panorama Modules. We often recommend using the blue Panorama modules with it.

What applications are best for the Panorama Retro?

If your aquarium has a wood or acrylic canopy, or your tank is mounted inside a wall, the Panorama
Retro will provide a solid, simple lighting solution.

What color spectrum will the Panorama Retro produce?

The Panorama Retro produces a 12,000K look using both 10,000K & 453nm Blue LEDs.

Can I control the blue and white LED chips independently in the Panorama Retro?

No, the individual LEDs inside the Panorama Retro cannot be controlled independently.

Can I mount the Panorama Retro directly to my wooden or acrylic canopy?

Yes, we offer two convenient mounting solutions for canopies. You can either mount the Panorama Retro
directly on the inside of your aquarium, or you can simply cut a hole in the top of your canopy and drop
it inside the canopy. Please see our videos for further information.

Does the Panorama Retro provide enough light for SPS corals?

Yes, the Panorama Retro will provide plenty of light for SPS corals down to a 24” depth. For deeper tanks,
simply add a Panorama Module or two to increase the amount of light for your depth.

Can I use a dimmer with the Panorama Retro?

No, the Meanwell driver currently used with the Panorama Retro is not dimmable.

Do I need a cooling fan to cool the Panorama Retro?

No. The Panorama Retro has a very efficient heat sink, therefore no cooling fan is required.