Luxeon LEDs Increase In Power, No Spectral Improvement

Orphek's diode - arguably the best aquarium LED on the market?

One of the heavy hitters of the mass-produced LED world, Phillips, has increased the power of their Luxeon Rebel LED series, which are now "50% more efficient", according to a Phillips spokesperson.  While this is good news, it isn't that big of a deal, as power and efficiency ratios are only going to continue to increase as LED lighting technology matures. 

What is a big deal  (to us aquarists, admittedly only a fraction of a percent of LED consumers) is broad spectrum output.  Unfortunately, Cree and Luxeon are still failing to produce an LED, or even a combination of LEDs, that yields a truly workable, full spectrum option for reef aquarium lighting. 

Any reader of this blog knows that I'm a huge fan of aquarium LED lighting, and that includes power increases and other improvements.  What I'm not a huge fan of is the misconception that Cree and Luxeon LEDs are "the best" or "the only LEDs that work for aquarium lighting".  In fact, the spectral output of all Cree and Luxeon LEDs leave something to be desired, most specifically in the orange, red, and violet spectrums.  Although this news release doesn't include the 'white' diodes, the point is still valid for aquarists. 

Moral of the story?  We as aquarists need to see is increased spectral response - it's time to wait and see if the big names will follow in the footsteps of Orphek, and start producing an LED that's truly suitable for color rendering in our reef aquariums.