Rather then this painfully slow evolution toward full LED panels, I think Ecotech should just go for the throat and sell a T5 hybrid fixture in the meantime.
I mean really.
WiFi SchmiFi.
I'm running a fixture made up of Sunblasters w ATI bulbs and a SB Actinic strip, it's been hands down my favorite all-around light. It's the type of light that makes me proud. lol
Kessils and Radions with diffusers make gorgeous lights for small tanks.
I understand that Ecotech probably runs like a tech company, relying on iterations is critical to the bottom line. The reality though, is the high tech aquarium is part of the hobby, not the hobby as a whole. IMO the hobby has matured quite a bit in the past few years, with Ecotech actually dragging it's heels with regards to lighting changes.
I am part of the hobby and I'm left just shrugging my shoulders. So far the biggest concerns I see raised about the Gen5 has to do with, will it connect to this and that. (Bluetooth, mobius etc.) lol.
The irony is that if you feel the need to connect to your light with an app, that slightly circumvents the factory reeflink, maybe you are also killing your tank by doing to much. I'm just saying, if coral like stability, what are you doing? I think these folks should find an old VCR and learn how to set the clock, it would be an enlightening and fulfilling experience.
Yes Ecotech is responsive, on the other hand they are now offering a $800 "Black Box" LED of 2015 era. (But it connects to stuff!)
The black box was just a fluke that it happened to be closer in form to the ideal LED fixture then the Kessil / Radion of that era, that was trying to shrink and combine diodes.
If Ecotech won't give us panels the least they could do is sell some AB+ strips. No lenses, just a frosted glass panel. I know they can make those. All it needs is a plug and be able to have power linked together. If they insist on digital something, a built in ON/OFF timer in each strip would be nice I'll admit.
Just to show I'm not a curmudgeonly luddite, I do love my Vectra M2 closed loop pump. It's too early to talk about durability, but I'm otherwise over the moon with that product. That is a good implementation of tech right there. Just the right amount, a quiet efficient DC motor with variable flow used for closed loop reef-crest that doesn't need peripherals. (aside from optional battery backup) If you bring out a M3 pump just to have firewire and USB-C, I'll just roll my eyes at you.
Ecotech needs the pump guy to talk to the lighting guy. We want a Vectra style light, not a hipster light that connects to fitbit.
My next Ecotech light purchase is either going to be a LED strip, have T5 bulbs or be a used Gen12 Radion 2'x4' panel. My balls are in your court.
