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Sicce LED Represents a Step Forward in Aquarium Lighting Technology

by John Tullock

Its not often that we see something truly new in the aquarium industry. Too many products are either

adaptations from some other sphere, or me-too items aiming to excise a slice of business from the

market leader. However, in bringing out their new LED lighting system, Sicce has given us an innovative

new product that was designed specifically for aquarium lighting. Not only that, it boasts energy

efficiency and a long lifespan, making it an excellent value for the consumer. Surprisingly, Sicce has also

been forthcoming in its product literature about how it accomplished all this.

Despite reading all the technical specifications and design guidelines for the Sicce LED system, I wanted

to see how the product performed in a real life situation. Sicce has posted some impressive video, but

nothing substitutes for doing your own observations and testing. I was impressed, therefore, with the

test results when we measured the PAR value of a prototype model last winter. At 23 inches below the

AM466 unit, underwater, PAR was 245 245 mol/m2/sec. Thats comparable to a 250-watt metal halidelamp, measured in air, with less than half the power consumption.

Careful testing of the types of LEDs used in the units, their spacing and arrangement was carried out in

order to achieve specific design goals: achieving maximum PAR for minimum electrical consumption,

uniformly illuminating the entire tank area without hot spots, and maximizing operational life. The

design specs are all sound, but, again, the proof of efficacy is in actual operation.

After observing one of these units in operation I have concluded that, for a positive response in corals

and attractive look to the tank, the Sicce LED is setting the standard.

Here are some corals that have been growing under the Sicce LED for the past few weeks. The AM466

unit is supended approximately 15 inches above the water surface:

This Favia species is located about 18 inches below the water surface and a few inches left of center.

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Further left and about 14 inches below the water surface, this Millepora fire coral is thriving.

Down near the bottom left of the tank, a captive-propagated colony ofZoanthus solanderiexpands its

tentacles.

Here is an overall view of the tank, showing the positions of each of these specimens:

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CONCLUSIONS

The Sicce LED lighting system brings innovation and a new standard for excellence to the LED aquarium

lighting category. The unit tested for this review, model AM466, provides beautiful, natural-lookingillumination, and uniform light dispersion over the entire tank area. The aquarium shown above is a 72

gallon tank, 36L x 22W x 21H. Multiple species of photosynthetic corals are thriving, even near the

bottom. The ultimate test of any lighting system is its ability to nurture coral growth without damage,

and the AM466 meets that test. However, these units offer additional features that make them a great

value: energy efficiency, long lifespan, silent operation and extreme protection against water damage.

The Sicce LED lighting system should be the first choice for reef enthusiasts seeking state-of-the-art

lighting technology.