After 6 months, Reef Builders stands by their assessment, calling the Orphek Natura iCon a “Reef LED Spectrum Beast” in their latest video review.
In this week’s special we are thrilled to bring you one more extraordinary review of our latest launch – The Natura iCon with Sun & Moon Synchronization from the renowned American online reef community – Reef Builders.
About reefbuilders.com
As a recognized authority featured in CNN, MSNBC, and Wikipedia (as a definitive source), Reef Builders has been one of the leading voices in the reef aquarium community since 2004. Their engaging content, particularly their in-depth discussions on LED lighting, makes Reef Builders a must-follow resource for serious reef and marine aquarium hobbyists.
The Video Review: Reef LED Spectrum Beast – The Orphek Natura iCon 6 month review
We’re excited to share the first video review of the Orphek Natura iCon, created by Salem Clemens from reefbuilders.com and featured on their YouTube channel. This initial review offers a general overview of the LED spectrum capabilities and performance of the Orphek Natura iCon.
Reefbuilders.com plans to release future videos on their channel, which will explore the product’s features, functionalities, and performance in greater detail. Be sure to follow their channel for more in-depth reviews and insights in the upcoming series.
Scroll down for more:
Keep scrolling for captivating screenshots, key insights with extracted transcriptions of the video, and exclusive Orphek additional comments to take your knowledge even further!
Performance X Investment
“…they get pretty decent PAR and spread that’s comparable to many of their competitors so if you’re going to be spending close to a grand on an LED you can save a little bit of money get an Orphek Natura iCon it’s got better spectrum similar PAR and spread performance if not better the build quality is better and it has the controllability and realistic aspect of the lunar cycle that many lights on the market don’t have so we’ve liked them a lot…” (transcription of the video – 4:44 – 5:11)
Reef Builders’ take on Performance X Investment:
Overall Recommendation: The Orphek Natura iCon LED light is highly recommended as a strong contender in the reef aquarium lighting market.
Key Advantages Highlighted:
- Value: At a price of around $720, it offers a compelling value proposition. The reviewer notes that other lights with similar performance can cost closer to $1000.
- PAR and Spread: Delivers comparable, and potentially better, Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) output and light distribution (“spread”) compared to competitors.
- Superior Spectrum: Offers a better spectral output (broader range of beneficial wavelengths, including orange-red, deep red, green-yellow, blue, and UVA) crucial for coral health and coloration.
- Build Quality: Features superior build quality compared to other lights in its class.
- Controllability and Features: Provides excellent controllability over light settings, plus a realistic lunar cycle simulation, a feature often lacking in competitor products.
In essence: The review positions the Orphek Natura iCon as a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It stands out due to its superior spectrum, build quality, and unique features like lunar cycle simulation, making it a worthwhile investment for reef aquarium enthusiasts.
Orphek Additional Comments on the Features, Performance X Price
What Orphek Natura iCon is offering for only USD720 /READ ALL ABOUT IT:
- The highest PAR value per watt.
- The only LED fixture that reproduces Nature at its fullest.
- Unprecedented & groundbreaking dimming technology.
- The most advanced technology in LEDs.
- Excellent light distribution with zero spillage outside the tank.
- The widest spectrum in the market (390nm-740nm).
- The widest and most captivating blues ever seen.
- The foremost light control with App. free of charge download.
- The pioneering wireless technology 3-in-1 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Hotspot sharing).
- It is build to last like no other.
- It comes with a range of accessories free of charge.
By combining advanced technologies with high quality components Orphek has leveraged PAR and Performance:
- Optimized LED Density and Drive Current: The Natura iCon utilizes a high density of LEDs, incorporating 78 Orphek’s customized high quality, high efficiency 6w Mixed Color Dual-Chip power LEDs (total of 156 individual LEDs Chip). Rather than driving these LEDs near their maximum capacity, Orphek operates them at a lower current. This approach keeps the LEDs running cooler and maximizes their efficiency. Operating LEDs at lower drive currents prevents efficiency loss, contributing to higher overall PAR output.
- Premium LED Chip Quality: Orphek employs only the highest quality LED chips. The specific characteristics of these LEDs contribute significantly to the light’s intensity and spectral output.
- Enhanced PCB Layout: A redesigned Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout further maximizes photochemical efficiency. This optimized design ensures efficient energy transfer to the LEDs, minimizing energy loss as heat and contributing to greater light output.
- Precision Reflectors: Newly designed reflectors are used to maximize efficiency and ensure precise beam control. These reflectors focus and direct the light effectively, increasing the PAR delivered to the aquarium.
- High-Efficiency Driver: A Mean Well driver with a power factor (PF) of 0.97 ensures efficient power conversion and stable operation. A high power factor minimizes energy waste and maximizes the amount of power used to generate light.
- Quality Electronic Components: The Natura iCon incorporates high-quality electronic components, including those made in Japan, to ensure reliability and longevity. These components contribute to the overall efficiency and performance of the system.
Spectrum
“…I’m actually liking them quite a lot so the reason that I chose these lights is because of the spectrum i like the spectral output a lot for an LED they go into the 600s a little bit of bump in the 700s they’ve got a broad band in the 500s um when you have the whites on and then of course it has the uh the blue that most LEDs have and they even go into UVA a little bit so the spectral output of these I think out competes or is better than many of the other bluer LEDs that are on the market and that’s indicative of what corals do need at least shallower water ones um and even some deeper water ones there was uh you know done a lot of been there’s been a lot of research showing what of wavelengths of light the corals actually utilize and it essentially is uh full spectrum up into like 780 or so so they drop down right in the uh late 700s and after that they don’t use anything past that and they go down to to UVA and I think there might even be some papers that show UVB so having as broad of a spectrum as possible I think is very important for coral health and physiology and is likely to produce um healthier corals that grow faster so yeah so the Orphek Natura iCon on has a couple different primary peaks 405 425 447 470 590 670 and 740 that’s 670 and 740 are pretty I mean 590 so any of those higher peaks are pretty cool and not many LEDs on the market have those…” (transcription of the video – 0:55-3:00)
In this segment, Salem Clemens explains why he personally favors the Orphek Natura iCon, focusing on its spectral output. He appreciates that the light covers a broad spectrum, including wavelengths in the 600s (orange-red), a slight bump in the 700s (deep red), and a wide range in the 500s (green-yellow), especially when the white lights are on. It also features the typical blue spectrum common in LEDs, plus some UVA wavelengths.
He highlights that the spectral output of the Natura iCon that actually surpasses many other blue LEDs on the market, making them well-suited for corals, particularly those in shallow water, and even some deeper-water species.
(Research shows that corals primarily utilize a full spectrum of light up to around 780 nanometers, mostly in the late 700s, with some evidence suggesting they also use UVB wavelengths).
The broader the spectrum, the better it is for coral health, growth, and physiology. Natura iCon lights have multiple key peaks at wavelengths like 405, 425, 447, 470, 590, 670, and 740 nanometers. He points out that the higher peaks at 670 and 740 nm are relatively rare among LED lights and add significant value.
Orphek Additional Comments on the Natura iCon Spectrum
Although they have 06 units of Orphek Natura iCon illuminating what he calls “a flat” – meaning that they have a shallow aquarium – it is designed as an optimal LED lighting solution for SPS/LPS coral reef saltwater tanks up to 80 x 60 X 60 cm (31.4″ X 23.62″ x 23.62″). Additionally, Orphek Natura iCon can be positioned 20cm (8 inches) above the water surface.
THE BLUE SPECTRUM:
By combining two different LED nm colors in one LED (Orphek Mixed Dual-chip LED technology), Natura iCon let you experience the widest and most captivating blues ever seen, crafted to enhance your aquatic environment. A mesmerizing blend of blues, inspired by the crystalline beauty of Okinawa’s Pacific Ocean!!
Natura iCon LEDs & Ratio Maps
Photo credit : Orphek
Natura iCon Channels & Spectrums Hues (colors)
Photo credit : Orphek
- Channel 1: Sunrise & Sunset hue (6000K) – Natural color of both sunrise and sunset
- Channel 2: Solar Noon hue (18,000K) – Natural color of half way between sunrise and sunset
- Channel 3: Ice Blue Hue (470-480nm) – Natural blue color of the sea water under a clear sun daylight
- Channel 4: Blue hue ( 447-470nm) – Natural color of a deep blue ocean
- Channel 5: Violet hue (420-430nm)Violet
- Channel: 6UV/ Violet hue (390-415nm) UV / Violet
Moonlight Spectrum – Full Dimming Control
“…they also have the moonlight settings that are pretty unique so they actually are one of the only lights or maybe the only light on the market that I’m aware of that has full spectrum moonlight so many of the different spectral outputs that occur uh from LEDs on the market for coral spawning are only blue light the Orphic Nura icons have full spectral output for their lunar light that is the same spectrum just at a sub 1% intensity so they’ve got a 10,000% dimming schedule they claim and uh essentially what this is is it can go from 0.01% to 100% so that 0.01 to 1% uh margin is for the dimmer moonlight …”
“…so they’ve uh essentially demonstrated that this has zero PAR there is no photosynthetic activity that occurs from this light but it is still being produced by the fixture which mimics natural moonlight uh a lot of the studies they looked at showed that moonlight is indeed full spectrum because it is just a reflection of the sun’s light from the litter surface but that it’s a at such a low intensity it typically does not registers in a usable PAR so it’s pretty cool they actually looked into the science of how things work in the wild with lunar cycles and replicated that in an LED now does that matter is it substantial for coral spawning…” (transcription of the video -2:55 – 4:06)
In this part of the video, Salem Clemens is explaining that the Orphek Natura iCon has a very unique moonlight feature.
Unlike most LED lights on the market, which typically produce only blue light for lunar simulation, the Natura iCon offers a full-spectrum moonlight that closely mimics natural moonlight.
This full-spectrum lunar light operates at a very low intensity—less than 1% of the light’s maximum brightness—allowing it to produce moonlight that has the same spectral qualities as natural moonlight, just at a minimal level.
He highlights that the light’s dimming schedule is highly versatile, ranging from 0.01% to 100%. This means users can fine-tune the moonlight intensity, creating an almost imperceptible glow at the lowest settings, which is important for simulating natural lunar cycles.
Importantly, Salem emphasizes that this moonlight produces essentially zero PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), meaning it doesn’t promote photosynthesis in corals or other aquatic life—it’s purely for moonlight simulation.
(Numerous scientific studies show that natural moonlight is full spectrum because it’s sunlight reflected off the moon’s surface, but at such low levels, it typically doesn’t have a measurable impact on photosynthetic activity.)
His Conclusion:
- The significance of this feature is that Orphek has designed a lunar light based on scientific understanding of natural lunar cycles, replicating the full spectral qualities without promoting photosynthesis.
For coral spawning and other reproductive behaviors influenced by lunar cycles, having an accurate, full-spectrum moonlight can be beneficial, although whether it is substantial or critical for spawning varies depending on the specific coral species and aquarist goals.
Orphek Additional Comments on the Moonlight Feature and Full Dimming Control
All Orphek iCon LED Lighting Solutions comes with Orphek’s cutting-edge 10,000% dimming control allows 0 – 100% dimming control for daytime and 0.06 – 1% for moon cycle, creating a 24-hour full spectrum experience.
Experience Orphek Unrivaled Dimming Precision!
Our revolutionary system boasts full progressive dimming capabilities across all channels, setting a new standard in lighting control. As pioneers in the industry, we proudly introduce the world’s only 10000% dimming range control, providing unparalleled flexibility from 0-100%, with an astonishing precision of 0.01-1% specifically tailored for Lunar Cycle simulations. Elevate your lighting experience with Orphek’s innovative technology.
Coral Color, Growth and Grafting Improvement
“…so far I’m really liking them the corals have colored up more and we’ve even got some grafting that’s occurred in some of the corals so we have some pagotas um that have grafting now and I’ve never seen that before besides like one random post they’ve been in the tanks uh for years they were ones that Jake had and they’ve never displayed grafting when Jake had them so pretty exciting to see... it only appeared after about four to 6 months of having the Orpheks on the tank so my my guess is because they’re being exposed to a broader spectrum of light and more of those uh genes that cause pigment development were expressed and now we’ve got grafting so pretty cool i’m liking them so far…” (transcription of the video – 5:17 – 6:01)
Salem Clemens is expressing his positive experience with the Orphek lights, noting that the corals in his tank are showing improved coloration and have started to exhibit grafting, which he hadn’t observed before.
- Coral Coloration: Salem notes that the corals have “colored up more,” suggesting that their appearance has become more vibrant or intensified, possibly due to the improved light spectrum provided by the Orphek lights.
- Coral Grafting: This refers to different coral pieces potentially fusing together, which is a notable development – Salem mentions that these corals have been in the tank for years, originally under the care of Jake, Adams, but they never showed grafting during that time.
- Influence of Orphek Lights: The appearance of grafting and coloration improvements may be due to the broader light spectrum of the Orphek that may stimulate pigment development genes that contribute to these visual changes.
Conclusion: Overall, Salem is conveying excitement and satisfaction with the results he’s seeing in his corals after using the Orphek lights.
Orphek Additional Comments on the Coral Color Pop with Natura iCon Spectrum
Orphek is the first company to develop “pop it up” spectrum technology for coral color enhancing also Orphek Natura iCon comes with a NEW IMPROVED LED SPECTRUM for optimal coral growth & color (form 390 to 740nm) with unmatched light uniformity.
Orphek App incredibly advanced technologies
Developed Based on real research to mimic Nature at its fullest
“…so it’s pretty cool they actually looked into the science of how things work in the wild with lunar cycles and replicated that in an LED now does that matter is it substantial for coral spawning… it’s cool that they were able to mimic it of course it also you can match the lunar cycle anywhere in the world with their app and um they have many other options in the app as well you can mimic certain uh title zones and things like that around reefs around the world so a lot of applicability in the app for mimicking nature the spectrum is way better…” (transcription of the video – 4:02 – 4:38)
Orphek Additional Comments on the Latest Groundbreaking Innovative Features of the Orphek App
Orphek plays a vital role by partnering with scientists to develop advanced LED lighting solutions for coral research. Our technologies create ideal coral growth conditions, contributing significantly to reef preservation and restoration. Our dedication has led to collaborations with world-leading researchers and advanced educational centers across continents to develop innovative solutions for marine challenges.
Orphek has announced a GROUNDBREAKING UPDATE to the Orphek iCon App, unlocking a new dimension of control and customization for Orphek iCon LED solutions. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a significant leap forward, empowering you with cutting-edge technology to fine-tune your aquarium environment like never before:
- Custom Programs Now Synchronize with Sun & Moon feature: Your Lighting, Your Way.
- Time Offset: Your Time, Your Way. The new “Time Offset” feature lets you precisely control the start time of your Sun & Moon Sync. Simply add or subtract hours to perfectly align with your ideal schedule.
- Sync Calendar feature: Your Calendar, Your Spawning Season. Orphek introduces a revolutionary leap in aquarium lighting: the Sync Calendar feature. We are the first and only company to offer unparalleled control over Sun & Moon Synchronization.
We’d like to highlight another groundbreaking technology that is already available to you – the Orphek App’s automatic geolocation functionality: Download the Orphek App, and let the magic happen! Instantly, your light(s) sync to your location, recreating the natural rhythm of sunrise, sunset, and moon phases in your aquarium. No setup needed – we’ve taken care of everything.
Photo credit: Reef Builders
Quality
A Crash-Test Experience: The Strength of the Natura iCon
“…when the car hit the studio and uh crashed through the wall they all got splashed and and you know jammed about or banged about and uh they all are performing well and there was no water damage I was simply able to wipe them off and there was no issue after that so they you know they survived a car crash which is a good enough build quality for me… ” (transcription of the video – 2:28 – 2:48)
Remarkably, after a car crash that caused the Natura iCon units to be impact, pushed, and knocked about chaotically, they continued to perform flawlessly. There were no signs of water damage or functional issues—This real-world event underscores the exceptional durability and resilience of the product, proving it’s built to withstand even the most extreme conditions!!
Orphek Additional Comments on the Construction and Features of the Natura iCon
The Natura iCon is built with a full body of durable, high-quality acrylic and a silver anodized aluminum alloy, which is anti-rust and corrosion-resistant thanks to an advanced anodizing process that enhances surface durability and stain resistance. Its IP67 rating guarantees protection against water and impacts, making it highly suitable for demanding environments.
The system includes a premium Mean Well HLG-150H-48A driver (IP65 rated), waterproof connectors, and a waterproof power extension cord—all supplied free of charge. Steel cables for hanging and a customized electric plug tailored to regional standards are also included, ensuring convenience and safety.
Equipped with high-efficiency, 6W dual-chip mixed-color LEDs and designed for excellent thermal management, the Natura iCon offers long-lasting, reliable performance built to withstand harsh conditions while delivering consistent illumination.
Fan Performance
…”I suppose as well as that they’re relatively silent don’t hear the fan that often you could run them for quite a long time…” (transcription of the video – 2:50 – 2:55)
Since Salem offers a brief but insightful comment about how the units remain silent even after running for long periods, we’ve complemented this with additional information on heat management of the units:
Orphek Additional Comments on Heat Management of Natura iCon
The Natura iCon is equipped with two high-efficiency fans that provide optimal heat dissipation, ensuring excellent thermal management and maintaining consistent performance over time. Its carefully designed internal layout further enhances durability by reducing stress on components and improving overall stability. This combination of advanced cooling and robust construction ensures the unit can withstand demanding conditions while delivering reliable, long-lasting performance.
- The Natura iCon has a built-in Quiet Mode feature that makes the fans operate more silently, reducing noise for a calmer environment.
- The Natura iCon is also equipped with a High Temperature Alarm to protect the unit from overheating.
How To Purchase The New Natura iCon & Price
Best Technology For The Best Price
Orphek revolutionary Reef Aquarium LED Lighting system is being sold with an amazing discount, and it can be yours today! Don’t miss the opportunity to have a Reef LED Spectrum Beast with the most affordable price!
Natura iCon original price: USD$860
Promotional price: USD$720 + free shipping (USD$140 discount)
ORDER NOW!
Also featured in Reef Builders – A Quick Look At The Orphek Natura iCon
- Another reliable American source for Natura iCon Review – Orphek Natura iCon Reef Aquarium LED Lighting video review by Reefs.com
- A must read for Natura iCon & App – Orphek iCon App: Unleash the Next Level of Control Revolutionizing Your Sun & Moon Aquarium Experience
- More about Natura iCon performance – Why Natura iCon Stands Out as the Best Reef LED Light with Ultimate PAR Performance / Natura iCon : Unveiling the Widest and Most Groundbreaking Spectrum Ever
- Awesome videos – Experience the Magic: Watch Our Exciting Video Showcasing Orphek Natura iCon Sun & Moon Sync LED Reef Aquarium Lighting! / Witness the brilliance of Orphek Natura iCon with a stunning Video!
- Dive deep into Natura iCon LED technology – Revolutionary Natura iCon: The Ultimate 6-Watt Dual-Chip LED Light with Mixed Colors
- Product launch article – Orphek Natura iCon Sun & Moon Sync reef aquarium LED lighting – New product launch
Credits
Image & content credits: All screen shots were taken from the video produced and published by reefbuilders.com and Reef Builders Youtube channel and Orphek. Orphek has also added awesome proprietary photos of its products.
Special thank you note
We would like this opportunity to thank Reef Builders & Salem Clemens for their passion for the hobby and his enthusiasm for Orphek products. We extend our sincere appreciation for sharing with us his video and feedbacks.
Invitation
We invite you to explore and its exclusive contents. We also would like to invite you to browse our website and participate with your Orphek experience. Let us know about your tank and share it with other hobbyists in Orphek Facebook Group and Instagram!
Sharing is very easy! All you have to do is to send us the basic information about your tank, usually starting from the beginning (when you started your tank), what are you running in the tank, the living creatures you have in your tank and of course, pictures!
Subscribe to our youtube channel to watch our awesome videos and Orphek’s social medias to get the best of we can also offer!
“Together we protect Nature’s Biodiversity for generations to come”.
Loving Nature as we do and being environment sustainably conscious, Orphek only develops products with a significant positive impact in everyone’s life, therefore we only offer the best environmentally friendly solutions that combine the most advanced & efficient technology and, most importantly, aiming the well-being of animals and humans all together, for now and for generations to come