GNC Bluray XM full review : overview, spectrum, PAR, app tuto
We here fully review the last GNC Bluray generation with XM model : overview, spectrum measurements, intensity measurements (PAR/PPFD), heatsink, electrical features.
Note : please click on thumbnails pictures to enlarge them
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Overview
After Bluray and Bluray PRO, here are the new Bluray X and XM. They differ from previous ones by the on-board airlink wifi controller (and no extra controller is needed), and by the new Neeos mobile app (whereas it was a web browser platform before). From outside, the new models have the same basics : solid aluminium rectangular heatsink, acrylic protection shield, a thick silicon seal. So LEDs and electronic board are protected from water splashes and evaporation. An osmotic valve ensures air exchange to keep good pressure and hygrometry between the body and the acrylic board. It avoids corrosion and condensation due to temperature variation when LEDs are ON.
The finish is neat, the acrylic has great transparency and is thick enough to not bend with LED heat, the aluminium body is quiet discrete in front of a white wall. GNC Bluray seems robust and everything is made to be durable.
In a matter of light, a big amount of LEDs are spread in lines over almost the whole surface of the fixture. The other part is dedicated to its electronic elements.
Observed prices : Bluray X at 1288€, Bluray XM at 869 €.
Mounting solutions
To set up one or several Bluray fixtures over a tank, it is possible to use included hanging kits. The cables are 150 cm long and are adjustable thanks to blocking cylinders. You can hang Bluray to your ceiling, mounting bracks or existing shelf or wall mounted furniture strong enough to support their weight. Ensure to use appropriate anchor inserts.
Alternatively, the brand sells bridges.
Bridges are made of 2 acrylic arms mounted on lateral tank’s glasses and one aluminium track, to stick to the Bluray’s look. Bridges are sold in kits to mount. It is easily made with an allen key / hex wrench. With Bridges, the fixture hangs 15 cm above the glass level.
5 Bridge models are proposed for Bluray XM :
- BRM1 : for one fixture on a 40 to 60 cm long tank
- BRM2 : for one fixture on a 55 to 75 cm long tank
- BRM3 : for 2 fixtures on a 75 to 95 cm long tank
- BRM4 : for 2 fixtures on a 95 to 115 cm long tank
- BRM5 : for 2 to 3 fixtures on a 115 to 135 cm long tank
Observed prices : from 149 to 219 €
For Bluray X, Bridge is declined into 4 models for glass tanks (up to 20 mm thick) and 4 for acrylic tanks (up to 70 mm thick) :
- BR 1 (ACR for acrylic version) : for 60 to 90 cm tank
- BR2S (ACR for acrylic version) : for 95 to 120 cm tank
- BR2 (ACR for acrylic version) : for 121 to 168 cm tank
- BR3 (ACR for acrylic version) : for 180 to 228 cm tank
Observed prices : from 179 to 329 €
LED Composition and spectrum
GNC Bluray X and XM have 5 several main LED colors, and 2 for moonlight simulation :
Of course, they are programmable, and it is possible to adjust each color power : each one has a proper channel. And here are the main changes compared to PRO version : Air link is now included in the fixture, next to the LED on the board, and no extra controller is needed. And now, it is now made through Neeos app, and not on a web browser platform. Here are the several measured spectrum.
We notice the main spike in violet-blue domains, which are the major wavelengths implicated in corals growth and coloration. Chlorophyll a, major pigment for photosynthesis also absorbs mainly this light.
Here we overlay the GNC full power spectrum (rainbow line) on major corals pigments absorption spectrum :
A nice spectrum for SPS is also possible with 405, 420, blue channels at 100% and white up to 80% and red at 50% for example. This allows to get a higher PAR, and « whiter look » that appreciates SPS, keeping good coloration thanks to 405, 420 and blue channels at full power.
Other interesting feature : the capability to simulate nature moon light cycles. Indeed, a lot of biological processes are driven by moon cycles, for examples corals breeding. For this, GNC Bluray has blue and white lunar LEDs, and not only blues as it is more common.
Intensity measurements : PAR / PFFD
After spectrum, we measured intensity of light useful for corals growth : PAR (or more scientifically correct, PPFD). It is in umol photons/m2/sec. Measurements have been made :
- with all channels at 100% (3 first plots), and with a program we use on a show mixed reef tank (3 last plots)
- at 20, 40 and 60 cm under the Bluray XM
- on a 80 x 60 cm area
- in free air, as light reflection on water is extremely variable with flow
We notice an even light spreading at 40 and 60 cm under the fixture. Light is naturally more concentrated on the area right under the fixture at 20 cm condition.
X model having twice the number of XM model, we expect much higher PAR values. For indication GNC recommends the XM model for tanks up to 65 x 60 cm, and X model up to 90 x 70 cm area tank.
Erratum : First PAR measurements were false due to sensor failure. Here are the good ones after solving the problem.
Below, PAR values with approved spectrum used on a mixed reef tank with SPS (Acropora tricolor, Seriatopora caliendrum), LPS (Caulastrea, Fimbriaphyllia paraancora, Goniastrea, Micromussa lordhowensis, Symphyllia, Blastomussa) and soft (Zoanthus). Everyone is happy and show nice growth and coloration.
Heatsink
Heatsink is crucial for light fixtures conception. LED electrical properties induce heat production when they are running.
Bluray XM shows a mean heatsink temperature around 39,5°C on superior face and 34°C on composent face after 10h running at full power in a room at 24°C. These measurements seem tolerable for LED running without damages.
It is also important to notice that the heatsink is totally silent as it requires no fan. That is really appreciated in a living room.
Electrical features and other characteristics
Here are some other characteristics of Bluray X et XM :
We measured several electrical features on the XM model at full power. We can notice an almost perfect use of power with power factor of 0,95. That means that the fixture effectively use 95% of the power it uses on your bill.
neeos App
As mentioned in the overview, the new features of this generation are about programming. The new included on board Air link controller and the dedicated app make it easier. There is no extra controller in the electrical/technical part below your tank, and app is more user-friendly than browser interface and provides more functionalities.
neeos app is available on any android and iOS device with bluetooth and wifi connection.
First step after app setup is to create an account : mail address, name, phone and password. An email is sent to confirm account creation with a code to tap at the bottom of the screen. Be careful, the code area can be hidden under the visual keyboard on the screen.
You now have to active Bluetooth and Wifi if it is not already the case. Available fixtures in the area are now visible. You can add them, give them a name and assign them to a tank. You can also connect them to your home network. It allows you to connect to them wherever you are with an internet connection.
You can now see the created tank. You can click on the arrow to show tank’s details, assigned fixtures, sunset and sunrise times, connectivity, running scenario, actual channels intensity and a temperature indicator.
On the right menu you can see scenarios library. Preset ones are already proposed, and you can create your own. It is also possible to edit one already present to make your own. Each scenario has an explanation, detailed power of each channel during the day, cloud probability and moonlight setup. Left moonlight button activates it and allows you to setup moon blue and moon white intensity. Right button activates the simulation of natural moonlight.
Creating a whole new scenario allows you to start from scratch:
Finally, up right button allows you to change language, account management, read private policy conditions and logging out.
Récifal News feedback
We enjoy :
- Materials and finish quality
- full and effective passive cooling
- homogeneous light spreading
- app simplicity
- made in Italy
We regret:
- the impossibility to have direct color rendering when we implement new setups in scenario editing. For this, we have 2 solutions. Either we save the program, wait until it is working on the fixture, then go back to editing to change if it is not convincing. Otherwise, we can have direct impression thanks to « effects » button on the right of the tank’s name. Then you can have live rendering of the channels %, note them on a paper or keep them in mind to create your scenario. After discussion with the brand, they are working on an update which will allow to have live rendering directly in scenario creation menu.
General notice
PAR and spectrum measurements have been made with a spectroradiometer ranging from 190 to 850 nm with a 0,5 nm resolution. Heatsink measurements with a FLIR thermal camera. Electrical features with a power consumption socket.
By Axel, Marine Biology Master – Marine ecosystem fonctioning principles and gestion – Lille university – Specialisation in photosynthesis, light and phytoplankton.
Discover more about GNC Led Italia on their website.
