Bad news for solaris owners

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 02-11-2009, 08:55 PM

Man just read through the actual lawsuit and you would be crazy to buy any LED aquarium lights at this point but especially the PFO units (even on sale)! Orbital Technologies Corporation has the patent to any and all LED lights made for marine aquarium use. There is no way PFO can win this lawsuit and just does not have the money to fight a corporation with $150 million in contrcts...these guys are not another relatively small aquarium company.

I feel bad for everyone who spent all that money on these things because up until now, they have been nothing but trouble and now the warranty will most likely not be valid

http://www.reefbuilders.com/wp-conte...p-o08-220p.pdf

Frenchie · #2 02-11-2009, 08:57 PM

Anyone want to buy a 72" solaris light

Frenchie · #3 02-11-2009, 08:59 PM

Any suggestions on what to go with for a new light?

GreenSpottedPuffer · #4 02-11-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Any suggestions on what to go with for a new light?

So is your solaris not working anymore? Man that really sucks

I really do feel bad for you and everyone who is being screwed over by this. I almost bought one last year but ended up deciding to wait until more of the bugs were worked out. Now I am glad I did but at the same time, its sad to think this technology may never be used again. Its now up to one company if they ever want to reintroduce it to the market and they are NOT an aquarium company. Really too bad...

Frenchie · #5 02-11-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

So is your solaris not working anymore? Man that really sucks

I really do feel bad for you and everyone who is being screwed over by this. I almost bought one last year but ended up deciding to wait until more of the bugs were worked out. Now I am glad I did but at the same time, its sad to think this technology may never be used again. Its now up to one company if they ever want to reintroduce it to the market and they are NOT an aquarium company. Really too bad...

It still works. I just dont want to have to wait for a new one to ship once the lights inevitably burn out or there is some other problem. If the light cant be maitained its not much use to me, its just a ticking time bomb.

The Codfather · #6 02-11-2009, 09:38 PM

Just checked jl aquatics web site, solaris is not even on the site anymore.

mseepman · #7 02-11-2009, 09:41 PM

I certainly don't think that Marine LED's are a dead issue. Although I completely disagree with Orbitec's attempt to control the market, they themselves say that they will be introducing something with a main-stream aquarium supplier later this year.

I also don't know whether their patent is really much to worry about except for Solaris owners...it's very specific to LED's with controllable spectrums...unfortunately, this is the main feature in many of the Solaris products. Looking at the timing of patent applications and such suggests that PFO knew that they were treading a thin line. It's a shame to see them go down like this as they were a strong domestic supplier that you could count on for good products.

Whatigot · #8 02-11-2009, 09:52 PM

HA...
I was on JL's site this morning and they were still advertising their solaris sale...
Not saying anything subversive but kind of coincidental to this thread aint it?

Maybe they just found out about the lawsuit too....lol

GreenSpottedPuffer · #9 02-11-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

I certainly don't think that Marine LED's are a dead issue. Although I completely disagree with Orbitec's attempt to control the market, they themselves say that they will be introducing something with a main-stream aquarium supplier later this year.

I also don't know whether their patent is really much to worry about except for Solaris owners...it's very specific to LED's with controllable spectrums...unfortunately, this is the main feature in many of the Solaris products. Looking at the timing of patent applications and such suggests that PFO knew that they were treading a thin line. It's a shame to see them go down like this as they were a strong domestic supplier that you could count on for good products.

The patent is absurdly broad...basically any LED illumination system over a marine environment that will produce growth. Orbitec filed for the patent in 2004 and PFO should have known this...as you say they were really walking a thin line and if people want to blame anyone, it shoudl be PFO, NOT J&L or any other reputable shop.

Just thought I would mention though that the patent is not nearly as specific as you say...should not cover moonlights though

http://www.google.com/patents?id=mwW...um+LED+orbital