Are people sleeping on Orphek OR3s?

[BeardedMcG]

@BeardedMcG care to show your recent pics using orphek bars?

I have 4 of their bars as my only light over a IM40EXT. Two blue plus, one reef day and one custom thats blue plus with a few whites in the center to help blend with the reef day bar. I’m extremely happy with the results. Tank is two years old with a few bumps along the way.

 

[BeardedMcG]

PAR measurements.

 

[dvgyfresh]

PAR measurements.

How high are your lights mounted? Maybe I am cooking my corals too much

 

[BeardedMcG]

How high are your lights mounted? Maybe I am cooking my corals too much

10.5” above the water line. 27.5” above the bottom.

 

[Big E]

I agree that most of these premium features are completely unnecessary. Reefbrites are fine but I'd prefer something with a broader spectrum. I'd like to see a manufacturer double down on making LED strips that aren't meant to be supplemental and undercut a lot of these other lights with their bells and whistles.

Think about all the R&D that has gone into Radions just to support a small form factor. Fancy optics to increase spread, "evolved heatsink" and custom fan since it can't be passively cooled. Tack on their wireless control and app development and it seems like there's a lot of room to get equivalent (or better) light performance in a simpler product. Maybe something like LED strips that can be installed and swapped out in a simple shell (much like T5s).

Something that has lower power LEDs but a denser arrangement to even out the spectrum would also be ideal. Looking at the Orpheks, I have no idea why they decided to put one random amber LED on the side of their OR60 and OR90 strips.

I agree on the Reefbrites needing a broader spectrum. There are probably a good 6-7 reputable brands of reef bars, so lots to choose from to create a nice full spectrum.

I wouldn't want to get too fancy with software though as it simply isn't needed............the corals could care less. In this era where people have their phones at their side 24/7 they think everything needs an app. They're lights that should be set and then left alone. But I understand if you want a larger customer base it can be an option for people that want to go that way.

 

[atlantean]

I have 4 of their bars as my only light over a IM40EXT. Two blue plus, one reef day and one custom thats blue plus with a few whites in the center to help blend with the reef day bar. I’m extremely happy with the results. Tank is two years old with a few bumps along the way.

Your tank inspired my attempt to customize the IM cabinet, so its serendipitous to find myself stumbling back on your tank when considering changing to Orphek bars

I've got one of their new Blue Skys coming this weekend. Going to test out the spread at certain heights before I pull the trigger on a full setup. I like having the full spectrum look during the day (with all blue in the evening) so it seems like two reef days and a blue plus might be the best bet for that. I asked Orphek and they said they don't do custom builds

 

[bobnicaragua]

PAR measurements.

How is anyone supposed to see orpheks with all this colored up coral in the way?! Stunning tank.

 

[Waynerock]

I just have primes and they are mounted right overhead I get color all over. If I was you I would ADD a bar on each side with the primes for the best of both worlds. OR a couple xho strips and get a wee better coverage

 

[oreo54]

I asked Orphek and they said they don't do custom builds

Sad.. They used to.
Had a list of available diode choices at one time.

 

[Shooter6]

Look them up on youtube I know a couple sps growers are using only or3bars to light their grow tanks. Most are using both the blue plus and reef day in combos to achieve awesome growth and color!

 

[MartinM]

The problems you’re describing are mostly having to do with LEDs in general. This is one of the reasons I run MH instead of LEDs. But for your tank a few VOLX 201 led bulbs might do the trick well. Not sure what country you’re in though, or if you can get those there.

http://www.volxjapan.co.jp/products/Grassy-LeDio-RX201.html I like this one because it’s under a single lens so flawless blending

narrower angles and individual lenses, but more color options:

Grassy LeDio RX122 / グラッシー・レディオ RX122｜製å“æƒ…å ±ï½œãƒœãƒ«ã‚¯ã‚¹ã‚¸ãƒ£ãƒ‘ãƒ³

 

[sebi1100]

Hi , here my shallow lps tank - 2 OR3 Blue Plus and 3 AI Primes . I added the Bars 1 year after I started the tank with the Primes . They r great so far

Just think to add a reef day bar and remove the Primes but Iam not sure about that ….

 

[atlantean]

I recently got a OR3 Blue sky and it definitely brings out great color. Either I get another Blue sky and use as supplements or get 2 reef days and commit to the all Orphek setup. Seems like a lot of people find 2 blues and 1 daylight bar still too blue.