Considering two lights

[NormanB]

I'm looking at the Reefbreeders V2+ 48" and SB Reef Lights Ultra 45.
Same price, but don't know which way to go...

it is for a 75 mixed reef, any comments?

Thanks

 

[NormanB]

Also, I like the higher K LEDs in the SB light...I feel it would give more shimmer...Maybe?

 

[Mike N]

Also, I like the higher K LEDs in the SB light...I feel it would give more shimmer...Maybe?

Those are both great options. I have a reef breeder over my 40b and it has worked out great for me. Can't speak to the SB, but I feel like they are close in terms of quality.

 

[NormanB]

Thanks Mike!

Do you have any pics posted so I can see hiw the tank looks? Does the Reefbreeder produce any shimmer?

 

[RyanSweet]

I have an older SB Reef over my 75gal. I’ve liked it a lot. Don’t have FTS at the moment but here’s a section of my lps and nem. Can get a FTS when I get home from work this evening

 

[NormanB]

Nice looking pic Ryan.

Thanks

 

[Mike N]

Thanks Mike!

Do you have any pics posted so I can see hiw the tank looks? Does the Reefbreeder produce any shimmer?

I can post one when I get home.
No real shimmer that I can discern on this light. Not like a Kessil anyway.

 

[Mike N]

Here's one from several months back when it was littered with frag racks lol

 

[NormanB]

Very nice, Mike and thanks for your input.

Have you found the light to be reliable? How long have you had it and any issues at all?

 

[NormanB]

Ryan, when you say older, how old? I'm asking to determine long term viability...have you had any problems with it?

Thanks

 

[PerplexyHexy]

I'm looking at the Reefbreeders V2+ 48" and SB Reef Lights Ultra 45.
Same price, but don't know which way to go...

it is for a 75 mixed reef, any comments?

Thanks

If those are your absolute only two choices, I would go with the Reefbreeder V2+... SBReeflights are good, but their customer service just isnt there... there are troves of threads with complaints about their service... Ive heard nothing but amazing things about Logan at Reefbreeder... and the resell value on those lights are pretty good as well...

 

[Mike N]

Very nice, Mike and thanks for your input.

Have you found the light to be reliable? How long have you had it and any issues at all?

Very reliable. I've had it for over two years and haven't experienced a single issue/problem with it.

 

[RyanSweet]

Ryan, when you say older, how old? I'm asking to determine long term viability...have you had any problems with it?

Thanks

I’ve had this one for a little over 6yrs, if I’m remembering correctly. I just bought radions for my next upgrade (120gal from the 75gal). Had I not found the radions for a great price I would have bought the SB Reef again.

 

[NormanB]

Thanks Ryan for the info.

 

[NormanB]

Perplex, I'm not set on those two but I am set on a price no more than those and I want the features they offer.

Do you know of any others that meet those requirements?

Thanks

 

[PerplexyHexy]

They are both great lights for the price... im just saying, customer service is pretty big for me... If something takes a dump and I need help right away then its nice to know I will get it handled through the manufacturer... Ive had three sbreeflights with only one issues, but have never owned a reefbreeder light... lol... The issue I had was on a sbox 16” and it took 3-4 weeks to get anyone on the phone to help me... that was a little over a year ago... who knows... maybe its changed...

 

[NormanB]

I appreciate your insight, I have to agree that customer service is very important.

May I ask what the issue was with your light?

Thanks

 

[NormanB]

And did SB resolve the problem and how was that done?

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Just looked at the price tag on those two lights... holy bajesus... for $700+ there are way more options out there for you if your around that price point... jeeez! Do your homework on lights. Im a light fiend... I buy lights just because I like how they hold their value... hahaha! Can you tell I like lights??? Ive recently been unloading all the fixtures Ive amassed the past few years and luckily Ive got all my money back... havent lost a cent... My point is... make sure you get what you want... cause ultimately its considered one of the most important investments you will make in this hobby... the way I look at things... look at resale value of sbreef lights and reefbreeders... I see reefbreeder lights get swiped up like mad, but sb reeflights sit longer and take a huge drop in price used... I gradually upgraded through the years from mh/t5 hybrid to maxspect razors to all radion/t5 hybrids... obviously radions hold their value well, buy they arent a necessity... I just like the fact that If something crazy in my life came up... I could easily get cash for them straight up... maxspect razors are even great lights... I just sold a 48” 300w fixture to a dude for $350... think of all that extra cash you could buy other things with... sorry, ranted a bit...

 

[PerplexyHexy]

I appreciate your insight, I have to agree that customer service is very important.

May I ask what the issue was with your light?

Thanks

Mike at sbreef lights is a good dude... they weren’t prepared for that many people buying and using their lights. The mounting arms were rusting really bad only after a few weeks of use... after I finally got ahold of him he sent me replacement with a few little freebie toys... like coral glasses and a pod hotel.. ehhhh, nice gesture... but they rusted again after a few weeks and I got rid of the light... traded it for a 36” 6 bulb dimmable ati fixture...