Giesemann vs Hydra vs Orphek

[Bos]

For a Reefer 350, 48" tank, not SPS dormant tank........any experience/comment?

1) Giesemann Aurora Hybrid 36in T5/LED

2) Standard AI Hydra 26HD that comes with the Deluxe Reefer package

3) Orphek Atlantik V4, smallest of the lights, 24x10in

 

[ReefInskeep]

If you don’t plan on having much high-light demanding corals, any would be fine.

The Orphek wouldn’t have enough spread to fill the tank with enough PAR on the 6-8” of space on either end for higher demand corals, but it’s a great light and would be more than adequate for a simple mixed reef with strategically placed corals.

The Aurora hybrid 48” would grow anything and would be solid.

The AI Hydra 26s would be suitable for a mixed reef, much like the Orphek. They’d be fine.

Bottom line, Orphek or Aurora are great depending on your personal preferences & needs, or the Hydras are fine if you want to keep it simple with the deluxe series package & mounting.

 

[Bos]

If you don’t plan on having much high-light demanding corals, any would be fine.

The Orphek wouldn’t have enough spread to fill the tank with enough PAR on the 6-8” of space on either end for higher demand corals, but it’s a great light and would be more than adequate for a simple mixed reef with strategically placed corals.

The Aurora hybrid 48” would grow anything and would be solid.

The AI Hydra 26s would be suitable for a mixed reef, much like the Orphek. They’d be fine.

Bottom line, Orphek or Aurora are great depending on your personal preferences & needs, or the Hydras are fine if you want to keep it simple with the deluxe series package & mounting.

well guess that cuts the Orphek out.

The Aurora, was thinking of the smaller 36inch (900mm) one, would the spread be enough to cover a 48in tank?

 

[ReefInskeep]

A 36” would be like the Orphek I’m guessing. Just can’t have certain higher demand SPS on the left & right 6-8”

 

[ReefInskeep]

well guess that cuts the Orphek out.

The Aurora, was thinking of the smaller 36inch (900mm) one, would the spread be enough to cover a 48in tank?

The Orphek would be fine, just the same deal. No high demand acros on 6-8” of either left/right sides.

The ideal solution, if I were picking and had the money, would be 2 Orphek Atlantic fixtures. 48” together. Then if you ever upgrade to a bigger tank, up to 72”, you’re covered.

If you’d consider other options beyond what you listed, the 48” Aquatic Life T5 hybrid T5 fixture (in black or white, now) would be excellent and affordable, then you could throw a few Radions, Kessils or Hydra 26’s in there and you’d have a darn near unbeatable light source.

 

[Bos]

There are quite a few more brands available:
Pacific Sun
ATI Powermodules
Aquatic Life

I do have a newbie questions in regards to T5s.
With LED only lights such as Radion, Hydra, Kessil, etc etc, they can be programmed for sunrise to sunset, basically set and forget, use Acclimatisation modes when needed etc.

With T5s, there are Non-dimmable version and Dimable versions.

How do the T5s/Hybrids whether its non-dimmable or disable....how does the unit handle sunrise sunset?

 

[gcarroll]

If it were me, I would go with the Hydra 26 or better yet, the Radion XR15. That way you can always add a 3rd at a later date to get more punch if that is what you seek.

 

[ReefInskeep]

There are quite a few more brands available:
Pacific Sun
ATI Powermodules
Aquatic Life

I do have a newbie questions in regards to T5s.
With LED only lights such as Radion, Hydra, Kessil, etc etc, they can be programmed for sunrise to sunset, basically set and forget, use Acclimatisation modes when needed etc.

With T5s, there are Non-dimmable version and Dimable versions.

How do the T5s/Hybrids whether its non-dimmable or disable....how does the unit handle sunrise sunset?

You’d rely on the LEDs to simulate that, and have the T5’s on a timer that turns them on when you like.

I really like the ability to use LEDs of your choosing, which the Aquatic Life fixture allows. Giesemann also makes one that accepts whatever LED you choose, called the Stellar, but it has mixed reviews and is more expensive.

Really, you can’t go wrong here. Orphek, Radions, AI Hydras, T5 hybrid, etc. Just depends on your goals for the tank & your preferences.

 

[hart24601]

I have not had Giesemann before, but have had radions and AI which I like, but I have been running Orphek Atlantic and holy cow it's an impressive fixture. Since you are not doing high light corals on the edges one would be fine, or two compacts orpheks. I would personally do one regular Orphek and then if you ever really get into acros could get another one and have that full panel of lights. I really dig the orphek.

 

[Bos]

I have not had Giesemann before, but have had radions and AI which I like, but I have been running Orphek Atlantic and holy cow it's an impressive fixture. Since you are not doing high light corals on the edges one would be fine, or two compacts orpheks. I would personally do one regular Orphek and then if you ever really get into acros could get another one and have that full panel of lights. I really dig the orphek.

I emailed them (Orphek) and like what you said, 2x V4 would be ideal but $$$, into the Giesemann Hybrid pricing BUT they did suggest if I wanted to save a little cash, 1x V4 now then get a Compact later, side by side placement....essentially making it a 38" over 48" tank.

Not quite sure how the different number of diodes and its arrangement (Full V4 vs Compact) would affect the lighting though

 

[hart24601]

The orphek strips are also pretty sweet.

 

[scardall]

I emailed them (Orphek) and like what you said, 2x V4 would be ideal but $$$, into the Giesemann Hybrid pricing BUT they did suggest if I wanted to save a little cash, 1x V4 now then get a Compact later, side by side placement....essentially making it a 38" over 48" tank.

Not quite sure how the different number of diodes and its arrangement (Full V4 vs Compact) would affect the lighting though

I would still favor Orphek. 6" on left and right is not that much. Besides you need room to clean the glass too. They are THE best. #2 Gieseman #3 why bother as SB has a 44" led fixture that would be ok.

 

[fishnugget1]

I have used Radion G4 30 Pro's in past. I recently purchased Aurora 60" from Giesemann. Now after doing alot of thread reading it seems that maybe my switch over to Giesemann won't produce as good results in terms of growth & coloration. I made this change for asthetics and to butt T5's for added growth & coloration. Did I make a mistake?

 

[scardall]

I have used Radion G4 30 Pro's in past. I recently purchased Aurora 60" from Giesemann. Now after doing alot of thread reading it seems that maybe my switch over to Giesemann won't produce as good results in terms of growth & coloration. I made this change for asthetics and to *** T5's for added growth & coloration. Did I make a mistake?

IMO no. I prefer Leds + T5's or MH and T5's as an option. orphek 1st choice and Geisemann 2nd the Radion/kessil. Still my own opinions-good luck (Lighting is not the only factor in growth and color)