kessil ap700 or giesemann aurora

[natgun1]

I'm planning a tank upgrade from a 150 cube to a 300, currently running 2 hydra 52hds and t/5s,
on the 150 and am pretty happy, but for the new build im really torn between the kessil ap700 or the giesemann aurora. I would love to hear your input thanks

 

[Scorpius]

Depends on what you want to grow.

Heavy SPS: T5/MH with led supplement
LPS/softies: Whatever you want.

 

[natgun1]

yeah im definitely gonna be sps dominant. I read a few threads that showed the par on the aurora was a little lacking but generally had good reviews, were the ap700 is led only but apparently has great spread, just been flip flopping back and forth.

 

[RTab619]

I have the Aurora coming and some of those low PAR readings have me concerned as well. But it seems that if you crank up the LEDs the PAR is fine, you just get a really white tank. So I’m hoping running heavy on blues plus and maybe even one of the blue LED T5s will balance out the white

 

[natgun1]

I was thinking maybe a reefbrite blue xho to help with all that white, but after shelling out over 3k on the aurora I really don't wanna spend another 525 for the reefbrites

 

[natgun1]

anyone running ap700s on a sps heavy tank, and do you think you need t/5 supplementation?

 

[Reefcowboy]

I would go Kessil AP700 and add T’5s. You will need it down the line.
The giesemann Aurora, verve and other leds fram that brand arent as good fixtures as the AI’s/Ecotechs/Kessils IMO.

The look factor is there, but the fixture heats up way too much and dont have as much spread. Heat has always been an issue with giesemann fixtures.
As far as the AP700, great light and beautiful look factor, but I personally wouldnt trust it alone for sps colors long term

 

[Scorpius]

Orphek would be a good option for LED as well as ReefBreeder LED as both panels mimic the coverage of T5. If money was no option I'd go with Orphek.

 

[Reefcowboy]

Orphek would be a good option for LED as well as ReefBreeder LED as both panels mimic the coverage of T5. If money was no option I'd go with Orphek.

I ran the Orphek V3+ on my little 57 gal sps reef and I agree it is the best led for sps out there. Spread was amazing and spectrum as well. The V4 has an improved spectrum over the V3+. One fixture also lit the 36” tank with no shading issues.
I also ran Radions G4 and Hydras, however the Orphek gave me the best results. A few pics of the system. Sorry for high jacking the thread with pics and with a fixture outside of the discussion

 

[reefwiser]

anyone running ap700s on a sps heavy tank, and do you think you need t/5 supplementation?

You will need T5's if you are going to be SPS heavy. They will be doing all the heavy lifting in that combo.
Orphek looks nice and really covers that tank completely. Full tank coverage of LED's can work out just gets high dollar and you need to match the tank to the light exactly.

 

[natgun1]

no worries reefcowboy, I just looked up the orphek v4 gen 2s and I think there is new leader in the club house, those are impressive leaning toward 2 of those over my 180.

 

[Reefrookie220]

no worries reefcowboy, I just looked up the orphek v4 gen 2s and I think there is new leader in the club house, those are impressive leaning toward 2 of those over my 180.

A choice you will not be disappointed with ever. Good call.