LED decisions SUCK!

Wankell · Oct 28, 2015

I just picked up a IM NUVO Fusion 20, and I am looking for a highish end light for it, not ATI Powermodule hybrid high end, but XR15wPRO, Hydra26HD, ATI Sirius X2 high end. The problem is I have been reading so many mixed reviews its hard to hone in on one.

I am interested in spread and being able to grow SPS, it seems to me the ATI X2 has the best spread, but its also XR30 price territory and hard to justify in comparison to the competition. The HYDRA 26HD is much more affordable and gives the spread but induces more shadowing, as does the XR15. I have also read that the XR15 isnt very SPS capable.

I know I will get a lot of biased and personal opinion, but does anyone have any actual numbers and/or experience to go by?

Please no Nanobox suggestions or DIY, I dont want to bother with DIY and not a fan of Nanobox.

IndoReefer · Oct 28, 2015

After many LEDs at $$$, I'm a Kessil fan running A360WE on a couple of my tanks. They just recently intro'd a newer light that I think would work great on your tank. Follow link for all specs and good luck.
http://www.kessil.com/aquarium/Saltwater_AP700.php

SifuMemphis · Oct 28, 2015

I never had T5s but heard good things about them for SPS. I went from 2x Kessil A360we to 2x Radion Xr30 pros. Couldn't be happier.

Wankell · Oct 28, 2015

SifuMemphis said:
I never had T5s but heard good things about them for SPS. I went from 2x Kessil A360we to 2x Radion Xr30 pros. Couldn't be happier.

I've had them, along with a hybrid T5/LED setup, I think they are going the way of the dinosaur tbh.

Wankell · Oct 28, 2015

Added XR30's as an option, they seem the most tried and true.

Thle009 · Oct 29, 2015

The best coverage with Orphek Atlantik V2.1 dual channel. But it's not easy on the wallet and so far anything purple would color up nicely in my tank. Others are slow to respond. Radion seems to have a broad customer base which you can ask for help from the community for color settings, programming, etc...

RareEarthCorals · Oct 29, 2015

This will end up just as confusing as the mixed reviews. As far as numbers its too early to tell for the new Hydra26HD. There are a few par numbers out there on the Radion but it is one puck vs two on the Hydra. The Orphek would be dropping a nuclear bomb on such a small tank, overkill. Kessil's are again pendant lights one vs two. I can also point out three members dumping Kessils for Hydras. Information is biased and it doesnt much matter were it comes from. Everyone has likes and dislikes. Point is what hits the check boxes for you?

Dtackett · Oct 29, 2015

I like the kessil lights, but best performance, best bang for your buck, and best par/pur is going to be a @SB Reef Lights led. youll be able to grow anything you put under them. check out his tank build if you want to see the lights.

Wankell · Oct 29, 2015

RareEarthCorals said:
This will end up just as confusing as the mixed reviews. As far as numbers its too early to tell for the new Hydra26HD. There are a few par numbers out there on the Radion but it is one puck vs two on the Hydra. The Orphek would be dropping a nuclear bomb on such a small tank, overkill. Kessil's are again pendant lights one vs two. I can also point out three members dumping Kessils for Hydras. Information is biased and it doesnt much matter were it comes from. Everyone has likes and dislikes. Point is what hits the check boxes for you?

Yeah I know a lot of it is based on what I want out of it, but im looking for coverage, spread, and quality. I am leaning towards the G3 XR30wPro now, I would have endless amounts of upgrade room in regard to tank size if I did decide to upgrade. The cost is what makes me second guess it, plus mount, plus reeflink.

Dtackett · Oct 29, 2015

you don't have to worry about any of that with the SB Reef lights. no need for reef link, you can hang them or build a mount or buy a mount. high quality, good spread, great par/pur. but a fraction of the cost of comparable lights.

SifuMemphis · Oct 29, 2015

Wankell said:
Added XR30's as an option, they seem the most tried and true.

Don't forget about the new Kessil AP700s. Supposedly it's suppose to give Radions a run for their money

mannyhernz · Oct 29, 2015

I've been running radion xr30 since i started my fusion in May.
Great growth on all my coral

AllSignsPointToFish · Oct 29, 2015

Dtackett said:
I like the kessil lights, but best performance, best bang for your buck, and best par/pur is going to be a @SB Reef Lights led. youll be able to grow anything you put under them. check out his tank build if you want to see the lights.

How does one get pricing or delivery options for SB Reef Lights if they don't have Facebook?

IronVulture · Oct 29, 2015

Check this out it helped me

Wankell · Oct 29, 2015

I actually watched that yesterday! Haha

jasonandsarah · Oct 29, 2015

Get gen 3 pro's! If you pick a good schedule and stick to it you'll be more then happy.

WetWhistle · Oct 29, 2015

I have three kinds of LED on various tanks and I have to say my Hydra are the best performers for growing and coloring corals by far. The other two work but I see a noticeable difference between them.

jasonandsarah · Oct 29, 2015

WetWhistle said:
I have three kinds of LED on various tanks and I have to say my Hydra are the best performers for growing and coloring corals by far. The other two work but I see a noticeable difference between them.

But what are the other 2? Kinda important to your point [emoji3]

Wankell · Oct 29, 2015

jasonandsarah said:
But what are the other 2? Kinda important to your point [emoji3]

I was just about to say that. Do share the full detail.

JOSE CASAS · Oct 29, 2015

Xr30w pro ...........diff a beast of a light and now that i have been running for 1+ year its diff one of the best lights out. I good very good growth, colors and spread. Love the functionality!