Loop orbit IC LED light - what?

Mariette · May 8, 2019

After much research, and input from fellow R2Rers, I’ve decided on LEDs. The LOOP orbit IC LED lights seems too good to be true for that price point. $450 for the ones that go on 48-60 inch tanks. Claim they’re fully customizable w run rise/set modes, cloud and lightning modes... am I missing. Something?!? For that price, it claims it also includes LOOP light and pump controller. Uhhh WHAT?!? Am I to understand I can purchase (separately of course), pumps for in the tank to creat flow that are manageable through the same controller that controls the lights? That can’t possibly all be true for $450. Can it???

https://www.aquariumdepot.ca/current-usa-loop-orbit-ic-led-light-48-60-in.html

Vahanyos · May 8, 2019

It's a good light. However, not as strong as other LED's on the market that are more expensive. This light is good for softies, lps, and just FOWLR's imo. I wasn't able to keep demanding SPS with this light a couple years back. Maybe if you stack like 3-4 next to each other but then that would defeat the purpose of saving $ on lights.

Hemmdog · May 8, 2019

You don’t want it, trust me.

Mariette · May 8, 2019

Vahanyos said:
It's a good light. However, not as strong as other LED's on the market that are more expensive. This light is good for softies, lps, and just FOWLR's imo. I wasn't able to keep demanding SPS with this light a couple years back. Maybe if you stack like 3-4 next to each other but then that would defeat the purpose of saving $ on lights.

I’m planing on just softies and mushrooms

Coogles · May 8, 2019

It's a pretty good system, I have the Orbit IC Pro (only difference is it comes with 2 strips instead of 1) on my 135 gallon tank. Pretty much does what you describe. The pump controller can accommodate up to 3 of their eFlux pumps, the first 2 ports are for wave pumps and can run in steady, surge or pulse mode. If both are in surge or pulse mode you can have them run opposite of each other. The third port has stream mode only and is usually used for a return pump.

Mariette · May 8, 2019

Hemmdog said:
You don’t want it, trust me.

Hmmm. Even just for softies and mushrooms? If no, may I ask why?

Mariette · May 8, 2019

Coogles said:
It's a pretty good system, I have the Orbit IC Pro (only difference is it comes with 2 strips instead of 1) on my 135 gallon tank. Pretty much does what you describe. The pump controller can accommodate up to 3 of their eFlux pumps, the first 2 ports are for wave pumps and can run in steady, surge or pulse mode. If both are in surge or pulse mode you can have them run opposite of each other. The third port has stream mode only and is usually used for a return pump.

All this sounds good. Thank u

link81 · May 8, 2019

i think that with softies, maybe some LPS and fish you'd be fine.
no going to be enough light for most SPS, Nem's or clam's.
also depends somewhat on placement and tank depth.

Mariette · May 8, 2019

link81 said:
i think that with softies, maybe some LPS and fish you'd be fine.
no going to be enough light for most SPS, Nem's or clam's.
also depends somewhat on placement and tank depth.

Oops. Forgot about nems. Gonna want a few of them. Ok. Thx. Back to the drawing boards then

Hemmdog · May 8, 2019

Mariette said:
Hmmm. Even just for softies and mushrooms? If no, may I ask why?

It will grow softies and mushrooms but the colors are super washed out. If you looking for a beautiful vibrant reef tank like in pics you see on this site most of the time, you will be disappointed with that light. I had it as my first light into reefing, shortly switched to kessil 360’s to get the vibrancy and growth I was looking for.

Mariette · May 8, 2019

Hemmdog said:
It will grow softies and mushrooms but the colors are super washed out. If you looking for a beautiful vibrant reef tank like in pics you see on this site most of the time, you will be disappointed with that light. I had it as my first light into reefing, shortly switched to kessil 360’s to get the vibrancy and growth I was looking for.

That’s the problem with buying lights online I guess. And that’s why o love this forum. Thx Hemmdog

Vahanyos · May 8, 2019

Spend the few extra $$ and get something that you will ultimately be able to use for ANYTHING. You won't regret it trust me.... the higher end light's also seem to keep their value even after a few months use so you can always sell them and get something else if you really change your mind. I had trouble trying to sell my Current lights :/

Hemmdog · May 8, 2019

Mariette said:
That’s the problem with buying lights online I guess. And that’s why o love this forum. Thx Hemmdog

Anytime !

Pntbll687 · May 8, 2019

Vahanyos said:
Spend the few extra $$ and get something that you will ultimately be able to use for ANYTHING. You won't regret it trust me.... the higher end light's also seem to keep their value even after a few months use so you can always sell them and get something else if you really change your mind. I had trouble trying to sell my Current lights :/

I agree with this 100%

I had 2 of the 24in lights over a 20 long. They would grow softy, shrooms, and slowly grow montipora.

The major downside I had with the lights was all the wiring. Cords from the light to the "hub" then power cords from the hub to the outlet. And then two more cords for each circulation pump. Oh, and they use power adapters at the plug, so that one plug takes up 3 (the one it's in plus the ones next to it) sometimes more spots (ones across from it if it's a double strip).

The controllable aspects are nice, but they are a "flash in the pan" type thing. You use them once or twice and find a setting you like, then never change it again.

As far as resale value, TERRIBLE. I had two 24in lights with two mounting arms listed for 150, and I STILL HAVE THEM.

I switched to a T5 light from amazon with ATI bulbs, and am much happier with color and growth.

Mariette · May 8, 2019

Pntbll687 said:
I agree with this 100%

I had 2 of the 24in lights over a 20 long. They would grow softy, shrooms, and slowly grow montipora.

The major downside I had with the lights was all the wiring. Cords from the light to the "hub" then power cords from the hub to the outlet. And then two more cords for each circulation pump. Oh, and they use power adapters at the plug, so that one plug takes up 3 (the one it's in plus the ones next to it) sometimes more spots (ones across from it if it's a double strip).

The controllable aspects are nice, but they are a "flash in the pan" type thing. You use them once or twice and find a setting you like, then never change it again.

As far as resale value, TERRIBLE. I had two 24in lights with two mounting arms listed for 150, and I STILL HAVE THEM.

I switched to a T5 light from amazon with ATI bulbs, and am much happier with color and growth.