Need a new light ASAP

[BanjoBandito]

I have a 12 gallon nano and my Red Sea LED50 appears to be crapping out (9 months old). I need a replacement light ASAP. I’d like an LED that’s somewhat “upgrade proof”….as I’ll prob move to a 40 gallon cube or peninsula tank in the next year. Trying to stay under 500. Thanks.

 

[unchaotic]

If you're willing to spend the $500 then you should probably go with a Radion XR15. I don't think anyone is ever unhappy about buying those. It'll be overkill on the 12 gallon but should be very nice on the 40 cube.

Personally, I've got a 40 gallon AIO with an Ocean Revive over it. I like the idea of the spread out LEDs in it, but to be fair it really hasn't had to prove much yet. FWIW, it's helping keep some nearly dead SPS alive, my purple stylo looks great, and my GSP and zoas are growing, but that could just be the stability of the tank.

I've got a Viparspectra on my tank at home and I'm liking the results so far. I modified it to be ramp-able with my Apex. So it's nice, but if you're willing to spend the money just going all out from the get go and getting the Radion is probably the way to go and if you've got a decent LFS they should stock them.

 

[MONTANTK]

I agree with the XR15 or even an XR30 although it’s a little out of budget. A peninsula or even a 40 cube would really be stretching the light to its limit depending on the dimensions. Either way, all you would have to do is add a second one. An alternative is an AI Prime. You would definitely need to buy more if you upgrade but you could buy a second one and still be under $500

 

[Shooter6]

Smaller version of the orphek. Or just a couple orphek bars. I don't know the dimensions of the current tank so the bars may be to long for it.

 

[Utubereefer]

@noopsyche ????

 

[blaxsun]

+1 for EcoTech XR15 Radion.

 

[Grumblez]

I would look more at what app you like, AI Prime 16, Kessil 360x or Kessil 500 Radeon XR15, they are all gonna be overkill for a 12 gallon but good for a 40.

 

[WestonNanos]

I cant say enough good things about the AI prime, Get one for your nano... Get a bigger tank.... and then get another one! Then youre still well below the $500 range

 

[PeterC99]

Look for lightly used Radion XR15. I picked up 2 XR30 G5 for a great price a year and half ago. Make sure to inquire about age, condition, and why selling. Great lights, control, and aquarium pops!

 

[Intense37754]

NICREW Aquarium LED Reef Light, Dimmable Full Spectrum Marine LED for Saltwater Coral Fish Tanks
50w would work or splurge for the 100

 

[BanjoBandito]

+1 for EcoTech XR15 Radion.

What's the arm mount like for it? I don't see glowing reviews. I'm stuck with an arm mount option right now, can't hang.

 

[Intense37754]

40g cube

ReeFi Uno – ReeFi Lab

www.reefi-lab.com

 

[Intense37754]

What's the arm mount like for it? I don't see glowing reviews. I'm stuck with an arm mount option right now, can't hang.

We have an XR15 which is an awesome light and the mount is very sturdy. I think we have the one that slides

 

[BanjoBandito]

Between an XR15 and the AI Hydra. XR15 seems like the "gold standard" and adding a second one wouldn't break the bank (allegedly).

 

[BanjoBandito]

Kudos to the other member givin' me that HOPE SHOT today and coming through! Take credit iffin' ya want. I won't put you on blast!

 

[blaxsun]

What's the arm mount like for it? I don't see glowing reviews. I'm stuck with an arm mount option right now, can't hang.

The RMS mount is actually fairly decent. It does sag a bit when you mount the larger XR30 to it, but just using it for an XR15 is a very nice setup (I have a pair of XR30s and an XR15 all on RMS mounts). And it has groves/channels in the mount for hiding the cord to run down the back so you can't see it at all.