Neptune SKY LED

[Jon's Reef]

Interesting. I have a 100.3 and was wondering if 2 sky would be needed. Right now I run an orphek Atlantik high over the tank and feel it’s perfect for my tank still after 3 years, but I did wonder about the sky still.

This was also my question. 1 seems to do a good job for a mixed reef. If you are going wall to wall high par SPS, then there is a par fall off in the upper left/ right. I have a 36x30x24 (lxwxd) tank for my next project and am planning on 2 mounted front-back for that.

 

[PeterC99]

I found the ideal height to be 10-12". Higher does not gain much more, but lower results in a more focused effect.

Just measured my Radion mounts - Should be right at that 10” height.

Thank you!

 

[Jon's Reef]

overpriced

That is your personal judgment call. It is overpriced for you.

For me, it was cheaper than 1 XR30. And in reality I was looking at 2 XR30 to get the right coverage.

Price/ # LEDS/ Power/ Construction is right in line with the other lights in this category.

Radion: Same Construction, same # LED (104), Same W (~220): $890 + $36 (diffuser)
Coral Care Gen 2: Metal/ Glass, 68 leds, 170W: $930 (w/ Controller)
Straton: Metal, 153 LED, 230W: $1100
Orphek Atlantik: Metal/ Plastic, 78 LED, 210W: $1200 with controller (I did not see a price for the new icon upgrade)
Kessil A500X: Metal, ? LED Count, 185 W: $870 with wifi dongle

 

[Hydrored]

I ended up buying 4 GNC Blue Ray Pros to try and compare to my Stratons for the new build and passing on the Sky’s to try and compare. Be happy with what you bought, I think everyone has made their point here and this has dragged out. Good luck, I’m out!

 

[areefer01]

Im enjoying the bantering back and forth between Sky and Radion Owners. I have 2 Radion Xr30 G5 pros on my RSR425XL. Thinking about purchasing a Sky and putting it next to the Radion. Seems the only the way I will figure this debate out. Will need my friend @chemisfun11 to make a light shade for the Sky. Can I make an honest judgment if I use the same mounts on each?

I think Matt(?) at saltwater aquarium is doing this. He has 3 or 4 radions (pro) and 2 SKY's over the display. He said something along the lines of that he wanted to see the lights over the display side by side before they finish the migration. Should note the display had more radions than skys but that isn't important. Just saying that he is doing this. I can't speak for others.

 

[areefer01]

What is Jake's bias? But those who are affiliated with Neptune and failed to mention a single negative thing about the Skys in early reviews and those who participated in informercials are not bias???

Look at the "opinion" piece he wrote on Neptune blocking resellers of the Hydros. No factual information in that at all. It is here - go search for it.

Not sure what infomercial you are referring to. You didn't answer my post though. No one is posting saying they have issues. Or very few are. This ties back to your infomercial or having nothing negative to say. If there isn't anything negative to say you want them to make something up? Is Dana's article a infomercial because he said nothing negative?

Yes, overpriced. It's plastic and you're better off buying multiple other lights as to performance (depending on the look you want or ease of use).

So in "your" opinion it is over priced. Sounds like the light isn't for you then. BTW you didn't answer. Build thread or picture of your display? Interested to see.

 

[areefer01]

I ended up buying 4 GNC Blue Ray Pros to try and compare to my Stratons for the new build and passing on the Sky’s to try and compare. Be happy with what you bought, I think everyone has made their point here and this has dragged out. Good luck, I’m out!

I don't know about the GNC's but everyone who has the Stratons is happy. You should be - they seem like a solid light. I don't know why BRS or others haven't looked at them more.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Look at the "opinion" piece he wrote on Neptune blocking resellers of the Hydros. No factual information in that at all. It is here - go search for it.

Not sure what infomercial you are referring to. You didn't answer my post though. No one is posting saying they have issues. Or very few are. This ties back to your infomercial or having nothing negative to say. If there isn't anything negative to say you want them to make something up? Is Dana's article a infomercial because he said nothing negative?



So in "your" opinion it is over priced. Sounds like the light isn't for you then. BTW you didn't answer. Build thread or picture of your display? Interested to see.

Really, that's your evidence of bias by Jake.... Lots of people, like me don't care for Neptune's misleading and false marketing and hype over say $900 pieces of plastic, but the article you cite to is not evidence of Jake being biased as to product reviews; Jake just reported--because that's what he does--what he heard....

Informercials: any video review of the sky done by Neptune pre-release. I think any review that does not include ANYTHING negative--yes is biased on purpose or by omission. EVERYTHING has SOMETHING that is isn't perfect...

Yes, $900 is way too much...

And yes i did answer your question as to build threads, now that you seem to want to make this personal and imply i have no experience or don't know what i am talking about--which is probably you... :

 

[rtparty]

I ended up buying 4 GNC Blue Ray Pros to try and compare to my Stratons for the new build and passing on the Sky’s to try and compare. Be happy with what you bought, I think everyone has made their point here and this has dragged out. Good luck, I’m out!

So that's how you're gonna do us? "Hey guys, just dropped like $10k in new lights. Peace! I'm out!" ;Hilarious

Fine, I'll keep refreshing your build thread

 

[Jon's Reef]

EVERYTHING has SOMETHING that is isn't perfect...

Your campaign in pursuit of this has simply led to the continued spread of misinformation. It has resulted in a series of ludicrous claims resulting in the reduction of credibility of both the sources and people who spread it.

Kudos to Neptune for being very open about addressing the false info directly.

 

[areefer01]

Really, that's your evidence of bias by Jake.... Lots of people, like me don't care for Neptune's misleading and false marketing and hype over say $900 pieces of plastic, but the article you cite to is not evidence of Jake being biased as to product reviews; Jake just reported--because that's what he does--what he heard....

No, that is just one example.

Informercials: any video review of the sky done by Neptune pre-release. I think any review that does not include ANYTHING negative--yes is biased on purpose or by omission. EVERYTHING has SOMETHING that is isn't perfect...

Maybe there isn't anything negative about the light so far for the people that are using them. You are looking for something that just isn't there so far. Look in this thread or the Neptune forum, or other forums, or their own. There is just not a lot of issues being reported. Not sure why this is difficult for you to accept.

Anyone here posts something positive the same pack of wolfs come to say they are wrong, lying, or are some how related or being paid. They can't just be satisfied customers who enjoy the light.

Yes, $900 is way too much...

In your opinion. There are other lights in the price point. Are they also too expensive?

And yes i did answer your question as to build threads, now that you seem to want to make this personal and imply i have no experience or don't know what i am talking about--which is probably you... :

It isn't about what you do or do not know. It is about your personal agenda to counter any post on the Neptune sky product with negativity.

 

[PanhandleReef]

I ended up buying 4 GNC Blue Ray Pros to try and compare to my Stratons for the new build and passing on the Sky’s to try and compare. Be happy with what you bought, I think everyone has made their point here and this has dragged out. Good luck, I’m out!

 

[areefer01]

And yes i did answer your question as to build threads, now that you seem to want to make this personal and imply i have no experience or don't know what i am talking about--which is probably you... :

To @Mywifeisgunnakillme, and others. Please accept my apology if it seemed like I may have made it personal. It was not my intent so wanted to do the right thing and clear that up. The world is a train wreck as it is we don't need that perception in a virtual world related to a hobby we all care about and love.

Sorry Mywifeisgunnakillme.

 

[blaxsun]

Disregarding the debate over which light is better, it does seem like it really comes down to coverage.

* XR15 ... 20” x 30” coverage
* XR30 ... 20” x 40” coverage (horizontal)
* SKY ... 24” x 30” coverage (horizontal)

This is all based on SPS specs, so you can reasonably expect another 4-6” with either dimension for non-SPS.

My 72” mixed reef tank has a pair of XR30’s on the sides (2x40”=80”j and a single XR15 in the center (30”), which is about 110” worth of coverage. Everything has been spaced out such that there’s a bit of overlap between the three Radions, so there’s not really any dim areas between the lights (there is still a bit of drop-off in the corners and a slight bit along the aides and back).

The options for my tank were as follows:
* 4x XR30 (mounted vertically) ... $3,600
* 3x XR30 (mounted horizontally) ... $2,700
* 2x XR30 + 1x XR15 ... $2,250
* 4x XR15 ... $1,800

If we look at the SKY, I could probably stretch it and get away with 2 units - provided I didn’t go full SPS. But I’d really need 3 units to give me similar coverage:
* 3x SKY (mounted horizontal) ... $2,550
* 2x SKY (mounted horizontal) ... $1,700

I’m excluding the cost of any mounts or accessories, but my current Radion configuration and the cheapest Radion configuration are still cheaper than the 3x SKY lights I’d need for comparable coverage. Even if I stretched coverage with a pair of SKYs, it only saves me $100 over running 4x XR15s - and I wouldn’t necessarily have the same coverage.

I think if the SKY had a half-size version (similar to the XR15) and some decent mounting options it would warrant more consideration.

 

[rtparty]

Disregarding the debate over which light is better, it does seem like it really comes down to coverage.

* XR15 ... 20” x 30” coverage
* XR30 ... 20” x 40” coverage (horizontal)
* SKY ... 24” x 30” coverage (horizontal)

This is all based on SPS specs, so you can reasonably expect another 4-6” with either dimension for non-SPS.

My 72” mixed reef tank has a pair of XR30’s on the sides (2x40”=80”j and a single XR15 in the center (30”), which is about 110” worth of coverage. Everything has been spaced out such that there’s a bit of overlap between the three Radions, so there’s not really any dim areas between the lights (there is still a bit of drop-off in the corners and a slight bit along the aides and back).

The options for my tank were as follows:
* 4x XR30 (mounted vertically) ... $3,600
* 3x XR30 (mounted horizontally) ... $2,700
* 2x XR30 + 1x XR15 ... $2,250
* 4x XR15 ... $1,800

If we look at the SKY, I could probably stretch it and get away with 2 units - provided I didn’t go full SPS. But I’d really need 3 units to give me similar coverage:
* 3x SKY (mounted horizontal) ... $2,550
* 2x SKY (mounted horizontal) ... $1,700

I’m excluding the cost of any mounts or accessories, but my current Radion configuration and the cheapest Radion configuration are still cheaper than the 3x SKY lights I’d need for comparable coverage. Even if I stretched coverage with a pair of SKYs, it only saves me $100 over running 4x XR15s - and I wouldn’t necessarily have the same coverage.

I think if the SKY had a half-size version (similar to the XR15) and some decent mounting options it would warrant more consideration.

Not trying to argue here...trying to get clarification.

Where are you getting those numbers for spread?

 

[Naturalreef]

Nothing against Neptune, I love their products sincerely. But I think I jumped the gun on the sky. My XR30 G5 Blue just checks off everything that I need in a light and the sky does nothing more for me at this time. Will be returning it. If the ATI Straton had a radionish type Mount, I would have bought it already. Wife will not and I repeat will not allow wires from the ceiling. She is so selfish

 

[blaxsun]

Not trying to argue here...trying to get clarification.
Where are you getting those numbers for spread?

Right from EcoTech and Neptune. I’m using the SPS coverage that Neptune listed for the SKY.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Your campaign in pursuit of this has simply led to the continued spread of misinformation. It has resulted in a series of ludicrous claims resulting in the reduction of credibility of both the sources and people who spread it.

Kudos to Neptune for being very open about addressing the false info directly.

That's hysterical, never underestimate tribal brand loyalty.... Neptune is one of worst offenders of overhyped and overpriced (plastic) products. They whine foul when they demand attention and the spotlight but people are rightfully skeptical of their infomercials and ridiculous claims such as the Sky "beat the brs test" and 3 SKys replace 5 G5 XR-30's. Then when asked why they don't do par and spread tests against the G5--after making such ridiculous claims--they say the Sky wasn't marketed to compete against the G5.... EHHH??!!

I still own an aqua controller Jr. Used it and loved it.... Neptune was nothing like it is now in the past. It might help to remember such perspectives and realize they---drivers of plastic hype---are top offender as to why this hobby is unaffordable.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

To @Mywifeisgunnakillme, and others. Please accept my apology if it seemed like I may have made it personal. It was not my intent so wanted to do the right thing and clear that up. The world is a train wreck as it is we don't need that perception in a virtual world related to a hobby we all care about and love.

Sorry Mywifeisgunnakillme.

No worries man, that's pretty cool of you.

 

[Kyle_bania]

SKY LED Aquarium Light

The Closest to The Sun You Can Get The SKY is a 200w LED aquarium light, with patented diffuser technology smoothly blending 104 LEDs to create a uniformly blended field of coral-health-optimized light. Taking a cue from nature, the specialized diffuser array mimics the filtering effect of our...

www.bulkreefsupply.com