Red Sea Reefer 170 -- Lighting

[7237689918]

I know this has been asked before but just want to get any current opinions.

I'm deciding on the Red Reefer 170 Deluxe, which comes with the Hydra 26 lights.

Or get it w/o lights and the Radion XR15w G4 Pro.

Planning on a mixed reef build.

Thoughts on which may work best?

Thanks in advance!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The radion has more par.
Easier to keep a clam on the sand.

IMO , two Ai (or two units period ) would be best for a mixed reef. One would be fine, but you may be back asking how to fix shading.

 

[Waynerock]

Just switched from a biocube 32 which I had a prime HD on and bought another prime and have both on the reefer. It was only a cheeper option because I already had 1 prime. If I did not have 1 I would of gotten the dlx 170 with the 26 because it is 50.00 cheeper that way. Either way you are gonna love your reefer.

 

[7237689918]

Just switched from a biocube 32 which I had a prime HD on and bought another prime and have both on the reefer. It was only a cheeper option because I already had 1 prime. If I did not have 1 I would of gotten the dlx 170 with the 26 because it is 50.00 cheeper that way. Either way you are gonna love your reefer.

Hey Waynerock.

What model Powerhead do you have on the left back? And, does it work Ok with just one?

 

[Waynerock]

I had just one koralia 240 left over from the biocube that I had and that did not really do it so I put a second 240 on the right side. One of those on each side and a VFG nozzle ( one of the best purchases I have made) on my return that has a sicce 2.5 pump pushing water and it creates nice movement.

 

[7237689918]

I had just one koralia 240 left over from the biocube that I had and that did not really do it so I put a second 240 on the right side. One of those on each side and a VFG nozzle ( one of the best purchases I have made) on my return that has a sicce 2.5 pump pushing water and it creates nice movement.

Cool. I was reading up on those a while back. What size nozzle is used on the 170 for the VFG?

 

[Waynerock]

1/2” nozzle but you have to get the Red Sea adapter as well. Not a big deal it’s only like 6 bucks but don’t forget to order it at the same time I’d go that route. It is pretty amazing how effective it is especially in a smaller tank

 

[7237689918]

The radion has more par.
Easier to keep a clam on the sand.

IMO , two Ai (or two units period ) would be best for a mixed reef. One would be fine, but you may be back asking how to fix shading.

Hi Salty. So you recommend 2 whichever I select for the 170?

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Two leds are better than one, or one 6 bulb ATI T-5. Look into two AI Prime HD. I have one over a IM Lagoon 25 same dimension I think but much more shallow. So it leaves shadows on the corners. Also watch the in depth review of the AI Prime on BRS TV

 

[jhatfield]

Hi Salty. So you recommend 2 whichever I select for the 170?

I would suggest getting two Primes or 2 XR15s. I'm running a single Prime HD on my RS170 and shading is indeed an issue. Haven't measured par but the SPS in the top half of the tank seem happy.

If I had the $$ I'd add a 2nd prime and then diy some sort of diy diffuser.

 

[Schweezy]

I went with the Deluxe (Hydra 26 HD). It’s a good light and I’ve seen considerable growth from all of my corals. I do think the stock height needs to be raised a bit or at least be adjustable.