Reef Brite or SB bar for blue accent

[mfinn]

I'm looking to add a blue led bar to my ATI T5 fixture.
Which is the better product?
I see there is about $30 difference between the 24" models.
Is it worth it?

 

[TexasTodd]

Orphek OR bars are a better deal.

 

[mfinn]

Orphek OR bars are a better deal.

Better deal because of the price?
Or better product?

 

[mfinn]

AND, I see there is a Reef Breeders blue led bar too.
Anyone use one of those?

 

[TexasTodd]

Price but they're nice quality too.

 

[jschultzbass]

I have two of the Orphek bars and love them. Good price and great quality. I've used the Reefbrite bars before and like them as well but definitely like the optics and customer support from Orphek. I have a Reefbreeders V2 over my frag tank and really like it and I'm guessing their bars aren't bad either and are the around the same price as the Orphek. Tough call but I'll be sticking with Orphek for now.

 

[Scurvy]

I have only tried the Reef Brite XHO actinic but will say theyre without a doubt worth adding to a standard T5 Fixture.

 

[ghostman]

+1 for the Orphek bar. Color of the Blue+ bar really pops corals, and adds some PAR as well. The spectrum is exactly what I wanted over my tank. Customer service is great as well.

 

[Water Dog]

Do the Orphek bars come with mounting brackets for ATI T5 fixtures like the brackets that come with the ReeBrites or sBars?

 

[mfinn]

Do the Orphek bars come with mounting brackets for ATI T5 fixtures like the brackets that come with the ReeBrites or sBars?

Good question

 

[jschultzbass]

Do the Orphek bars come with mounting brackets for ATI T5 fixtures like the brackets that come with the ReeBrites or sBars?

Yes they do come with mounting brackets that should work with ATI. I think I remember that question being asked over on the Orphek OR120 thread quite a bit.

 

[PerplexyHexy]

I'm looking to add a blue led bar to my ATI T5 fixture.
Which is the better product?
I see there is about $30 difference between the 24" models.
Is it worth it?

I was pretty impressed with the sbar actinics... I had 2 on my 36” ati and it was a nice addition... their mounting was extremely solid and they are very well built... Also come with a dimmable ballast, which nice to dial in brightness... only thing sucks, is their customer service... Which to me is a big thing... other than that, I was very satisfied with the lights aesthetics and performance as well as price point... would I buy again? Eh, would probably try another brand to see if service is better... Orphek was super responsive when I asked questions when I was searching for supplemental led bars... I would probaby go with them If I were to buy another set again... Just trying to give you a little input...

 

[mfinn]

Yes they do come with mounting brackets that should work with ATI. I think I remember that question being asked over on the Orphek OR120 thread quite a bit.

actually they are different than the Reef Brite.
The Reef Brites use existing holes in the case.
With the sb led bars you have to drill holes into the side of the light fixture, which in my mind would end up lowering the future value of your T5 fixture.
Also I talked with a friend I knew who had ordered 4 of the light bars.
2 were defective right out of the box. He said he has gotten no help from sb.

 

[minus9]

I have three Orphek OR2 bars (all blue plus) and they're great for blue, pop and PAR. I'm replacing my T5's with these bars and they're awesome.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...0-bars-led-lights.390915/page-52#post-6293290

 

[Water Dog]

Yes they do come with mounting brackets that should work with ATI. I think I remember that question being asked over on the Orphek OR120 thread quite a bit.

That’s good to know. Can anyone post a picture of how they have their Orphek Bars mounted to their ATI T5 fixtures? Specifically looking for a shot of the mounting bracket and how and where it attaches.

 

[minus9]

There should be pics in this thread.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...0-bars-led-lights.390915/page-52#post-6293290

 

[Water Dog]

There should be pics in this thread.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...0-bars-led-lights.390915/page-52#post-6293290

Thanks for the link. It looks almost identical to the sBar mounts.

 

[PerplexyHexy]

actually they are different than the Reef Brite.
The Reef Brites use existing holes in the case.
With the sb led bars you have to drill holes into the side of the light fixture, which in my mind would end up lowering the future value of your T5 fixture.
Also I talked with a friend I knew who had ordered 4 of the light bars.
2 were defective right out of the box. He said he has gotten no help from sb.

They are seriously small m8 holes... you cant see them... if you were to put buttonhead screws in their place no one would know... would look part of the fixture...

 

[PerplexyHexy]

I think your the first person that Ive ever hear comment on devaluing their fixture by drilling for supplemental led bars... most people like the fact its pre drilled for bars

 

[mfinn]

I think your the first person that Ive ever hear comment on devaluing their fixture by drilling for supplemental led bars... most people like the fact its pre drilled for bars

I happen to like that the Reef Brite bars use existing holes that's all.
And yes extra holes in a fixture would have a tendency to lower the re-sale value.

Holes in the fixture are just that, holes.