Reefer 250, Help me choose lights..

[baktabiznis]

I just finished cycling my RedSea Reefer 250 and still don't have lights. The display is a 57 gallons(36x20x21). I'm debating going with 2x Hydra 26 HDs or 1 XR30 gen 4. I'm leaning towards the AIs because of the simplicity of just plug and play with the app vs the ecotech requiring a vdm and cable for the apex or ecosmart. If I do go with the ecotech, in the future (4-6months) I will probably buy another led if I don't upgrade the entire system. I plan on keeping a mixed reef with definitely some sps so I don't want to be limited by my lights. The spread on the new gen 4 ecotech seems to be able to cover the tank with minimal shadows but I'm not sure if thats the best idea. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

32in Sbreeflight pro.extreme. ESP if you expect to upgrade. Or a photon V2. A kessil ap700 will have half the power of both of those but your tank isnt that deep. The ap would look better on the tank IMO.

 

[Broadfield]

The two 26HDs will give you better spread across the length of the tank.

If you look at the spread for the Xr30 Gen 4 below, you start to lose PAR when you get 6" out from the center. The two separate 26HDs will allow you to get a better blend across the tank.

 

[Reefer1978]

If you are dead set on Ecotechs, 2 XR15s will be better then a single XR30.

 

[baktabiznis]

If you are dead set on Ecotechs, 2 XR15s will be better then a single XR30.

I was thinking about that option. I might bite he bullet and go with 2 radions upfront. Hoping for someone to post a mind blowing cheaper option, lol. I was in World Wide Corals today and alllll there tanks are under ecotech and they look amazing. Maybe I should look into used XR30 gen 3. But I did read they tend to loose power depending n how hey were ran..?

 

[Broadfield]

I was thinking about that option. I might bite he bullet and go with 2 radions upfront. Hoping for someone to post a mind blowing cheaper option, lol. I was in World Wide Corals today and alllll there tanks are under ecotech and they look amazing. Maybe I should look into used XR30 gen 3. But I did read they tend to loose power depending n how hey were ran..?

You can't go wrong with either AI or Ecotech. I do find it absurd that the Gen 4 fixtures don't have WiFi or Bluetooth built in though. I think that's a huge plus on the AIs.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Hoping for someone to post a mind blowing cheaper option,

I did.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The two 26HDs will give you better spread across the length of the tank.

Whats the max par on those at the right height, on the top and the sand, Approximately?

 

[baktabiznis]

I did.

The sb's seem very similar to other black box LEDs I have had. The last ones I had were Mars aqua. I'm going to look into these a little more

 

[Reefer1978]

I was thinking about that option. I might bite he bullet and go with 2 radions upfront. Hoping for someone to post a mind blowing cheaper option, lol. I was in World Wide Corals today and alllll there tanks are under ecotech and they look amazing. Maybe I should look into used XR30 gen 3. But I did read they tend to loose power depending n how hey were ran..?

I don't think 2 gen3 XR30's will be cheaper then 2 gen4 XR15s...

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The sb's seem very similar to other black box LEDs I have had. The last ones I had were Mars aqua. I'm going to look into these a little more

it worth a look. A bigger difference too is the aesthetic appeal on the tank. BB's arent that slick. Also all of the above have a characteristic" look" too. The SB's ted toward a royal blue, the Kessil an Aqua, etc. the MARS, Blurple and pink.

 

[Broadfield]

Whats the max par on those at the right height, on the top and the sand, Approximately?

I have not personally owned the 26s... only the Primes and 52s. Individually, they obviously are not as powerful as the XR30 Gen 4. But together they are about the same. So he would have slightly less PAR, but spread more evenly across the tank with the 26s. Personally I would do the AP700 if I wanted a single fixture to cover a 3 ft tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have not personally owned the 26s... only the Primes and 52s. Individually, they obviously are not as powerful as the XR30 Gen 4. But together they are about the same. So he would have slightly less PAR, but spread more evenly across the tank with the 26s. Personally I would do the AP700 if I wanted a single fixture to cover a 3 ft tank.

Cool. Still more than enough from all of them.

 

[baktabiznis]

Maybe 2x ecotech XR15s are a better option then the Hydra 26 hd's.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Maybe 2x ecotech XR15s are a better option then the Hydra 26 hd's.

What's your priority. If I Mak ask. Some r looking for sleek. Some for par. Some control. Some for set n forget
Depending where youre at in reefing I think it can help decide the choice.
At my stage I'm going for exotic custom high power from an old school mh reefer who builds leds now. I am am nut job.

Radion have a name. Kessil are good. Ai knows what thier doing. SB's have a cult. They all grow coral.

 

[baktabiznis]

What's your priority. If I Mak ask. Some r looking for sleek. Some for par. Some control. Some for set n forget
Depending where youre at in reefing I think it can help decide the choice.
At my stage I'm going for exotic custom high power from an old school mh reefer who builds leds now. I am am nut job.

Radion have a name. Kessil are good. Ai knows what thier doing. SB's have a cult. They all grow coral.

Really a sleek led, grows everything, easy to program and will keep its value for resale in the future.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Really a sleek led, grows everything, easy to program and will keep its value for resale in the future.

Look at the ap700. Google some tanks. Over a Red Sea tank it's furniture.

The light doesn't grow stuff though. The reefer does.