Replace my Orpheks with?

fragit · Apr 15, 2020

So when I set up my tank fall of 2016 I got some Orphek Compact V3 fixtures. Long story short I’m replacing them, if you are wondering why search the threads numerous reasons out there. Any way my system is softie/lps with a few sps. Here are my lighting requirements

LED LIGHTS ONLY
Solid product, reliable, good/great customer service.

Lighting needs to have WiFi controllability or an available controller (no controller here)

Budget = $1k or less

120 gal standard dimensions
Softie LPS system with some SPS, may move towards more SPS in the future.

Spare time · Apr 15, 2020

Red Sea Reef Led90 is a good options. Nice price point. I would say AI but their app can be a little frustrating to connect. Plus the red sea has more power dedicated to blueand doesn't waste your time with green or red LEDs.

fragit · Apr 15, 2020

Spare time said:
Red Sea Reef Led90 is a good options. Nice price point.

Was thinking about those, no track record makes me nervous right now.

Spare time · Apr 15, 2020

fragit said:
Was thinking about those, no track record makes me nervous right now.

I haven't used the app myself but I have seen them in person plenty of times and like the par readings and color and such.

To be honest, I think you will be fine with any major light brand (with a few exceptions like current and others who only make shallow tank LEDs). Nearly all of the dense led versions have a 24x24 spread (unless you get their 700-800 versions) and will coral just fine.

MTBake · Apr 15, 2020

I'm really leaning towards these myself...

ReeFi LED Duo Extreme – ReeFi Lab

www.reefi-lab.com

fragit · Apr 15, 2020

MTBake said:
I'm really leaning towards these myself...

ReeFi LED Duo Extreme – ReeFi Lab

www.reefi-lab.com

Yes I like those too! A little above budget though.

BullyBee · Apr 15, 2020

AI prime. ESP with blue tooth capabilities it is so much easier than using wifi to connect.

Cwentz758 · Apr 15, 2020

I have the Red Sea 50s I think they work and look good and I’m very very happy with them. I’m sure the 90s are better. The App itself for the lights I find very user friendly and you can control your lights anywhere from your phone since they’re connected to your house WiFi. There’s been many updates to firmware since I got my lights in December. I did have some whine when they were up at a higher intensity and RS was very helpful in diagnosing the issue and sent a replacement chip piece free of charge.

fragit · Apr 15, 2020

BullyBee said:
AI prime. ESP with blue tooth capabilities it is so much easier than using wifi to connect.

Those won’t put out enough juice for a 48x24x24 tank

sarcophytonIndy · Apr 15, 2020

Love Kessil. I have three A360WEs on my 125. I got them used for $250 a piece. Unfortunately, new would blow your budget.

Camaro Show Corals · Apr 15, 2020

Really hard with your budget, 2 new radion xr30 pros gen5 would get the job done and you could grow anything you want.

BullyBee · Apr 15, 2020

fragit said:
Those won’t put out enough juice for a 48x24x24 tank

No but 3 will and that will come under your budget. Slightly over with mounts. I have a 48x 18 90 gallon planted and I use two. For your application I recommend 3.

Also try to get the blue and white ones. They are even cheaper. They are like $185 each.

fragit · Apr 15, 2020

sarcophytonIndy said:
Love Kessil. I have three A360WEs on my 125. I got them used for $250 a piece. Unfortunately, new would blow your budget.

Yes Kessils are high in my list. According to BRS I can get away with two and be just above my budget. Love the shimmer in your beautiful tank.

Cwentz758 · Apr 15, 2020

Might be able to snag some Radion G4’s on here used for under your budget.

Aqua Splendor · Apr 15, 2020

I would go with used lightning, save money, like Radion G4 or Kessil A360WE, Ai prime HD is often resell by many, you might have good opportunity.

My personal recommendation if you think going with sps in future would be to buy 2 Radion G5 XR15 Pro or Blue.
It go into your budget and later you can add the third one. 2 will be enough, you might have to put the light at 100% for 24" high tank
At the moment I'm speaking I'm creating data for Radion G5 Pro XR15 with T5 Combination, I discover some stuff while doing this.
I'm waiting for the T5 to heat up a little bit. Let me do a test for you real quick.

...
Alright so at 70cm (27inch) I have 109 at the bottom (glass), which is really good.
At 10inch from the light my reading is 303 PAR
Keep in mind PAR number are additive in between.
...

When people speak about the recommendation of BRS they sometime, misinterpret the true meaning.
Coral or organism and not data, they adapt/evolve. People have a tendency to do Black/White with a answer but their more nuance.

I'm working to set new standard for lightning Review on my Youtube channel but its going to be a slow process. (I have a "real" job so I can't put all my time into this, but I did put all my money into this lol)

And if you wonder which version to buy here a compilation video I made this week: