Sb reef vs viparspectra

ScoobySnax6978 · Feb 10, 2020

Was going to get the vipar but have the opportunity to pick up sb reef boxes for 500 with mounts...... now I'm torn. Currently on a 75g. But planning on upgrading to a 150 in the near future.

Seanb1 · Feb 11, 2020

Never owned a vipra but have had a sb reeflight.
Sb’s grow coral for sure.
How old are the used lights

AbjectMaelstroM · Feb 11, 2020

At the same price I'd take SB reef lights. If budget was an issue, Viparspectras will work just fine. I just prefer the SB spectrum a but more and have modified my Vipars LED layout to closer resemble SB reef lights.

ScoobySnax6978 · Feb 12, 2020

The vipars are 250 for the pair of 18" lights. The sb are 550 for 2 32" lights. But the warranty is not transferrable.

southerntnreefer · Feb 28, 2020

I own SB reef, and I've moved them to my 220 fowlr. I won't own another. Grows coral, does it's job, but customer service is non existent. If you ever need to order a part, or get help, good luck. It's so spotty. Had a light ordered 2 times by my lfs that never actually showed up. Firs time damaged, after waiting a month, second time never showed up after a month it was "too damaged to deliver" ordered hydras for just a little more $$$

saltwaterpicaso · Feb 28, 2020

I just bought a viparspectra for my frag tank very good build so far it's good I have never seen a sb In person so cannot comment on them

acrum222 · Feb 28, 2020

southerntnreefer said:
I own SB reef, and I've moved them to my 220 fowlr. I won't own another. Grows coral, does it's job, but customer service is non existent. If you ever need to order a part, or get help, good luck. It's so spotty. Had a light ordered 2 times by my lfs that never actually showed up. Firs time damaged, after waiting a month, second time never showed up after a month it was "too damaged to deliver" ordered hydras for just a little more $$$

My experience was pretty much the same as yours. Showed up broken. Only way I got a reply back, was when I disputed the charges through PayPal.

35ppt · Feb 28, 2020

Check out Noopsyche, everyone I've heard from is happy with theirs. I'm planning on getting some for my upcoming upgrade.

Noopsyche | Aquarium Specialty

LED lighting for aquariums. Learn more & shop online for the best in aquarium products & marine livestock.

www.aquariumspecialty.com

cvrle1 · Feb 29, 2020

From what I heard SB has gone under, so even if warranty was transferable it wouldnt matter if company is dead. If you are going to get 150G soon, decide which light fixtures you want to use over it. Then buy same one for 75G that you currently have and add more of them when time comes to upgrade.

cvrle1 · Feb 29, 2020

35ppt said:
Check out Noopsyche, everyone I've heard from is happy with theirs. I'm planning on getting some for my upcoming upgrade.

Noopsyche | Aquarium Specialty

LED lighting for aquariums. Learn more & shop online for the best in aquarium products & marine livestock.

www.aquariumspecialty.com

Thats what I will be using over my 5', 110G tank

For the price, I really think they cant be beat right now.

AbjectMaelstroM · Feb 29, 2020

If they ever make a better controller or better yet, wifi app.... These would sell like hotcakes.

southerntnreefer · Feb 29, 2020

cvrle1 said:
From what I heard SB has gone under, so even if warranty was transferable it wouldnt matter if company is dead. If you are going to get 150G soon, decide which light fixtures you want to use over it. Then buy same one for 75G that you currently have and add more of them when time comes to upgrade.

They haven't per say, they just don't seem to care much lately for customer service, or retaining customers. I'll run my 3 downstairs on my fowlr until they die, then I'll just buy a strip light.

oreo54 · Feb 29, 2020

southerntnreefer said:
They haven't per say, they just don't seem to care much lately for customer service, or retaining customers. I'll run my 3 downstairs on my fowlr until they die, then I'll just buy a strip light.

AFAICT they order everything from China.. I suspect there are supply chain interruptions ATM..

southerntnreefer · Feb 29, 2020

oreo5457 said:
AFAICT they order everything from China.. I suspect there are supply chain interruptions ATM..

They are. Never understood with the amount that they ended up selling that they didn't bulk up what is in the US warehouse.... Either way I'd look at others unless you think it's gunna go 5 years with no need for customer service.

cvrle1 · Feb 29, 2020

AbjectMaelstroM said:
If they ever make a better controller or better yet, wifi app.... These would sell like hotcakes.

Yeah, @noopsyche mentioned what you see is what you get controller wise. No updates. And apparently not possible to do phone app either for some reason. He explained it long time ago, but I forgot what exactly was the reason.

AbjectMaelstroM · Mar 1, 2020

cvrle1 said:
Yeah, @noopsyche mentioned what you see is what you get controller wise. No updates. And apparently not possible to do phone app either for some reason. He explained it long time ago, but I forgot what exactly was the reason.

Its due to the chip they are using. Would require a fixture update that's not likely to happen.

I guess once set it wouldn't be terrible, but still a bit of PIA. Buddy of mine has the hybrid with the K7s and it's a pretty impressive light.