Viparspectra vs. Philizon

[IE Reefer]

Hi everyone, I am running a 29g for almost a year (April) and I want to upgrade my lighting from Current USA Orbit Marine IC LED's to a black box. I've been seeing posts on offerup for Viparspectra for around $100 but they are 30miles from where I live, but just recently a Philizon was posted for $160 (2x) (I only need one) which is fairly close to me. Should I go with the Viparspectra or the Philizon? Thank you in advance.

 

[Crustaceon]

I’d go with the phlizons because it’s a good price for the pair, you’ll have a backup light and the fact that external light timers are dirt cheap and probably easier to program than the Viparspectra’s.

 

[dedragon]

I wouldnt buy a used black box, too much risk involved there. Amazon has phlizon for 80 for one so better to just get it from there. Though i do recommend going with a better light, low cost options include Orphek or3 bars, maxspect jump led, aqu illumination prime, etc

 

[01xp]

Black boxes are risky they do work but you get what you pay for. I agree with dedragon just get a good quality light the tank is small so it won't hurt the wallet that bad

 

[lpsouth1978]

Also look at the Nicrew HyperReef on Amazon. Better than your standard Black Box IMO. A good "less expensive" Option.

 

[dedragon]

those nicrews would definitely be on fringe between black boxes and some more reliable brands. Not too much information on them which kinda sucks because they look interesting

 

[lpsouth1978]

There is a growing thread here about them. I am using them on my 40b and am quite happy with them so far. Definitely an improvement over the black box!

 

[dedragon]

yes definitely above black boxes just dont know where they fit with brands like kessil ecotech and orphek with amazing track records. Im looking more for information about disco ball effect, ability to grow acropora for a sustained period of time (around a year plus of growth), I also saw there were loud fans reported

 

[lpsouth1978]

Growth is something I can't speak to especially for SPS. I will say that my experience makes me believe that they will be perfectly capable of good SPS growth (based on my PAR readings), but that is purely speculation at this point. Also, I would not even try to pretend that this light is on PAR with the big brands, only that it is a viable budget light. There are definitely some draw backs, the fan is loud (though there is a simple solution to reduce the noise), the mount needs some work, and the onboard control falls way short.

IMO, for the $, it is one of the best solutions available to those looking for a budget friendly light. I have not experienced any disco ball effect with these and they create a decent shimmer, not Kessil shimmer, but decent none the less. The black boxes that I have used ALL had terrible disco ball effect that led me to search for a better solution quickly.

 

[Gernader]

I definitely recommend viparspectras. It is rated as one of the best black boxes on the market. I have lots of high end SPS and other corals that grow fast under these lights. The fans aren’t loud at all for me (maybe I got lucky). It is a great value compared to other lights. I even have Hydras 32HD on my other tank and I don’t see any differences in terms of growth. Here are some pics of my corals:

 

[Gtinnel]

I'm still relatively new to corals so I can't give any opinion when it comes to growth rate, but I have 2 300w viparspectra and so far I like them.

 

[01xp]

You can get a reefbreeder it's basically a very very good black box. Lots of people use them. Good track record, customer service is A+. Plus your not putting 120v above your SALT WATER aquarium.... they use low voltage