XR15 Gen 6 for shallow mixed reef

Gribbles · Jul 19, 2023

Setting up a tank that is 16 inches tall - Waterbox Frag 125.4

I'm wanting to setup my aquascape with SPS on the top rocks, LPS on the lower rocks / sandbed, and zoas throughout.

I've seen some discussion about the PAR ratings of gen 6 XR15s be less intense, so my question is if 2 of them will be able to produce 250 at the top and 50 - 75 on the sandbed? Is that possible or would I need to get XR30s?

The SPS I want to have are on the "easier" side - stylo, psammocora, cyphastrea, birdsnest ... no acros.
The LPS would be favias, euphyllia, etc.

I'd probably run the AB+ schedule, and would buy the Blue versions of the lights

Aaron75 · Jul 19, 2023

I'd like to recommend 2 reefi uno pro 2. Closer to the performance as the xr30 at practically the same price as the xr15's. Guaranteed to achieve the par you're wanting and capable of much much more.

Gribbles · Jul 19, 2023

Very interesting, thanks! I will look into them. I take it you have used them, can you tell me a little more of your experience with them? Part of why I'm looking at the XR15/30s is to integrate with Apex (I'm also looking at getting mp40s)

Gribbles · Jul 19, 2023

So I have returned from the rabbit hole you sent me on. I am very seriously considering getting these.

The more I read, the more impressed I get. What's the catch with them?

Aaron75 · Jul 19, 2023

Gribbles said:
So I have returned from the rabbit hole you sent me on. I am very seriously considering getting these.

The more I read, the more impressed I get. What's the catch with them?

Lol I do not have personal experience, just research. I'm a big bang for buck guy and try to research lighting as much as I can because it's one of the most important aspects. These lights almost do seem too good to be true, the only "catch" I've found is the app control kinda sucks. But power/par, coverage, shimmer, price and customer service are all spoken extremely high of.

bushdoc · Jul 20, 2023

Just got two XR15, which replaced aging Hydra 52.
Happy with new lights, but I decided to concentrate on LPS/Zoas rather than SPS. PAR at top is just 200 ( depending on settings) and it drop fairly quickly with depth.
If you really want to grow SPS, go for more powerful lights.

Gribbles · Jul 20, 2023

Aaron75 said:
Lol I do not have personal experience, just research. I'm a big bang for buck guy and try to research lighting as much as I can because it's one of the most important aspects. These lights almost do seem too good to be true, the only "catch" I've found is the app control kinda sucks. But power/par, coverage, shimmer, price and customer service are all spoken extremely high of.

Well I did it. Bought 2 of em. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully this turns out to be a great way to save some money!

Troylee · Jul 20, 2023

Gribbles said:
Well I did it. Bought 2 of em. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully this turns out to be a great way to save some money!

You’ll be happy with them… my buddy has them and his tank has crazy insane par and colors.. they looked just like my radions in overall appearance in person.