Are high dollar lights worth it?

[Digicop]

I must be missing something and I am hopeful someone will point out my flawed logic. It seems, that as long as I achieve the needed PAR level in the spectrum used to "feed" the zooxanthellae", which I believe is between 450-470nm range, then anything else is just for visual preference of the human observer. If this is so, then black box LEDs using CREE XT-E and XP-E2 or Bridgelux will grow the corals the same as Radion G6. I realize they may have some electrical and safety considerations, but it seems that the light wars are over hyped. Am I missing something?

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

I have had great success with a viparspectra (black box). I now am trying a Nycrew hyperreef and I gotta say they are basically cheaper version radions

 

[Lavey29]

Depends on the corals you are trying to sustain. More expensive lights typically allow for more fine tune spectrum adjustments as needed and better app capabilities but as everyone probably knows T5 lights are pretty darn cheap and grow corals perfectly. I think the best lighting is a T5 and LED combo over a tank.

 

[Pheallox]

I installed 2 nicrew gen 2 150 on my system last week, they are $220 each and another $50 for the controller, I went with them over radeons and AI primes due to better reviews and less issues with lens melts and controller fails, so far I am happy, but it has been only 6 days, I think some people spend thousands on light just to show off what they have, just like some buy corals just for the names and then keep them on racks.
Honestly if the light does what you want, then get it, don't be a label junkie.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I must be missing something and I am hopeful someone will point out my flawed logic. It seems, that as long as I achieve the needed PAR level in the spectrum used to "feed" the zooxanthellae", which I believe is between 450-470nm range, then anything else is just for visual preference of the human observer. If this is so, then black box LEDs using CREE XT-E and XP-E2 or Bridgelux will grow the corals the same as Radion G6. I realize they may have some electrical and safety considerations, but it seems that the light wars are over hyped. Am I missing something?

You basically got it right. You hit the nail on the head.

There are many reasons for people to purchase the more expensive product. Maybe due to marketing, influencers, bragging rights, or wanting to be part of an ecosystem that is shared with other equipment.

Although not all fixtures are created equally and one should consider options they would like to have. Individual color channels, the ability to control the spectrum, the ability to adjust intensity not to mention the quality of the product. Are there any safety features that are overlooked by purchasing a cheaper fixture?

However you are right to question why spend premium prices for a premium product... if in fact it truly is a premium product... that's a topic all on its own.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Anymore, there are a lot of low cost options these days. To me, lights are like clothes. They all achieve the same thing when used appropriately.

 

[Red_Beard]

Brand chasing gets expensive fast! Especially with lights. Just make sure it has the spectrum you and the corals need at an intensity the corals you intend to grow need. The rest comes down to features, durability, and form.

 

[SliceGolfer]

ReefBreeder Photon v2s and Nicrew Gen 2s have been the best lights I have owned. Great value. Better coverage, PAR, and ability to program over other brands I have owned, such as AI Prime HD, MicMol, and NooPsyche.

 

[Uncle99]

Viparspectra Chinese BB and T5 Hybrid Lighting for under $1000 CDN. Running 7 years now. Change T5 yearly. Intensity, spectrum and coverage.
You’re exactly correct.

 

[KrisReef]

I do see advantages to buying better equipment vs discounted equipment, the latter are often second quality using second parts. I didn’t always believe this but it can be true more often than not.

Otherwise, light is simply spectrum, intensity and duration, and a birthday candle is ok to read by but make it a short pamphlet and not a full novel.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Am I missing something?

Are high dollar cars worth it? Both get you to the same grocery store.

 

[KrisReef]

Are high dollar cars worth it? Both get you to the same grocery store.

Yes, if you are shopping locally. Modern high dollar electric cars might not take you as far as the average gas guzzling used model. Is the shopping better far away? :cool:

 

[Tahoe61]

Where I live you can literally buy a Viparspectra Led 165 w at Walmart. It comes with a simple controller, and a hanging kit. In a JBJ 45 gallon on the sandbed with light 18 inches above the water. I just can't justify paying so much for lighting, I would rather spend my money elsewhere.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I must be missing something and I am hopeful someone will point out my flawed logic. It seems, that as long as I achieve the needed PAR level in the spectrum used to "feed" the zooxanthellae", which I believe is between 450-470nm range, then anything else is just for visual preference of the human observer. If this is so, then black box LEDs using CREE XT-E and XP-E2 or Bridgelux will grow the corals the same as Radion G6. I realize they may have some electrical and safety considerations, but it seems that the light wars are over hyped. Am I missing something?

noopsyche lights are great

 

[crazyfishmom]

I have fancy lighting in some tanks and economy lighting including Nicrew 200 W second gen and Viparspectras 165 in another. Corals are doing amazing under the economy lights.

I will say that the color blending for the Nicrew second gen is considerably better than for the first gen and the controller is a must to achieve that blending but I’m using them in an acro heavy tank and getting gorgeous growth and coloration.

 

[IceNein]

I use and like my Noopsyche K7's. If money was no object, I would maybe buy all ecotech products, because they have a pretty nice integrated ecosystem.

I'm a PC guy, not a Mac guy, because I can build a better computer with exactly what I want in the PC ecosystem, but if I just wanted a good computer that was well designed, and I wanted to make sure that everything I plugged into it "just worked" I might be a Mac guy.

 

[fish_collector]

Expensive lights aren’t always necessary. There’s nothing wrong with an XR30 if you’ve got enough disposable cabbage for them. I have 3 Reefis and a few Viparspectra 165s and they both grow corals, although to be transparent about it, my Reefi are illuminating a FOWLR and I’m using the Viparspectras over my SPS tank.

I modified my VS with some of my own LEDs, I found that out of the box the VS has an overpowering white channel so I took 10 of them off of the board and added 445nm and 460-470nm diodes. It’s not something everyone will do, but it has made them very functional for growing corals. They are a year into the LED modification and going strong. If you want more info on this I can get into the details just let me know it isn’t hard to do.

 

[Kingsley_Reef]

TBH I love my xr15s on my display but if they burn out tomorrow they will be getting replaced with nicrews

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, if you are shopping locally. Modern high dollar electric cars might not take you as far as the average gas guzzling used model. Is the shopping better far away? :cool:

Don’t think it’s better further away. Boston, New York, and Philly are all within range of my electric car. lol

 

[TheLegendaryBarlowe072]

I have a Maxspect jump. Came with the mount for sub 200. It’s been great so far. I just added my first sps to the tank, but hammers, zoas, leathers all are doing great. It was clunky getting it synced to the app, but after getting past initial setup the app is very easy to use. The mount is sturdy. The fan is silent. I was unsure at first but after use I’m so glad I saved the money