I'm looking for some insight to help me choose between the CoralCare Gen2 and Orphek Atlantik. I want to take advantage of the current spring sales.
Tank is a standard 4' 90g. It's SPS-dominant with some LPS and softies at or near the bottom. Most of my SPS are montis and Pocilloporidae and I plan on adding a couple more sticks to my lone Acro. I'm currently using two Viparspectra 165w. My goal in the new lights is to improve coverage, reduce PAR drop-off around the edges, and improve coral coloration.
I've read through most threads on R2R about the CoralCare Gen2, including BRS's video, Battlecorals's thread, and a number of build threads. I've also read through reviews on other sites, including Dana Riddle's review. Orpheks are a very popular light here on R2R. Not only is it frequently mentioned, but most owners seem thrilled with the lights. I could not find any articles or threads that directly compare these two lights.
Based on everything I've read, the considerations that stood out to me include...
Coralcare:
- Spectrum is not for those who prefer the "American" blue lighting
- Best LED at replicating T5 coverage
- Heavy light due to passive-cooling design, but has external power supply
- App is easy to use
- 25,000 hour lifespan
- Total cost on BRS with current sale for 2 lights and controller: $1619 + tax (controller is included for free)
Orphek:
- More popular here on R2R and most people love them
- Color spectrum more suited for our preferences here in the U.S.
- Some complaints about app usability and reliability
- 50,000 hour lifespan
- Total cost on BRS with current sale for 2 lights and controller: $1453 + tax
The top thing that I hear over and over again is that CoralCare color spectrum is not for everyone. I don't think I will mind the whiter color spectrum since my Viparspectras make my tank much whiter than tanks running Radions and Kessils. My tank looks like windex for 4 hours of the day and has a much whiter spectrum for the remaining 8 hours.
Anyone else have any additional feedback that might help me finally make a decision between the two? I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who owns either of these lights.
Tank is a standard 4' 90g. It's SPS-dominant with some LPS and softies at or near the bottom. Most of my SPS are montis and Pocilloporidae and I plan on adding a couple more sticks to my lone Acro. I'm currently using two Viparspectra 165w. My goal in the new lights is to improve coverage, reduce PAR drop-off around the edges, and improve coral coloration.
I've read through most threads on R2R about the CoralCare Gen2, including BRS's video, Battlecorals's thread, and a number of build threads. I've also read through reviews on other sites, including Dana Riddle's review. Orpheks are a very popular light here on R2R. Not only is it frequently mentioned, but most owners seem thrilled with the lights. I could not find any articles or threads that directly compare these two lights.
Based on everything I've read, the considerations that stood out to me include...
Coralcare:
- Spectrum is not for those who prefer the "American" blue lighting
- Best LED at replicating T5 coverage
- Heavy light due to passive-cooling design, but has external power supply
- App is easy to use
- 25,000 hour lifespan
- Total cost on BRS with current sale for 2 lights and controller: $1619 + tax (controller is included for free)
Orphek:
- More popular here on R2R and most people love them
- Color spectrum more suited for our preferences here in the U.S.
- Some complaints about app usability and reliability
- 50,000 hour lifespan
- Total cost on BRS with current sale for 2 lights and controller: $1453 + tax
The top thing that I hear over and over again is that CoralCare color spectrum is not for everyone. I don't think I will mind the whiter color spectrum since my Viparspectras make my tank much whiter than tanks running Radions and Kessils. My tank looks like windex for 4 hours of the day and has a much whiter spectrum for the remaining 8 hours.
Anyone else have any additional feedback that might help me finally make a decision between the two? I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who owns either of these lights.
Last edited: