If you didn't use Ecotech, AI, Kessil, or Neptune - what would you use?

[KENNYSREEF]

Question in the title:

If you didn't use Ecotech, AI, Kessil, or Neptune - what would you use? Reefbreeders? Orphek? Noopsyche?

 

[areefer01]

DIY - blue acro. That is what I did. Before that it was just a mix of cree/luxeon single's with meanwell drivers and power supply.

 

[stephnjeph]

If you are asking as if LED is the only alternative option, I side with @areefer01 in regards to DIY. I have built many before switching over to high end name brand lighting. The only reason I switched was for the functional and convenient GUI. If LEDs were not the only alternative option, I am a metal halide fan. Used them for many years. If I wasn't running led, I would definitely be running halide. I have experienced my best coral growth under halide lamps. I would add 2-4 actinic t5 bulbs in combination with the halides to give a bit more of the blue hue that I enjoy.

 

[WVNed]

I am using Reefbreeders and MH/T-5

I was looking at these today. MH is BOOMING but not in the Aquarium industry. Stick the right bulb in and shazam. It drives both 250w and 400w too.

All this for $143.99
https://vivosun.com/collections/air...high-stability-compatibility-enhanced-version

and they have others.

$123.99

2,4,6,and 8 lamp T-5
The 4 foot 8 lamp is $179.99. 2 of these over my 240 would be great.

We need to think outside the box they stuffed us into.

 

[Gtinnel]

I don't use any of those brands so I guess my answer would have to be Viparspectra since that is what I have.
If I were buying new and wanted premium lights and couldn't get any of those I'd go with ATI, since you didn't rule it out.

 

[Squidward]

ATI T5s

 

[hart24601]

Been using orphek for 3 years and would get them again. For pumps tunze.

 

[Reef - Tripp]

+1 ati t5

 

[Mike konesky]

Horticulture T5 fixtures. Reefbrite halide. ATI t5 bulbs, and radium halide.

 

[Tamberav]

Question in the title:

If you didn't use Ecotech, AI, Kessil, or Neptune - what would you use? Reefbreeders? Orphek? Noopsyche?

ATI T5

ez answer

 

[stacksoner]

Question in the title:

If you didn't use Ecotech, AI, Kessil, or Neptune - what would you use? Reefbreeders? Orphek? Noopsyche?

I would use a ladder to climb into my pool of saved money

 

[Rmckoy]

I built most of my system with trying to save as Much money as possible .

dyi 8 bulb t5 fixture I rebuilt with new ballasts ,
Jeabo pumps , no controller

but decided to go with tunze for a ato

 

[dhnguyen]

I saw the Reefi LED last weekend in person and must say I was very impressed by the light. The colour rendering is excellent as was the blending. I did not notice any disco effect at all and no side glare even while sitting on the couch next to the tank. If I was in the market for a new light. I would consider the Reefi duo personally.

 

[hart24601]

While as above I use orphek I agree the reefi are really nice lights.

 

[ReefBeta]

Viperspectra.

It's overly criticized by BRS, in both build quality and performance. Yet Sky got the praise with narrower spectrum, and not that much better built either. Viperspectra produce similar spread as Sky if mount higher. Two of it will out perform one Sky in all performance metrics, and for fraction of the cost. I would choose Viperspectra over Sky if I am paying for them. No way for me to justify to spend $600 extra just for Apex controllability.

 

[infinite0180]

I run a Giesemann MH/T5 fixture. I ran an ATI T5 before that. Both are very nice premium fixtures!

 

[bobnicaragua]

Metal halide hybrid!

 

[Mjl714]

ATI Straton,
Reef Breeders, or
Orphek

 

[jda]

I have not used Neptune, but found those other brands to be lacking over even a Photon V2. Of course, MH for me for the wide area coverage (reflectors cannot be beaten) and pure performance. If somebody made me switch, it would be Photon V2. I wouldn't give the buffalo dung on a nickel for any of the apps and I only care about the corals, so if that matters, then forget about this post.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

I built most of my system with trying to save as Much money as possible .

dyi 8 bulb t5 fixture I rebuilt with new ballasts ,
Jeabo pumps , no controller

but decided to go with tunze for a ato

Probably best investment you could make The tunze is a beast