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

[BroccoliFarmer]

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.

I am sure some the criticism comes from the profit margin. Being bought out has a habit of changing priorities for companies.

 

[jda]

BRS is there to make a profit and sell their products. They produce infomercials and not unbiased publications. Think of them as the Jedi Mind Trick of reefing that only really fool the weak minded - cool to watch or read, but take them with a the knowledge that their first job is not for you to get an unbiased review... it is to promote and make stuff that they sell look better. The massive amount of people who have better tanks with black boxes like Vipars over people who drop big money on Radions should be proof enough...

 

[Cool tangs]

Vipraspectra

Underrated when set up properly they are great!

The issue is people place them too low and have problems and then complain.

The spread aint awesome but hey I can still buy 2 for less then AIs or ecotech.

There basic simple to use abd no fuss no frills, just great lighting.

Get a par meter

Oh sorry i should add, corals look great under these lights as well especiallyblues

 

[Pico bam]

Ati t5's have my vote i see better growth on a variety of my coral with these vs my radions. Otherwise some good Blackbox led's id also go with.

 

[sergifed91]

Sbreef lights. Yes corals are amazing and fish to. Never had luck with nems under them. Other tank AI.

 

[Bradley2448]

Currently running a Photon V2+ over my 120, it’s covering all the bases and more for me

 

[ScottB]

ATI Straton hands down for anything LED.

If I didn't care about aesthetics (display) or heat (basement frag) I would stick with my ATI T5. 640 watts of T5 is a lot of heat.

 

[ReefBeta]

I am sure some the criticism comes from the profit margin. Being bought out has a habit of changing priorities for companies.

The conflict didn't really look like changing in priorities. It's simply the distrust of blackboxes. They come up with the conclusion first, and then find whatever narrative and evidence that suits that conclusion. Same as for Sky, they established the conclusion of Sky is good light, then find the narrative for it.

If truly the margin is concerned, they could easily carry a blackbox for better margin with BRS's volume. They just don't want to believe blackbox perform the same as Sky, even when their own evidence suggest that.

 

[Pistondog]

Orphek replaced ap700, which is in use on a smaller tank.

 

[The0wn4g3]

What ballasts do the Vivosun T5's use?

 

[Jimmeh lee]

I have a reef breeders photon v2 32” on my 40b. Plenty of coloration/growth photos in my build thread.

 

[KENNYSREEF]

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.

That is extremely cool to hear, as I'm selling my XR15 and going to the 50" Photon V2.

 

[KENNYSREEF]

ATI Straton hands down for anything LED.

If I didn't care about aesthetics (display) or heat (basement frag) I would stick with my ATI T5. 640 watts of T5 is a lot of heat.

I've honestly stepped away from T5 - due to the heat output. Doesn't help the cause that I'm also in Arizona.

 

[Jubei2006]

GHL mitras? Phillips Coral care 2?

 

[KENNYSREEF]

I have a reef breeders photon v2 32” on my 40b. Plenty of coloration/growth photos in my build thread.

I'm selling my XR15 to go to reefbreeders on my new build also!

 

[Bugeater281]

I personally run a 300w viper spectra and 2 150w mh on my 135g. 6ft, 24in tall and 18in wide. Have a lagoon tank that needs restored in the garage. 6ft, 12in tall and 2ft wide. Will probably run mh on that too with some supplemental diy leds.

 

[Wtyson254]

I use 3 Reefi Uno on my current tank. I used a Reefi duo extreme on my previous tank

 

[SPS2020]

ATI Straton. Currently, 4 Hydra 32 HDs and AquaticLife Dimmable T5 combo.