Lighting decisions

[jrloyd]

I have an IM 40 gal AIO. I have a Radion XR15 and I feel like I have too much shadowing and would prefer a light with a bit more spread.
I think I’m torn between the ATI Straton pro2, but I hear their app isn’t that great and they do not have a back of tank mount.

I like the dalua x4 but it’s about the same size and I think I would add two of the vitamini bars. Seems like nice app integration.

Last choice is the Orphek natura. It has a larger, spread out pattern, and the app also seems to have nice integration.

Can I open this up to a few of your opinions? I know these questions get asked frequently but I haven’t found any comments that sell me on one yet. I’m not really looking at other light suggestions as that’s where these threads often end up. Please just looking at first hand experience and opinions on these. Thanks in advance.

 

[twentyleagues]

Almost any light you look at will have pros and cons. Honestly if you are looking at the Dalua x4 and Vitamini bars why not just add one of the many bar options available to your xr15? You could add the Vitamini bars, Orphek, AI Blades, Quanta helix, Maridian, T5, to that xr15 without buying a whole new light system. Unless you just want new lights. You've gotta be honest here is it really just that? I am not a Radion fan by any means but its a proven light when used properly in the correct quantity.

 

[jrloyd]

Almost any light you look at will have pros and cons. Honestly if you are looking at the Dalua x4 and Vitamini bars why not just add one of the many bar options available to your xr15? You could add the Vitamini bars, Orphek, AI Blades, Quanta helix, Maridian, T5, to that xr15 without buying a whole new light system. Unless you just want new lights. You've gotta be honest here is it really just that? I am not a Radion fan by any means but its a proven light when used properly in the correct quantity.

I think I kind of don’t like the radion so much although I haven’t tried anything else so far. Can’t really explain why?? Not in love with the app is part of it.

 

[minus9]

3 or 4 bar combo of Quanta Helix would literally cover your tank.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

+1 another vote for Quanta Helix light bars

I've tried a lot of lights over the years and I have never seen one where the build quality, customer service and bang for the buck were all 10+

 

[jrloyd]

3 or 4 bar combo of Quanta Helix would literally cover your tank.

Thanks. Not familiar with them but I’ll have a look!

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Quanta Helix

Includes mounting brackets and hanging kit. NOTE: This light is air-cooled and is not designed for unventilated enclosed canopies. Please refer to warranty for more information.

www.quanta-lights.com

 

[D.WhiteShark]

double post

 

[minus9]

Thanks. Not familiar with them but I’ll have a look!

Luca has put together some of the best spectrum(s) bars out there. They are no frills bars, but you do get 0-10v dimming. The combos come with free tank mounts.