Looking for led lighting recommendation for 5' rsr 525 xl

[Cjmatt]

Hey everybody, looking for some recommendations on lighting for my new 525 reefer. I'm starting from scratch after being out of the game for the last 10 years.

Saw a lot of info but it's all on 4' tanks. What would you guys recommend? I'm tossing around kessil 4 360s, 4 xr15 gen 4 pros, or 2 orphek atlantiks. Any better ideas?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Those are spot on choices.

I wouldn't worry much about the extra 6in on either side.

 

[Cjmatt]

Haha, I just kind of wanted ability to control with Apex, but I've seen some bad reviews about them going bad. The orphek looks great, but I don't know how bad the Disco effect would be.

 

[Pongo]

All good choice above that will work well.

On my 525XL I'm running 2 xr30 gen 3 pro on the right and left, 1 xr30 gen 4 non-pro in the middle.
I was purchasing just as Ecotech was changing over.

I've had good results so far.
I recommend getting some kind of PAR meter to help dial the lights in.
I use the Apex PMK.

 

[scuzy]

Three ghl mitras lx7 would be perfect.

 

[Cjmatt]

Three ghl mitras lx7 would be perfect.

dang, hadnt even looked into GHL before and now youre throwing a wrench in my plans!!!

 

[mtraylor]

I would go with 4 xr15 gen 4 pros or 4 ghl 7206 mitras

 

[DLHDesign]

What are you looking to have in the tank? Softies require different lights than SPS (or a different number of lights, at least).

 

[Cjmatt]

Mixed reef. The mitras are only equivalent to an xr15? I figured I'd only need 2 of them!

 

[dragon99]

Or an ATI 6x80w T5 fixture....

I know, you said LED, but you should think about it. I just took down my 2 Mitras LX7's for an ATI

 

[DLHDesign]

3 XR-15's can cover the tank, but you will likely have some shadowing. If you want to have the freedom to put SPS wherever, you would likely need 4 of those. If you are good with putting SPS just under the lights (and other corals elsewhere), then 3 would be enough.

 

[mtraylor]

On the Mitras. I wouldn't go less than 3. 3 should cover most tanks needs. If you are an sps guy then get 4. More power

 

[mtraylor]

Or an ATI 6x80w T5 fixture....

I know, you said LED, but you should think about it. I just took down my 2 Mitras LX7's for an ATI

What did you do with the mitras?

 

[cardiffgiant]

I use two XR30 Gen4 pro's on either side and one XR30 Gen3 pro in the middle of my 525XL. I absolutely love the Gen4 pros.

 

[Killamanjaro]

Most tanks I've seen that looked awesome ran AI Hydra 52 HD, I think you'd need 3 for a 5ft tank.

Out of what you've listed, I'd say the Radions over the Kessils as I've seen them compared a few times.

For myself, I've decided to go for the AI's over the Radions for a few reasons, similar size setup to yours.

 

[solitude127]

I'd go with 3 xr 15s for now and add a 4th later down the road if needed.

 

[10Seconds]

The Atlantik v4's are a great choice for LED. If going SPS with any of the other choices mentioned I would consider the above recommendation on T5 or at least a T5 supplement.

 

[dragon99]

What did you do with the mitras?

I'll probably be selling them. Great lights, but I like to change things and I couldn't stop adjusting my lights. I need less control.

If I was starting fresh, the Orphek's would get a hard look. The review BRS did was pretty flattering. I kinda ruled them out because no one seemed to carry them.

 

[mtraylor]

oh ok. Yeah there is certainly allot to change on them and it takes a while to get them where you want them. OH and leave them alone.
Kessel's are nice as well.

 

[Centerline]

Or an ATI 6x80w T5 fixture....

I know, you said LED, but you should think about it. I just took down my 2 Mitras LX7's for an ATI

Word