Popbloom RL90 vs Viparspectra

[TrampledByEwoks]

Hi All!

I’ve seen the question asked a few times while I was deciding on buying the Popbloom RL90s to replace my 165w Viparspectras which I’ve had for just over 4 years.

Figured I’d provide a side by side picture of each light covering half of my 90 gallon and my thoughts so far.

- RL90 has a crazy amount of shimmer
- RL90 channel customization is pretty great. There are preset schedules to choose from and my tank seems pretty happy with the LPS/Soft coral schedule.
- Being the blue channel is 65 of the 90 total watts of this light, it does always have a blue look to it. Not nearly the dish soap blue from a Kessil but if you really prefer a white light then the RL90 probably isn’t your pick.
- Part of the reason for light change is the RL90 comes with an arm and I think the smaller light off an arm is a cleaner over the tank look.
- I’ve heard that keeping both lights synced can be a pain. I just set them up separately and haven’t had an issue. Once I find what I like it don’t tinker much so this shouldn’t be an issue.

So, if you’re on the fence with these lights I’d highly suggest the Popbloom. I’m keeping the Vipars in case something goes wrong

, but side by side there is so much more depth and color variation with the RL90. That and the ability to truly ramp up and down the light by far give it the win in my opinion.

 

[Peace River]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

 

[TrampledByEwoks]

Also, apologies for how this posted with pic/video in the middle of text. That’s a new one for me.

 

[Josh Will]

Following! PopBloom RL90 looks brighter than the right one.

 

[shaynasmith]

Hey, I'm upgrading from a 75G that is using a 300W ViparSpectra to a 1890G and I was thinking of using the Viper still for the middle of the 6' tank for LPS/Soft and maybe a Popbloom RL90 on either side for SPS. Would this be a viable option in your opinion and with your experience?

 

[TrampledByEwoks]

Hey, I'm upgrading from a 75G that is using a 300W ViparSpectra to a 1890G and I was thinking of using the Viper still for the middle of the 6' tank for LPS/Soft and maybe a Popbloom RL90 on either side for SPS. Would this be a viable option in your opinion and with your experience?

I think the big concern is just the coloration of the tank. Your ends with the popblooms will be significantly more blue during the day than the middle section that’s only lit by the Vipar.

Popblooms suggested coverage is 24x24 so the middle 12” of the tank likely with just be lit by the Vipar and the colors between the two lights are not close.

 

[Oliver@DSunY]

RL 90 now update to new version which is adding white color. it call RL90 full spectrum. as the

 

[Oliver@DSunY]

 

[Steve Zee]

These are the ones I just ordered but I cant tell the difference by the package or light itself. Is there anything that differentiates the new 2004 version from the older ones without the white? Maybe they sent the wrong ones?

 

[Oliver@DSunY]

Would please watch the photometer in the picture. there is a peak at 620-660nm which is red color.
the older blue version is no red spectrum.

I suggest contact the seller for double check is your version full spectrum or blue version.

 

[ryudo80]

What's the difference between the blue & full spectrum? Would the blue version be better at growing corals since it has more blue? I don't mind the blue look in the picture that the PM posted.

 

[Oliver@DSunY]

there are more 4W 455nm spectrum in Blue version. but less 3W 405-410nm purpel.
Consider the 4 channel is not always 100%. So at growing corals (even SPS), the full spectrum is better too.

the blue version is old version, it make tank looks more blue like sea only when all 100%.
So for new older, I strong suggest full spectrum which you can decrease Ch1 and Ch4 for "blue look"

 

[Oliver@DSunY]

BTW， now there is shade for RL90





https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007772322009.html

 

[AlexandraDreadlocksPanda]

Were you not tempted just to upgrade (or mod) the Viparspectra boards? I’ve put custom arrays in my 2 x Viparspectra over my frag tank and love them!

 

[TrampledByEwoks]

I was tempted but honestly the main want to upgrade was more control over ramping lights up and down and just a better looking light itself being I don’t have a canopy

Were you not tempted just to upgrade (or mod) the Viparspectra boards? I’ve put custom arrays in my 2 x Viparspectra over my frag tank and love them