I put 2 Straton X light fixtures on my Eshopps M130 a couple days ago. They are replacing my 5 kessil a360xe and 2 orphek OR4 lights.
Right off I noticed the spread of these lights. My back glass is noticeably lit up now. I have them mounted 12” from the surface of the water using the straton arms. It’s a soft even light like T5’s. But has shimmer! When I had my 60 cube I used 2 kessils and 4 t5’s. This seems very similar to that. I am running one of the preset light settings called “Toms Korallen”. I like the look of it the best. I am sps dominant. I love the look, it’s so natural and vivid. My yellow tang and regal angel are noticeably brighter yellow. The coralline algae is more defined. During ramp up/down the greens have the black light pop. If you’re into that look, these lights are capable of it. I’m more into the full spectrum look and love this preset.
I have an apogee 510 par meter that I used to set intensity. There is no acclimation setting in the app so I’m doing it manually. I have these turned to 40% and I’m at average 275 par 12” under water. They are pretty even. But there is a par drop off mid tank or at ends of tank depending where I place the lights. I think I’m going to add a third light and run them at a less percentage in order to get it more even. I don’t think it would actually be necessary but I’m going to. Looking at the tank you can’t see any uneven lighting. These definitely cover a 5’ tank very well.
I do notice more light spillage onto my floor than I had with kessils. I haven’t tried to adjust height yet. I have a makeshift shade so you can sit on the couch without seeing the lights. It’s not a direct blinding light but you can see the lit up individual reflectors.
I have read how people don’t think much of the app. I actually like it. It is very simple to use. Very simple to set up. I hope they make it changeable to inches instead of cm. F instead of C. Maybe add an acclimation setting. More options for presets for people that like the blue glow.
I will visit this again with updates on coral color and growth down the road. As of now, I am extremely happy with these lights.
Right off I noticed the spread of these lights. My back glass is noticeably lit up now. I have them mounted 12” from the surface of the water using the straton arms. It’s a soft even light like T5’s. But has shimmer! When I had my 60 cube I used 2 kessils and 4 t5’s. This seems very similar to that. I am running one of the preset light settings called “Toms Korallen”. I like the look of it the best. I am sps dominant. I love the look, it’s so natural and vivid. My yellow tang and regal angel are noticeably brighter yellow. The coralline algae is more defined. During ramp up/down the greens have the black light pop. If you’re into that look, these lights are capable of it. I’m more into the full spectrum look and love this preset.
I have an apogee 510 par meter that I used to set intensity. There is no acclimation setting in the app so I’m doing it manually. I have these turned to 40% and I’m at average 275 par 12” under water. They are pretty even. But there is a par drop off mid tank or at ends of tank depending where I place the lights. I think I’m going to add a third light and run them at a less percentage in order to get it more even. I don’t think it would actually be necessary but I’m going to. Looking at the tank you can’t see any uneven lighting. These definitely cover a 5’ tank very well.
I do notice more light spillage onto my floor than I had with kessils. I haven’t tried to adjust height yet. I have a makeshift shade so you can sit on the couch without seeing the lights. It’s not a direct blinding light but you can see the lit up individual reflectors.
I have read how people don’t think much of the app. I actually like it. It is very simple to use. Very simple to set up. I hope they make it changeable to inches instead of cm. F instead of C. Maybe add an acclimation setting. More options for presets for people that like the blue glow.
I will visit this again with updates on coral color and growth down the road. As of now, I am extremely happy with these lights.
