Two Radion XR15's or Kessil AP9X or Reefbreeders Photon V2+????

[720 Reefer]

I have a standard 75 gallon (48") mixed reef, but heavy on acros. I am currently running the Reefbreeders Photon V1 (32") and have had great success, but ready to upgrade. So just looking for some opinions. I am deciding between two Radion XR15's, one Kessil AP9X or one Reefbreeders Photon V2+ 48. All three options are in the same ballpark price wise. I was leaning towards the Photon V2+ because it would cover end-to-end on my tank. But then I thought I should explore the Radions and Kessil since the price is close enough. I should also note that my aquascape is set up similar to two islands, however they are connected. But all of my acros are on said islands. I will add a couple pictures below. Please let me know your thoughts. Pros and cons? Thanks!

 

[720 Reefer]

Aquascape

 

[720 Reefer]

I'll throw two Hydra 32's in as an option as well...

 

[ADAM]

If you’re happy with the Photon I’d stick with it. The panel layout will give you the more even light you’ve been accustomed to seeing.
With a 4ft tank I believe you will end up wanting a 3rd XR15, or at least some supplemental led/T5 to stop shadowing in the middle.
The Kessil is designed to cover that foot print but with the light coming from 2 single clusters on either end of the light versus the panel layout of the Photon could pose some shadowing from corals that were not there before. By the above pics it may only prove to be a visual aesthetic but as corals grow so will any potential shadow.

Is there something wrong with the current light? As good as the pics look I’d say don’t mess with what’s working!

However, since you’ve had the panel style led, I would vote for Photon V2 as an “upgrade”.

 

[720 Reefer]

If you’re happy with the Photon I’d stick with it. The panel layout will give you the more even light you’ve been accustomed to seeing.
With a 4ft tank I believe you will end up wanting a 3rd XR15, or at least some supplemental led/T5 to stop shadowing in the middle.
The Kessil is designed to cover that foot print but with the light coming from 2 single clusters on either end of the light versus the panel layout of the Photon could pose some shadowing from corals that were not there before. By the above pics it may only prove to be a visual aesthetic but as corals grow so will any potential shadow.

Is there something wrong with the current light? As good as the pics look I’d say don’t mess with what’s working!

However, since you’ve had the panel style led, I would vote for Photon V2 as an “upgrade”.

Thank you for your input! I was leaning Photon from the beginning but just wanted to see if anyone would talk me into another direction. The main reason for the upgrade is to get a little more coverage since i only have the 32" Photon currently. I have it under a hanging canopy and the controls on the light make it difficult to get to, which the V2 has a remote and soon to be on an app. I also want the 6 channels vs the 2 i currently have.

 

[Midrats]

No input for you on LEDs, I like T5, tank looks nice though

 

[a4edwin]

Three xr15’s with an Orphek OR3 light bar

 

[Roosterjack]

Kessil gets my vote for a mixed reef for sure.

 

[VetReefer]

Kessil for a mixed reef Hands down

 

[Rgentry]

I know this is an old thread but I’m curious as to what your light settings are at peak hours. I love the look of your tank and I have a Photon as well but have really been struggling with my settings mix. Thanks!

 

[720 Reefer]

I know this is an old thread but I’m curious as to what your light settings are at peak hours. I love the look of your tank and I have a Photon as well but have really been struggling with my settings mix. Thanks!

Do you have the Photon V1 or V2+? Those pictures are under the V1.

 

[Rgentry]

V2

 

[Ef4life]

I would buy one 48” v2, then buy another once those corals all start really growing out. You will have all the light coverage you could ever need.

 

[Ryan Avery]

All those lights will do great, really depends on if you like the kessil shimmer or not, its a little much for me but thats personal preference

 

[720 Reefer]

Update: I ended up going with the Photon V2+ 48 and also added two of the Reefbreeders LumenBars (Blue/UV Hybrid). Loving the setup so far!

 

[720 Reefer]

V2

Check out this BRS video. I have mine 16" above the tank and closer to the SPS settings in they recommend.

 

[Smcevoy]

Update: I ended up going with the Photon V2+ 48 and also added two of the Reefbreeders LumenBars (Blue/UV Hybrid). Loving the setup so far!

any updated pics with the new lighting setup? I am leaning on getting a V2 to replace my hyrda 26s for my 36" tank

 

[Bpb]

The photon is a great light if you can mount it high enough.

 

[720 Reefer]

any updated pics with the new lighting setup? I am leaning on getting a V2 to replace my hyrda 26s for my 36" tank

Well I’m other news, I ended up having a battle with AEFW. So had to pull all my acros out and treat them. So that has been fun. But here is a pic before I pulled them out and one now. Second pic is obviously under more whites also.

 

[720 Reefer]

The photon is a great light if you can mount it high enough.

Yeah I have mine hanging from the ceiling