XR30 or XR15 for 24”x24” tank?

[dmreefer]

I’m asking this question because BRS says the “Recommended spread” for the XR30 is 24”x24” and that the “Maximum spread“ for the XR15 is 24”x24”

Being that I effectively have a 24”x24” tank (Waterbox 70.2) one of these could be a clear winner when it comes to shimmer and distribution of light. And I’m leaning towards the XR30 because it covers more surface area, and therefore would reduce the shadows in the tank.

My intention then, if going with the XR30, would be to run it around 50% with the diffuser add-on, and mounted 8” over with the RMS mounts. But the thing I‘m concerned with most is light spillover outside the tank.

Does anyone have any experience whether the XR30’s will result in light spillover with such a setup?

Any advice would be appreciated — I’d like to make the purchase on Black Friday

Thanks!

 

[pgravis]

I have a 24” cube and I have been running the gen 3 xr30 over it. Plenty of light across the whole tank, but I have always had some shadowing on any sps that had multiple branches. I’ve heard the new fixtures have better spread and coverage. But I plan to upgrade to two xr15’s spaced out a bit to give me better coverage with less shadowing. I don’t see a downside to the dual fixtures over the one. I do get some spillover from the light as is, but it isn’t super noticeable to me and my wife has never commented on it, so I assume not noticeable to her either!

 

[metzer]

What do you plan on growing? I have XR15s and have good spread and i have some xr30s on a larger tank. You may look at a single xr-15 with the reef-brite add on for lesser price? Pending on what you are trying to grow the XR30 may be overkill for you situation.

 

[ReefRusty]

Just bought a 70.2 tank and have a xr15 g5 pro light. Is perfect for growing prity much most things. Saw this on BRS with height for good spead of PAR. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm still learning also.

 

[dmreefer]

Just bought a 70.2 tank and have a xr15 g5 pro light. Is perfect for growing prity much most things. Saw this on BRS with height for good spead of PAR. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm still learning also.

Yeah, it seems like even the XR15 will be great. But if the XR30 means I can get fewer shadows (and more flexibility for advanced SPS in the future) I’m inclined to go that route. I don’t plan on buying another light after this for the tank.

The only question BRS doesn’t answer is how much the XR30, when mounted with the RMS, will spill light out of the tank onto the floor around it (or for the XR15 for that matter).

Thanks for the info.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I have have both on my 40B. I recommend the XR30 for your tank. I’ll post some photos from my previous IM Lagoon 25 tank as well as the 40B. There might be some overspill but the benefits of getting extra PAR will outweigh it.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I actually liked having 2 AI Primes more than a single XR15. So my recommendation is XR30 or 2 Primes if you don’t mind an extra plug

 

[ReefRusty]

Either will work, I just couldn't justify spending an extra $500aud to light up the floor outside of the tank. But I won't be going down a heavy path of SPS. And the ones I do will be more at the top of tank

 

[Roytrolls247]

I have the same in the same boat I have a 24x24 tank and I was wondering which light is better for my situation I want to this tank to be SPS dominate.. 2 XR15's is the same price as one Xr 30

 

[dmreefer]

I have have both on my 40B. I recommend the XR30 for your tank. I’ll post some photos from my previous IM Lagoon 25 tank as well as the 40B. There might be some overspill but the benefits of getting extra PAR will outweigh it.

This was super helpful, thanks. I guess with the Diffuser the spillover outside the tank will be less yes?

 

[dmreefer]

In case anyone ever reads up on this, I bought the XR30 Pro. And I have to say this is one of the better upgrades I've ever done with the tank, even though this is overkill for a WaterBox 70.2.

With the diffuser I have a nice blanket of light throughout. And the fish are actually exploring the outer edges of the tank more than before.

I'm now wondering whether the disco-ball effect (from the previous light) acts like a strobe light to them?