What's your preferred lighting brand and why?

[xsnys]

When it comes to choosing our preferred lighting brand, there are several factors we all consider. Many of us prioritize coral growth, seeking out brands that have a proven track record. Price range is another significant consideration, as we aim to find a balance between affordability and quality. Additionally, ease of use plays a crucial role, whether it's through an intuitive app or a reliable controller. The convenience of managing our tank's lighting settings can make a huge difference in our overall experience. I'm curious to hear which brand you prefer and why!

I did my best to add the most popular brands to the poll but if there's any others that are worth mentioning please let me know and I will add them to the poll.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I like Kessil. I prefer the way they give depth and dynamics to a tank rather than a flat color. Also, they have built in “Kessil Logic” that keeps the proper spectrum for coral regardless of which color settings are used. I also use a ReefBrite fixture to fill in shaded areas caused by the Kessil’s point sourced leds on larger colonies.

 

[Extremeengineer]

I'll be honest, I bought Radions because I had them many years ago, and my LFS where I purchased them stands behind them, and will help me with questions and settings. I also use the Mobius app as I have 2 MP10s that are on there as well. I am certain that I could have gone with any number of other brands and had good results. I would say that had I not gone with Radions I would have gone with AI or Kessil, I'm just not one who wants to save a buck to do my own support and diagnostics, but I understand there are those that do.

 

[xsnys]

I like Kessil. I prefer the way they give depth and dynamics to a tank rather than a flat color. Also, they have built in “Kessil Logic” that keeps the proper spectrum for coral regardless of which color settings are used. I also use a ReefBrite fixture to fill in shaded areas caused by the Kessil’s point sourced leds on larger colonies.

I use an AP9X myself and I love the color and light spread. The Kessil Logic does make it so that I only really have to worry about intensity and color. What I do not like whatsoever is the fact that they haven't updated their iOS app in TWO YEARS and it just flat out sucks as an app. I mean come on...

 

[anthonymckay]

Kessil. Mostly just because that's what I started with and have had some success with them, so I stuck with them. Also I do love the Kessil shimmer. I have a single Radion G5 in my sump for a chamber I've been using as a frag grow out, but that's relatively new on my tank.

 

[anthonymckay]

I use an AP9X myself and I love the color and light spread. The Kessil Logic does make it so that I only really have to worry about intensity and color. What I do not like whatsoever is the fact that they haven't updated their iOS app in TWO YEARS and it just flat out sucks as an app. I mean come on...

Agree so much on the app. I can't even connect to the Wifi dongles with my newest iPhone. Only works using my old iPad now.

 

[xsnys]

I'll be honest, I bought Radions because I had them many years ago, and my LFS where I purchased them stands behind them, and will help me with questions and settings. I also use the Mobius app as I have 2 MP10s that are on there as well. I am certain that I could have gone with any number of other brands and had good results. I would say that had I not gone with Radions I would have gone with AI or Kessil, I'm just not one who wants to save a buck to do my own support and diagnostics, but I understand there are those that do.

Radions are great honestly. Super easy to use, durable and they make corals look great!

 

[xsnys]

Agree so much on the app. I can't even connect to the Wifi dongles with my newest iPhone. Only works using my old iPad now.

Thankfully my iPhone 15 still connects directly to the AP9X via wifi. I'm unable to log in and save settings though. It almost feels like they abandoned the platform completely. No firmware updates, nothing.

 

[lbacha]

Orpheks are my go to, I have been using Atlantiks and OR bars for years and I love the spectrum and my sps love them. They are also well built lights with high quality parts. I’m about to install 3 Atlantik Icons and 8 OR4 bars with Osix and Dim controllers on my new 310g build.

 

[xsnys]

Added T5 and Metal Halides to the poll. They're not necessarily brands but also another form of lighting that I'm sure a lot of people still use.

 

[SpSDrew]

Reefbrite halide fixtures and reef breeder LEDs and reefbrite XHO. Best of both worlds.

 

[CO2TLEY]

Neptune sky they have the best coverage look imo. Pretty close to a t5 look. I don’t know if they count as ecotech from your list

 

[xsnys]

Neptune sky they have the best coverage look imo. Pretty close to a t5 look. I don’t know if they count as ecotech from your list

Awesome. This one slipped my mind. Added it to the poll

 

[Alexraptor]

I've had good success with Maxspects, trying out Kessils on my latest tank and while they look good, they have yet to deliver for me. =/

 

[leepink23]

Reefi have been my favorite LED related to par and spectrum. I always use to like my halides but they would be behind my reefi in terms of preference.

 

[X-37B]

Halides and T5's forever.
Switched to leds about 7 years ago.
Currently running 3 Xr15 gen 5 blue on my ext 50 frag system.
2 RB Photon 50's on my ext 170.
I would have went with a Photon on the 50 but I had 5 15's from my old 80 so.
They both grow coral well with the photon you get alot more par.

 

[DIYreefer]

Happy to see halides holding their own in the poll! I'm not one to get into lighting debates, but I still love halides. I've used quite a few various other lights in the past but halides remain my favorite.

 

[RedReefer]

Used to be ATI fixtures and T5’s. Now it’s Radions only.

 

[tsharpe291]

Halides and T5's forever.
Switched about 7 years ago.
Currently running 3 Xr15 gen 5 blue on my ext 50 frag system.
2 RB Photon 50's on my ext 170.
I would have went with a Photon on the 50 but I had 5 15's from my old 80 so.
They both grow coral well with the photon you get alot more par.

love the 8020 light mount. currently trying to figure out/design a mount for orphek
atlantik and or4's. did you mount that to the back of the stand or the wall?

 

[X-37B]

love the 8020 light mount. currently trying to figure out/design a mount for orphek
atlantik and or4's. did you mount that to the back of the stand or the wall?

It is a stand alone unit on both systems.