Reefer 525 xl

[billyboy1978]

Looking to buy the reefer 525 xl and was wondering about the lighting that comes with the deluxe model. Are they worth it, or should i get something else for it? If they're no good, i can save a grand but buying the basic model, and use my current equipment to run it at first. Any experience or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

[mcgyvr]

yes.. hydra LEDs are good.. If its in the budget then go for it..
You can save some by going with other choices though.. Chinese black box LEDs work great and can be had for under $100 (but can't be controlled as much as the more expensive fixtures) and MANY... MANY others...
Reefbreeders LEDs are good/lower cost too..

 

[Hentz]

Yep they Hydras are awesome. I've used the Hydra 26HD's on my previous setup before switching to T5. Had no noticeable differences between my Hydras and ATI 6x39 Sunpower aside from the T5 being much brighter to the eye. Coral color and growth were both amazing.

Needless to say, I downgraded and went right back to Hydra 26HD with no regrets.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Nothing wrong with the RS system. So this is just a suggestion. You can get a better deal on a system that looks very similar. Check out my build thread (link in my sig). It comes with a good DC return pump and a decent skimmer. I use the Photon V2 leds. My entire DT set up (including leds) was about $3000 delivered. The one thing I really don't like how the Red Sea sump is such a close fit in the stand. No room for a security liner in the stand under the sump. So what happens when you spill some water outside the sump? It's impossible to clean up. I wasn't a big fan of the CADlight tank being euro braced. But now that I have it, it looks just about as good as a RS rimless and I have a ledge to set stuff when I'm working in the tank! LOL! Just my 2 cents.

 

[billyboy1978]

thanks all for your replies. i found a local supply place that can get a tank and stand for the same price but its an acrylic tank.

 

[mindi]

Nothing wrong with the RS system. So this is just a suggestion. You can get a better deal on a system that looks very similar. Check out my build thread (link in my sig). It comes with a good DC return pump and a decent skimmer. I use the Photon V2 leds. My entire DT set up (including leds) was about $3000 delivered. The one thing I really don't like how the Red Sea sump is such a close fit in the stand. No room for a security liner in the stand under the sump. So what happens when you spill some water outside the sump? It's impossible to clean up. I wasn't a big fan of the CADlight tank being euro braced. But now that I have it, it looks just about as good as a RS rimless and I have a ledge to set stuff when I'm working in the tank! LOL! Just my 2 cents.

Hi Ron
See you use Photon V2...I have Photon V1 and have been very happy, are you seeing any better results from the V2 apart from the obvious low profile

 

[Ron Reefman]

Hi Ron
See you use Photon V2...I have Photon V1 and have been very happy, are you seeing any better results from the V2 apart from the obvious low profile

Yes and no...

I love the slimline look for sure, especially since I don't have a canopy this time.

I also like the 6 channel color control, but then I like playing with the lights and I especially like being able to turn the red and green leds off entirely.

I like the legs. They are as thin and modern looking as the rest of the fixture. I think they look better than the fixtures that get attached by big supports from behind the tank, but that's just my personal ascetics.

I also like the new remote. Being able to do all the programming in the remote while away from the fixture, like in a different room while watching TV, and then going to the fixtures and just hit a button and BAM, the new program is uploaded to the fixture!

I like that it is a bit more blue oriented than most the other fixtures. My old fixtures were EverGrow IT2080's which are the same as the Photon V1 except mine had custom led layout that I sent to EG and they built.

Does it grow coral faster or make it healthier than the Photon V1... probably not, but barely 6 months in isn't enough data, especially over a new tank as well. If I still had the old tank (it leaked) I'd almost certainly would still be using the old EG fixtures. I couldn't use them over the new tank as they didn't fit, I didn't want to hang them without a canopy and I didn't want a canopy. I wanted a newer more modern look. If you haven't seen it, you can go to my build thread. The link is in my sig below.

 

[mindi]

Ron

That is a most appreciated reply. I have had the Photon V1 for 6 years since I started doing this and I therefore have no basis for comparison...but I am happy with the results so I am thinking I will stick with my V1 for a while and then upgrade when the budget allows. Thanks again.


John