Why don't we have more aesthetically pleasing lighting options?

[rtparty]

Did you use two grow and one glow in this combo? I think it looks pretty good, especially the way mounting arm is coming from the back corner. It makes it look more out of the way and easier to focus on the tank space

Yes. 2 Grow and 1 Glow. Not a cheap option by any means but super sleek was the goal.

I ran them for 9 months on my 250. 3 Grow and 2 Glow. They did everything I could have asked for. Only switched to Radions to try the Gen 6 when they came out. All the growth you see is from the Blades

 

[Tahoe61]

I don’t know if everyone likes the look but I spent some time planning this out:

To say the Blades are lacking is far from my experience. They had their first generation issues for sure but got those worked out. With a little planning, I don’t know of another light that is so easy to mount and make look good

Definitely like the look.

 

[Reef-Engineer]

My ATI Straton Pros are pretty darn sleek. Cant imagine much better.

 

[jonelder68]

Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but I’m happy with mine. Mine were made for function first. Easily/quickly adjust everything and can raise light up 2-3’ when needed for service in about 10 seconds. Sorry no pictures with cords routed will have to get some once tanks back in place after renovations.

 

[ATXreefer]

My ATI Straton Pros are pretty darn sleek. Cant imagine much better.

I would go for stratons, but the cost is prohibitive for me. Love the look and I’m sure they look great over your tank.

Yes. 2 Grow and 1 Glow. Not a cheap option by any means but super sleek was the goal.

I ran them for 9 months on my 250. 3 Grow and 2 Glow. They did everything I could have asked for. Only switched to Radions to try the Gen 6 when they came out. All the growth you see is from the Blades

I really like the form factor of the blades and I think it’s proof of concept they have the ability to scale them up to a single, larger fixture while retaining passive cooling. I understand they don’t do this because the intent of the blade design is for flexibility to use as primary lighting or as supplemental fill light on the edges of the tank.

 

[ReeferZ1227]

Id rather look at these lights than a sleek cichlid tank.

 

[Raul-7]

There's two brands that always deliver in performance and looks; but they are pricey.

Light - Giesemann Aquaristic

High-End Aquarium LED Beleuchtung, Aquarium Hybrid Beleuchtung und premium Aquarien. Handgefertigt und made in Germany

www.giesemann.de

ATI Lighting - ATI North America

LIGHTING Solutions to bring out the brilliant colors of your reef Time-tested lighting fixtures and bulbs that offer exceptional color, performance and design Straton Pro LED Building on the success of the original Straton, Straton Pro combines exceptional functionality and maximum efficiency...

atinorthamerica.com

 

[bakbay]

I think that ALL lighting options are not aesthetically pleasing, unless you have a canopy. It hides all the bulky fixtures, messy cables, power strips, and above all — it prevents light spills! Examples of my tanks below.

 

[SudzFD]

I agree, but just hide the top of the tank with an easily removable facade. This is three sided open top and hides my lights and equipment. This was designed primarily to limit glare while sitting in my sofa lower than the lights but also serves function of hiding top of the tank.

Without fascade

With fascade

 

[ATXreefer]

Id rather look at these lights than a sleek cichlid tank

You and me both. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, love the value of quanta and what they bring to the table. More options are better.

 

[ATXreefer]

I think that ALL lighting options are not aesthetically pleasing, unless you have a canopy. It hides all the bulky fixtures, messy cables, power strips, and above all — it prevents light spills! Examples of my tanks below.

I love that low profile canopy

 

[biecacka]

What about lights that you want in a functioning, aesthetically pleasing hood of sorts?


Corey

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

What's not attractive about a Giesemann hybrid fixture or ATI T5?
The powers that be want hobbyist to move to LED. To facilitate that vendors have slowly transitioned out of MH and T5 ballist, fixtures and bulbs. There are some fantastic LED systems, I just resent the industry dictating and limiting my choices.

This- ATI T5's made my 40b look incredible. Right now I have 2 A360's and one Quanta Meso blue over my 69g. The Quanta is a step in the right direction. I am NOT impressed with the PAR that my 360's are putting out, and the look is average. May go all Quantas for my 85g that will be set up in the future.

 

[Viking_Reefing]

Yeah, I'm very happy with how my lights look. Esthetics was a big consideration for me. I run Giesemann Aurora v12 pros on mig big tank and blades on my small tank.
However, I do agree that a lot of offerings just look horrible unfortunately.

 

[Bruttall]

Simple solution to Ascetic's is to build a wall in front of the tank to hide the lights/life support it needs.

 

[ATXreefer]

Yeah, I'm very happy with how my lights look. Esthetics was a big consideration for me. I run Giesemann Aurora v12 pros on mig big tank and blades on my small tank.
However, I do agree that a lot of offerings just look horrible unfortunately.

Two things:
- I like the curve of the giesemann to reduce light spill
- It's amazing how hard it is to even notice the blades on top of the smaller tank

 

[Viking_Reefing]

Two things:
- I like the curve of the giesemann to reduce light spill
- It's amazing how hard it is to even notice the blades on top of the smaller tank

Yeah, very happy with both lights.
The Aurora is extremely sleek looking and has a high wife approval factor lol

If you look straight at the tank you can’t even tell that the blades are there:

 

[tmc13]

I completely agree with the OP about aesthetics. I've always "tried" to keep my tanks as clean looking as possible and by that I not only mean the inside, but also the outside (cords, pumps, lights, etc.... especially if it's located in a high traffic area of the house where everyone can see it. To me, it is art, not just keeping something alive in a glass (or acrylic) box. However, we are at the mercy of what the industry provides us. I take it as a challenge and just try to figure out how to get the look I want on a tank by tank basis. Here is an example of my current tank. Albeit a nano, I still had some designing/engineering to work out. Overall, I'm happy with it, but it still bugs me that I had to go with an interior overflow box.