The CoralSky SL2 is a significant overhaul of their initial LED striplight which doubles the power of the LEDs for the same price. We’ve used the original CoralSky SL extensively with and without the lens option but with 35 watts spread over 18 inches, the SL2 delivers more punch than most tanks would need if lenses are used. We had the opportunity to handle this second generation CoralSky striplight on the top of a mountain and on a very big reef tank. The quality of construction has improved and it looks like CoralSky has claimed the title of the most powerful LED striplight on the aquarium market so far. Continue reading to see many more shots of this versatile and powerful LED striplight.
Though CoralSky is relatively nascent in the aquarium market, within a year of releasing their first offerings CoralSky is already bringing a second generation of lights to market. Not only are the LEDs more powerful in both the Versa 2 spot and SL2 striplight, but the heatsink is significantly more chunky to accommodate the extra heat. Furthermore, the heatsink this time has a recession to allow for a flush mounting of the LED PCB making for a much more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing design. The black anodized heatsink should be much more stealth and the matching adjustable thumbscrews is one of our favorite features of the new SL2. Although LEDs have a directionality of light, very few LED light makers have yet to really capitalize of this feature. The thumbscrews of the SL2 take full advantage of being able to direct the LED light where you need it.Our only criticism of the SL2 is the continued presence of the electrical connection right on the PCB. Although almost all other LED striplight makers have put the connection downstream of the power cord, CoralSky has clung to their previous configuration.
The CoralSky SL2 is not just an actinic striplight meant to be a supplement for other forms of lighting. With 35 watts of LEDs and being available in a 50/50 mix of white and royal blue LEDs, the SL2 is now well equipped to light up some of the mid-sized reefs out there all on it’s own. The SL2 is available and in stock without lenses for $249 but if you want their top of the line Ledil lenses you’ll have to fork over an additional $20. (See our previous post for more details on the Versa 2). Our review unit of the SL2 is packing a full set of Ledils and it’s currently perched on top of a three foot deep 1200 gallon reef tank where we are evaluating it’s depth penetration on a small range of diverse corals. FOr now we can tell you that the colors of Montipora and Chalice corals is absolutely stunning and those lenses are providing very broad and even distribution. Another week or so and we’ll be able to see the effects on color stimulation. Stay tuned.
