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Product Comparison

Same Platform, Same Size, Same App — Just Fewer Unused Watts

Chihiros VIVID II Mate vs Chihiros VIVID II

When Chihiros released the VIVID II Mate, the internet did what it always does: speculated wildly.

Was it a downgrade?

A “lite” version?

A totally different light for different aquascapers?

None of the above, actually.

The reality is much simpler — and much more sensible — once you look at the numbers on paper and how planted tanks are actually run.

Why the VIVID II Mate Exists (The Honest Answer)

The original Chihiros VIVID II is a serious WRGB light. On paper, it’s powerful. In practice, it’s very powerful.

So powerful, in fact, that the vast majority of aquascapers never run it anywhere near 100% brightness. Not because they can’t — but because doing so usually creates instability, algae issues, or simply unnecessary intensity.

Chihiros didn’t create the VIVID II Mate to serve a “different use case”.

They created it because:

  • The VIVID II sits at a premium price point
  • Most users are paying for brightness headroom they’ll never use
  • The real-world experience is almost always dialled back

The Mate exists to lower the price of entry while keeping the parts that actually matter.

Physical Size & Form Factor (Identical — Literally)

Let’s start with something refreshingly clear.

The Chihiros VIVID II and VIVID II Mate are the same size.

On paper:

  • Dimensions: ~455 × 162 × 34 mm (L × W × H)
  • Recommended tank width: 60–90 cm

This means:

  • Same housing
  • Same mounting footprint
  • Same tank coverage
  • Same accessories

If you already planned your setup around a VIVID II, the Mate drops straight in with zero changes.

WRGB Technology & LED Platform

Both lights use RGB 3-in-1 (WRGB) LED technology, which is the entire reason the VIVID series is popular in planted aquariums.

On paper, both lights share:

  • Independently controlled Red, Green, and Blue channels
  • A spectrum tuned for planted tanks (not generic lighting)
  • Identical app control and colour adjustment

There is no spectrum downgrade on the Mate.

The difference is not colour quality — it’s maximum output ceiling.

The Numbers: VIVID II vs VIVID II Mate (On Paper)

  • Chihiros RGB VIVIDII - The Aquascape Shop

    Chihiros VIVID II — Technical Specifications

    • Power consumption: ~130 W
    • LED count: 160 × RGB (3-in-1) LEDs
    • Luminous flux: approx. 12,200 lumens * 10th Anniversary Edition
    • Recommended tank width: 60–90 cm
    • LED lifespan: ~50,000 hours

    This is a high-output fixture with serious headroom — more than most planted tanks will ever need.

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  • Chihiros VIVID II Mate — Technical Specifications

    • Power consumption: ~125 W
    • LED count: approx. 140 × RGB (3-in-1) LEDs
    • Luminous flux: approx. 10,000 lumens (as published by Chihiros)
    • Recommended tank width: 60–90 cm
    • LED lifespan: ~50,000 hours
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On paper, the Mate:

  • Uses fewer LEDs
  • Draws slightly less power
  • Retains the same physical size and coverage

Yes, the lumen figure looks lower on the Mate and this is where it’s important to be clear:

Lumens are not a plant-growth metric.

Chihiros does not publish official PAR charts for either light, so there is no responsible way to claim one “grows plants better” than the other.

What we can say is that both lights sit well within the range required for high-tech planted aquariums.

Control & App Features (Completely Identical)

oth lights use the My Chihiros app (which is available on both IOS and Android devices), and both support:

  • Standard built-in lighting profiles
  • Manual RGB spectrum adjustment
  • Brightness control
  • Timer scheduling
  • Sunrise and sunset simulation
  • Grouping

There is no software lockout, no missing feature, and no learning curve difference.

If you can use one, you can use the other.

Accessories & Shade Compatibility

Because the housing and dimensions are identical, accessories are shared.

The Chihiros mirror shades designed for the RGB VIVID II work with both models.

They:

  • Reduce light spill
  • Improve visual focus
  • Give the light a cleaner, more professional look

Compatibility:

  • ✅ VIVID II
  • ✅ VIVID II Mate
  • ❌ Not compatible with the VIVID Mini
Shades for VIVID II

What the Numbers Actually Mean in Real Tanks

Here’s the part spec sheets don’t explain.

In real aquascaping:

  • Lights are rarely run at full power
  • Excessive intensity causes instability
  • Most aquascapers intentionally dial output back

Which means:

Most VIVID II owners are already using their light at “Mate levels” — just at a higher purchase price.

The Mate doesn’t remove usable performance.

It removes unused capacity.

So Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Chihiros VIVID II Mate if:

  • You want premium WRGB lighting
  • You don’t plan to run lights at 100%
  • You prefer value over theoretical maximums

Choose the Chihiros VIVID II if:

  • You specifically want maximum output headroom
  • You like knowing the ceiling is higher, even if you never touch it
  • Budget is secondary to absolute capability

For the vast majority of planted tanks, the end result in the aquarium will be indistinguishable.

Chihiros VIVID II Mate Chihiros VIVID II

Final Verdict

On paper:

  • Same size
  • Same WRGB platform
  • Same app control
  • Same accessories

The only real difference is how much unused brightness you’re paying for.

The Chihiros VIVID II Mate isn’t a compromise.

It’s Chihiros acknowledging how aquascapers actually run their tanks.

And honestly?

That’s the most refreshing spec of all.

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