2nd Radion down - considering alternatives

[ShepherdTech]

I have a 210 mixed reef with 3 Radion XR30W Pros and a 2 bulb 60” T5 retrofit. The first one failed after about 4 or 5 months and now a second was just sent in, after the UV started flashing off and on, with the light powering off randomly as well. The UV also flashes on and off when the lights are at 0%. The track record is t very good and They didn’t want to do a cross ship this time, so while my light has one end that is dark, I started thinking about whether I should just buy a T5 fixture and sell the Radions. Any thoughts? It is a mixed reef with some Acropora and sps. 29” tall tank

 

[Kfactor]

I would be pretty mad I have always wanted to try them but I have been hearing a lot of ppl having problems with them . I know ppl will say for the amount.they sell there I sent a lot that need to be returned but for the money those lights cost it’s crazy

 

[Gareth elliott]

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Some leds at various price points.

 

[Bob Weigant]

I guess I better count my blessings. My radion’s have had no issues

 

[ShepherdTech]

Forgot to add that my tank is a Aqueon, with the two braces. I can google lights, but really looking for advice on a path forward.

 

[Gareth elliott]

If dont mind t5’s all the way, will cause the least headache switching. As less variables you will be dealing with. The intensity of a t5 bulb is a known, intensity of an led a ?.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

Crossing my fingers on mine. They are used but heard more bad things about them now.

 

[piranhaman00]

Im so happy with my AI hydra 26s. I was between those and radions and with hearing so much bad about them im glad I went with AI!

 

[pwilliaml]

Check out the Photon V2's at www.reefbreeders.com I gave up on my Radions as well and switched over to a Photon V2 roughly 4 years ago and have had very good success. They are less expensive than the Radions, but the programming is all through a remote, so it takes a little more time. All of my coral are doing great and I still have room to spare on turning them up if I have to. Since you like your T5s for a blanket of light, you'll like these as the LEDs are spread out across the fixture to provide a great blanket of light that doesn't cause the disco ball effect of colors since they blend really well before hitting the water while still providing that shimmer most people like. Take a look at the reviews and videos.

 

[ShepherdTech]

Check out the Photon V2's at www.reefbreeders.com I gave up on my Radions as well and switched over to a Photon V2 roughly 4 years ago and have had very good success. They are less expensive than the Radions, but the programming is all through a remote, so it takes a little more time. All of my coral are doing great and I still have room to spare on turning them up if I have to. Since you like your T5s for a blanket of light, you'll like these as the LEDs are spread out across the fixture to provide a great blanket of light that doesn't cause the disco ball effect of colors since they blend really well before hitting the water while still providing that shimmer most people like. Take a look at the reviews and videos.

Doesn’t look like they make one optimized for a 72” tank. The largest one they have is 48” wide and optimized for a 60” wide tank

 

[pwilliaml]

Doesn’t look like they make one optimized for a 72” tank. The largest one they have is 48” wide and optimized for a 60” wide tank

Take a look at the 32 inch V2. One of the options is to get two lights with a linking really which for perfectly on a 72 inch tank. There are even reviews with people talking about how a pair works great. I saw a picture or a video too somewhere.

 

[Terri Caton]

I'm getting rid of my Radions and installing ReeFi Extremes today. I'll keep everyone posted on how I like them.

 

[ShepherdTech]

Thanks! I may just do that.

Take a look at the 32 inch V2. One of the options is to get two lights with a linking really which for perfectly on a 72 inch tank. There are even reviews with people talking about how a pair works great. I saw a picture or a video too somewhere.

I’ll wait until my Radion is back from warranty repair, but that looks like the best option so far. Also looks like it will push good PAR in my 29” tall tank.

 

[biecacka]

2 Orphek lights would work.


corey

 

[rahger]

this thread scares me, i just ordered 2 g4 pros

 

[Kevin Duprey]

I'm getting rid of my Radions and installing ReeFi Extremes today. I'll keep everyone posted on how I like them.

I have a pair that replaced an XR15 / T5 combo. I'd never go back. Getting way better growth and color. The amount of blue and UV in these lights is impressive.

 

[Terri Caton]

I have a 210 mixed reef with 3 Radion XR30W Pros and a 2 bulb 60” T5 retrofit. The first one failed after about 4 or 5 months and now a second was just sent in, after the UV started flashing off and on, with the light powering off randomly as well. The UV also flashes on and off when the lights are at 0%. The track record is t very good and They didn’t want to do a cross ship this time, so while my light has one end that is dark, I started thinking about whether I should just buy a T5 fixture and sell the Radions. Any thoughts? It is a mixed reef with some Acropora and sps. 29” tall tank

I have a pair that replaced an XR15 / T5 combo. I'd never go back. Getting way better growth and color. The amount of blue and UV in these lights is impressive.

Same combo I had. Can't wait to see the difference!

 

[Terri Caton]

this thread scares me, i just ordered 2 g4 pros

Lots and lots of people have them and love them. Don't worry. My main frustration with them has been the programming. Honestly I think it's something to do with the Apex but I just got tired of them doing random things of their own.

 

[pwilliaml]

I still wonder why companies continue to sell the single / double pucks when BRS and everyone who has used T5's has proven that a blanket of light from multiple directions across your tank yields the best results. You get no shadow zones and even PAR distribution with this method. That's why I like the ReefBreeders lights because they spread the light out while still giving even color distribution (no disco ball effect) and for 600 bucks, my entire 36 inch wide tank has light above it instead of just one or two pucks from the center. Just my opinion though with some facts thrown in from BRS. Not trying to start a best lighting discussion / argument. Anything that grows corals is good in my book.

 

[ca1ore]

Did ETM give you any insight about why the first light failed? I've got a bunch of 30s and 15s at home without incident …. so far (they're all about 2 years old).