6'x2'x2' - Lighting....

Gribbliest · Nov 13, 2017

Hi,

Moved to the USA from the UK a couple of years ago and finally getting around to setting up my first reef tank over here. I've ordered the Reefer XXL 750, and it's being delivered this weekend - I'm excited to get this project underway.

I have been struggling to find an objective and recent comparison of the Mitras LX7 vs the Radion XR30 GR4 PRO.

I am aiming to go primarily SPS, with maybe a handful of LPS, and I would like to know what LED based lighting you feel I should go with - with any justification. I don't want to go T5 or MH, so please try to keep the thread on point with regards to LEDS.

So, I guess my questions are:

1) Mitrax LX7 OR Radion XR30 GR30 PRO
2) How many would I need for this tank given my aim for SPS

Many thanks in advance for all of your help/comments

-G

Daniel Waters · Nov 13, 2017

I would think 2 minimum of the XR30 pros, most likely 3. You might be able to get by with 5 XR15 pros if you're willing to space that many units out or have a canopy and mounting aesthetics is not that important.

I can't comment on the other brand.

Gribbliest · Nov 13, 2017

Thanks for the response Daniel, I definitely won't be trying to 'get by' with anything on this build. Been there, done that, paid the price!

I was thinking 3 is probably right for either model - but could do with people's experiences on both types of lighting for SPS

vertigo01 · Nov 13, 2017

I temporarily hung 2 XR30 Gen 3's and there was too much shadowing on my 60x24x24.
I would def consider 3, maybe even 4 depending on what corals and their placement.

Daniel Waters · Nov 13, 2017

I dont think "get by" was probably the best descriptor. I don't think you'd be skimping at all. It really depends on how high you plan to mount your lights. Most people i know who run the radion XR30 have to run them much lower intensities. By using the smaller xr15, you can spread them out a little easier and may just need to run them at higher intensity. However, from a mounting perspective, cords, aesthetics, etcc..., you might prefer less number of units. If you are going to have a canopy, I'd recommend 5 xr15w at a mounting height of 12" (or higher) versus 3 xr30w. You will have even spread and could dial in par easier in specific regions if you will have various SPS lighting demands in certain parts of the tank. BRS has put together great lighting reviews on the radions you should watch. Unfortunately, i can't comment on the other fixture.

Gribbliest · Nov 13, 2017

Ah - thanks for the explanation Daniel -

I'm finding GHL seems to be a little unknown this side of the 'pond'. They used to (IMHO) be ahead of Radion, and their build quality is amazing. Just finding it hard to find somebody with experience of both!

I'll have a think about what to go for! Again, thank you for your response!!!

madweazl · Nov 13, 2017

I've not seen many results from the Mitras and Orpheks until just recently (at least that was put into something easily digestible like BRS' videos). Their results in regard to the Orpheks were pretty promising however and I believe the Mitras were on the short list for testing sooner than later.

Two XR30s wont cut it unless you can mount them at least 24" off the water. I also agree that the XR15s will provide more flexibility in placement and that five would likely be sufficient to do what you want (at a much lower mounting height).

10Seconds · Nov 13, 2017

2 of the xr30s would be a huge disapointment on a 6 ft long tank. Especially an SPS tank. You could 'get by' with 4 but no less. The serious SPS tanks with Radions only seem to all do 1 fixture per ft of tank.

Personally for a 6 ft SPS focused tank, the choice really should include some options with T5s and or MH. On my 6 ft SPS tank I run the Giesemann Spectra, and its amazing. If you look, BoomCorals has a thread right now comparing SPS growth and this very light is dominating.

If you wont consider MH, and I get why some wont, at least consider a T5 / LED hybrid.