AI vs Ecotec vs kessil

[bobbyM]

IMO

#1 Radion
Best power, best performance, best controllability, best customer service.
#2 Kessil
Highest build quality, best shimmer, best color blending.
#3 AI
Good lights with reasonable features. Good spread with a decent price.

Add T5's to any of the above for the win!

 

[mcwhng]

I've had T5 and now 2 AI prime nonhd's over my 3 ft 50 gallon mixed reef for 2yrs. Better growth with the T5 but cost of bulb replacement was the reason for the switch. Control of spectrum, intensity, color, and shimmer much better with led's. Based on what I've seen recently the aquaticlife hybrid fixture mounts seem to be the next big step in lighting. BRS's extensive review of the fixture offers very compelling reasons for the hybrid approach and the price undercuts just about everything with unbeatable performance. Only question is long term reliability and that will be determined soon. I'm seriously considering this approach since the cost of upgrade is peanuts compared to buying more leds.

 

[okaqua]

I've had all 3 over tanks over the last several years. I went with the AP700 over the AI and radions with my current tank for a couple of reasons. I really just wanted an easier tank so I was going with mostly LPS. I've had successful SPS tanks but it was more work then I wanted to put into at the moment. I had 360's over previous SPS tank and wasn't happy with my sps growth. I will say that I only have a few acro in my new tank and frags have gone from really dull brown to great coloration and pretty good growth in limited time. I've had hydra 52'hds and radion G3 pro's and like my AP700's the best of the 3 for coloration and growth. Just curious what size tank are you going to be covering? It might be a little easier to answer if we know what size.

29 standard

 

[Newb73]

I have owned Kessil, Radion G3 Pro and Hydra HDs.

1. Kessil: Unmatched shimmer and blues. Things just look stunning. I didn't get great growth.
2. Radion: Pure horsepower but their 24/7 fan that you can't turn off makes no sense to me and was really quite loud. I didn't think the look on the tank was anywhere near as snazzy
3. Hydra HDs: To me, the best combination of the two above. I get a really good shimmer, app is easy to use and set the lights but more importantly, they have a much bigger heatsink and their fan is dead silent. I also have an HD Prime at the office which gives great coverage for the cost.

Just some quick thoughts.

Plus 1.

Most people put Radions 1st but I put them dead last.

You also get 4 pucks w hydra and less disco ball w better spread visually.

 

[dangros]

I had 2 kessils on my 90g (standard 48" tank) and for SPS it was not enough. There was too much shadowing. My lps were fine but the SPS didnt grow almost at all after 2 years. I replaced them with 2 GHL Mitras and every coral in the tank has sped up growth.

 

[Newb73]

I had 2 kessils on my 90g (standard 48" tank) and for SPS it was not enough. There was too much shadowing. My lps were fine but the SPS didnt grow almost at all after 2 years. I replaced them with 2 GHL Mitras and every coral in the tank has sped up growth.

You needed 3

Factory specs are over optimistic.


You also can do better by getting 4 or 5 of the cheaper A160s and running them at 90%.

We are finding out more Hydra 26s > few 52, More x15s> Fewer X30s also

Which we had all known that when these all got popular 3 years ago....

 

[BoomCorals]

Having owned all 3 and grown sps under all 3 - I saw no significant difference in the rate of growth. Buy the one that is most appealing to you.

 

[pixelbit]

Wow, I had no idea the Radions had a 24/7 fan. What a horrid design choice. Thanks for the info!

 

[madweazl]

Wow, I had no idea the Radions had a 24/7 fan. What a horrid design choice. Thanks for the info!

The fans aren't on 24/7, not sure what was going on with that members units but my G3s didn't do that (the fan wouldnt even come on at low intensity).

 

[pixelbit]

That's good to know! I have a TV that does that and it's horrible.

 

[Xandernfs]

Having only Kessil products, I can't really compare much. But I will say the reason for me choosing Kessil is due to the spectrum, blending that they have achieved, and (obviously) the shimmer. I have gone from the a160 to the ap700 and it is comparing apples to oranges. I am very glad that I stepped up to the ap700! One of the many things that I really, really like about how everything is blended and there is zero disco ball effect that you get with the Radions and Hydras.

Ultimately, I don't think that lighting is the primary factor when it comes to coral growth. If you have any one of these products or another quality lighting product it will be just fine. There are other variables such water quality that are a lot more important to coral health than just lighting.

 

[SPSReeferMI]

I have never had issues with the light not running it’s schedule as of now and that I know of. The one issue I ha move faced was opening the app and it times out a time or two before I can view my settings control. More annoying than and issue to me and should be able to be fixed with a software update.

This is an old post. But I’m struggling with this same problem - AI hydra lights seem to have weak WiFi adapters built in.

 

[dadnjesse]

I have three XR30 pro Radions on my SPS tank, yes the fans stay on but they are not loud. My tank is in my bedroom and you just can't hear them. Also I don't see the Disco ball effect that all these people claim bother them from these lights. But asking which light is like asking should you buy a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge.

 

[14 foot reef]

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[Roosterjack]

Kessil is my choice, as well as Reefbrite strips.

 

[Waynerock]

Old thread but I put in my 2 cents. I had the prime HD’s and upgraded to the 16’s and I love them. Super cheep compared to the other offerings and I believe they are just as good if not better. I have 3 over a reefer 250 and get very good growth, no complaints even with the lack of WiFi on the 16’s. The biggest issue with LED’s is the damage we do changing them all the time. Who cares about WiFi once you set it and forget it. I never touch my lights unless I am right I. Front of them. Who needs WiFi??

 

[14 foot reef]

I should have added, I Have qty - 9 Kessil a360 's in 14' of aquatic life hybrid fixtures