Cube Tank Lighting Choice

horseplay · Jul 30, 2018

To light a cube tank, 24"x24"x20" mixed reef, SPS on top, do you need a Radion XR30 or the XR15 is sufficient? How about the spread? I would guess the intensity is enough the 30 will give you a little more spread but cost does come into consideration.

Also, big difference between G3 and G4? Spectrum, spread and control-ability through the web interface? You basically can get a G3 XR30 for about $400 now (maybe even cheaper).

Sorry so many questions.

pluikens · Jul 31, 2018

If you're being mindful of the cost, I'd start with the XR15 G4 Pro and if shading becomes an issue, add the AquaticLife T5 hybrid fixture.

mcarroll · Jul 31, 2018

horseplay said:
To light a cube tank, 24"x24"x20" mixed reef, SPS on top, do you need a Radion XR30 or the XR15 is sufficient? How about the spread? I would guess the intensity is enough the 30 will give you a little more spread but cost does come into consideration.

Also, big difference between G3 and G4? Spectrum, spread and control-ability through the web interface? You basically can get a G3 XR30 for about $400 now (maybe even cheaper).

Sorry so many questions.

Guessing that you haven't seen these lights in person?

Is this your first tank? What lights have you actually seen in person? (Name some others if you've seen these. Wondering about your thoughts on comparison.)

If you like halide tanks, then a light like the XR15 (Hydra, Kessil, et al) will be fine. Your tank is not deep so the 30 is not called for.

If you like fluorescent tanks, then I'd suggest considering strip-format LED's like Current USA's. GHL, Orphek, Hamilton and others all offer them.

horseplay · Jul 31, 2018

I am breaking down my 80 breeder which is lit by an ATI LED/T5 hybrid. Just want to try to give LED only a try.

mcarroll · Aug 1, 2018

...so you already have the xr15 from the old fixture?

horseplay · Aug 1, 2018

No I only have an ATI hybrid.

mcarroll · Aug 1, 2018

In that case I would suggest considering other lights as well as the XR15.

Are you sure you want to go to Spotlight rather than LED strip?

BestMomEver · Aug 1, 2018

I have a 60 cube (24x24x24). I settled on the Radion x15 gen 4 and I’m tickled pink with them. My SPS are happy and growing and color is nice. In the sand I have four acans, two favias, a long tentacle plate, two trees, pipe organ, and a tube anemone. Every one is fully open and basking in the sun! I considered the x30 but my most trusted LFS guys said the 15 would be sufficient. I called the Radion folks and talked with them. They very easily could have tried to upgrade me to the x30 but they told me that x15 would be fine. Besides.... the 15 is cheaper. If you get the 15 and don’t like it, I’ll buy it (no joke!).

BigAl07 · Aug 1, 2018

I was planning the exact same footprint as you mentioned (changed to a non-cube layout) and the X15 G4 is exactly what I was going to use. My new tank will be 36" x 24" x 20" and I'll be using a pair of X15 G4 to get the full 36" width.

BestMomEver · Aug 1, 2018

Oh... web interface from what I’m told is the same between the 15 and 30. It’s easy to set up and operate. I recommend the little WiFi box thing. If not, then you have to plug your pc into the actual light fixture via a USB cable. Also EcoTech has incorporated some preprogrammed settings that you can play with. Or you can modify one or create your own.

jda · Aug 1, 2018

In any case, I would use a pair of XR15s over a single XR30 - this way, you can spread them out more for less shadowing and shading as stuff grows. A XR15 for every foot is better than a XR30 every two feet, IMO. G3 vs G4 is up to you... older one will break sooner and you risk buying used. They do not fail any more than any other light, but any LED has an inherent higher failure rate than you see with other types.

BestMomEver · Aug 1, 2018

jda said:
In any case, I would use a pair of XR15s over a single XR30 - this way, you can spread them out more for less shadowing and shading as stuff grows. A XR15 for every foot is better than a XR30 every two feet, IMO. G3 vs G4 is up to you... older one will break sooner and you risk buying used. They do not fail any more than any other light, but any LED has an inherent higher failure rate than you see with other types.

FWIW, I think two x15’s would be overkill. No disrespect #jdr. I’m just basing that on my experience!