echotech xr30 vs halide/LED

[Donavon]

I am upgrading from a 90 gallon tank to a 120 gallon. The 90 currently has two xr30 fixtures over it (one gen 2-one gen4) oand my corals have never looked better, they are consistently growing and colors are coming out that the black box LEDs never gave me.

So with the 120 i received a Sunlight ‘Maristar’ halide/t5 fixture, it has two 250 watt halides flanked by two 54 watt T5s.

So I am looking for opinions and personal preference (based on personal experience please) about these lights and which gives better growth and/or color.
I really like the echotech lights, but I’m afraid two are not enough to cover this 5 foot tank.
On the other hand i want to try the Maristar, but don’t want to sacrifice any of the coloration I have been getting.

 

[reefwiser]

What corals do you keep or want to keep in the new aquarium? That will help with the answer. If you keep the Ecotech you most likely will need another light. The MH light will grow in coral you would ever want to try in the aquarium.

 

[Reeferdood]

Agreed with above....
Also to add to that is with halides comes warmer waters. If you are going to use them you might need to also add a chiller so you need to weigh the options.
Personally, I would stick with the Ecotech's and perhaps upgrade to the Gen 4's for a display setup. I know they are expensive but I use them and could not be more pleased.

 

[jda]

BRS starts every lighting comparison video with a statement that is somewhere along the lines of "if you want pure performance with the best color and growth, then metal halide is still the right choice." This is true.

If you are talking about actual coloration of the coral, then you will do better with the MH/T5s - MH is still the gold standard and can render color and illuminate. If you really like the blue/windex and black-light look, then you will need to stick with your Radions - this is not true color, just trick illumination that some people really love.

14k phoenix in double ended or 20k radium in single ended have popped coral for a long time. A simple fan can take care of most heat unless you live in Arizona or some parts of Florida - it always has for me, even in 100+ degree and 100% humidity midwest summers.

 

[Captain Quint]

Great topic.

I've used and still use my Radions and have had all generations made. I will write that I've noticed a slight difference in color (even if set the same) on the different generations being mixed.

I also love a good halide. I've also blended halides and radions...so, I guess I'm not a good one to ask on comparisons as I love both either separate or combined.

You're in a good situation to play with both since you have both.

 

[Donavon]

What corals do you keep or want to keep in the new aquarium? That will help with the answer. If you keep the Ecotech you most likely will need another light. The MH light will grow in coral you would ever want to try in the aquarium.

I will be transferring all of my coral, everything from Acropora, montipora, cabbage, candy canes, zoas, I’m just getting rid of the “weeds” (yellow polyps and the fast growing plays) ive got a pretty good mix of stuff leaning heavier on the acropora though. I’ve heard guys say that they loose some of the brilliant color when switching to halides, but i have no personal experience, I’m more concerned with keeping color than faster growth.

 

[Donavon]

Agreed with above....
Also to add to that is with halides comes warmer waters. If you are going to use them you might need to also add a chiller so you need to weigh the options.
Personally, I would stick with the Ecotech's and perhaps upgrade to the Gen 4's for a display setup. I know they are expensive but I use them and could not be more pleased.

I love the ecotechs, but not in a position to drop the money on an additional fixture...

 

[Donavon]

BRS starts every lighting comparison video with a statement that is somewhere along the lines of "if you want pure performance with the best color and growth, then metal halide is still the right choice." This is true.

If you are talking about actual coloration of the coral, then you will do better with the MH/T5s - MH is still the gold standard and can render color and illuminate. If you really like the blue/windex and black-light look, then you will need to stick with your Radions - this is not true color, just trick illumination that some people really love.

14k phoenix in double ended or 20k radium in single ended have popped coral for a long time. A simple fan can take care of most heat unless you live in Arizona or some parts of Florida - it always has for me, even in 100+ degree and 100% humidity midwest summers.

I always keep my LEDs a bit on the white side, I’m thinking the t5s if using actinic will probably give some good pop.
I’m not a fan of the heavy saturated blue, it looks unnatural to me

 

[jda]

The halides are not capable of the black light look. Other than this, if you choose well, they will color and pop coral better than anything else. People who say otherwise are either talking about the black-light look or have no idea what they are speaking about. Good MH bulbs and setups do not need any supplementation to look great.

Great color and fast growth are usually in the same tanks... when they thrive, they both grow fast and look great.

 

[BoomCorals]

Halides will pull better color than any LED for sure. And I’ve used just about all of them.