Ecotech Radion or Vertex Illumina

[k2parkstar]

In then next month or two I plan on converting from T5's to LED's on my tank. I've got some questions for you LED'ers. First I have a 45g cube 24x24x20 will a single radion or illumina model get light to my whole tank with no shadows? Second which would you chose. They are relatively equal in price, i'm comparing to the 1ft illumina. Both are modular and easy to upgrade. Any comments on which is easier to program? My tank isn't deep at all so I like that the illumina does not have lenses. So lets hear what you think. By the way am I the only one that realizes I can get a 32 inch LED TV for the same price as a little 1 ft LED fixture? Food for thought. By the way my tank is a mixed reef but starting to become SPS dominant.

 

[k2parkstar]

Wow no responses? No vertex or ecotech fanatics out there?

 

[salmon alley]

Not a fanatic by any means, but I've been doing some research for a planned build. Take a look at the article "Light in the Reef Aquaria" by Karpenko and Ganapetyan. It makes some interesting points about coral's use of light in the violet spectrum (400-425nm) and also points out that few LED fixtures provide this particular spectrum.
The soon to be released Ecotech Radion XR30w Pro begins to address this by including 4 Indigo LED (415nm) and 4 Violet LED (405nm). Of course it also comes with a hefty price tag ($899 per unit I believe).
Consider also, that if you purchase any modular unit, you can always retrofit with a more complete spectrum (i.e. the Violet and Indigo LEDs) if and when they become available.

 

[GnarleyMarley]

I am running 2 radions over my 90 and they could very easily light a 4' 120 (which i am planning on upgrading to. I have never seen the vertex in action but i can say that the radion would have no trouble lighting your tank, but honestly u would probobly b happy with either on. I am running radions so i may b a little biased... I do know that since i mad the swith on my sps tank i have seen a noticable increase in growth on my acros. I have also had some colors change some for the better some not. BTW i was running an 8 bulb t5 fixture b4 i made the switch and so far the only regret i have is not making the switch earlier!

 

[Beach Bum]

2 Radion here on a standard 90 gal tank. Have had them up for 3 weeks now
Love them !!!

 

[powdermonkey]

I have been running 3 radions over my 180 for almost a year now over a sps dominate tank. First off I think there needs at least 1 more to get decent coverage. The braces on the tank makes it impossible to space a fourth. Second, a couple corals never looked better ie, plum crazy & ora ice tort. But some have never looked worse ie, joe the coral & garf bonsi. But than again maybe I just havent found their sweet spot. I am now in a holding pattern waiting on the new upgrades to come out. Depending on that I maybe adding supplemental lighting. For color reasons I wish I would of stayed with my mh/t5 combos. But love the versatility and how sleek the radions are. Radions are my only LED experience.

 

[Rob.D]

Wow no responses? No vertex or ecotech fanatics out there?

Stop competing with Zach and just stick with T5, get yourself a ATI fixture!!!

BTW, why no "stick with T5" voting option???

 

[k2parkstar]

Stop competing with Zach and just stick with T5, get yourself a ATI fixture!!!

BTW, why no "stick with T5" voting option???

That's also on my radar, but LED seemed like a better option

 

[mfinn]

I have a single radion over a 30" x 20" x 20" tank and love it.
I did have some trouble doing the program, but one phone call to Ecotech resolved that issue in about 15 minutes.

I did go from a ATI 6 x 24 watt fixture to the Radion.
I won't be going back.

 

[Jordangil]

Radion !!!

 

[k2parkstar]

I have a single radion over a 30" x 20" x 20" tank and love it.
I did have some trouble doing the program, but one phone call to Ecotech resolved that issue in about 15 minutes.

I did go from a ATI 6 x 24 watt fixture to the Radion.
I won't be going back.

How long has it been since you made the switch? That's some good info especially knowing you went from an ATI fixture

 

[Jordangil]

I have witnessed very good growth from 1 radion over 1 month .

 

[mfinn]

How long has it been since you made the switch? That's some good info especially knowing you went from an ATI fixture

I used the led on just the basic mode at about 35% in the 20k mode for about 2 weeks, until I could get a day during the week to call them. The company doesn't work on the weekends. ( either do I, so I guess I shouldn't complain).
Once I did manage to get in touch with Jon, he was able to set me up with the acclimation program using the new ESL. ( new programing).
The lights start coming on at 9:30 and slowly ramp up to a maximum of 40% at 12:30 to 4:30 and then start ramping down until 9pm, then go into the lunar cycle.
The acclimation program was setup to start at 40% maximum to slowly go up to a maximum of 63% over 4 weeks. At the height of the day cycle the light is a 18k to 20k.
This is over my 50 gallon LPS/SPS tank.
The LPS were at first a little light shocked because I wasn't careful, but now the corals are looking pretty good.

 

[mfinn]

Here is a link to my 50 gallon tank build.
Picture of the light over my tank at the end.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/102079-my-50-a.html

 

[Camellia]

I got the Radion flair over my 55 corner, loving it!

 

[k2parkstar]

Well looks like I'm torn between a radion and an ATI 6 bulb fixture. The illumina is out.

 

[Reefs-A-Lot]

i'd say go AI VEGA - AI Vega

i just got two of these comming from MH setup and love them!

and they have the endless color feature which has teh violets and inigo's for $499-599 a fixture

 

[Reefing8EZ]

I went from a Radion to an ATI Sunpower 6x24 and my LPS have never looked better..

 

[Steelerfan747]

I don't have experience with either but I do have a very similar tank (46g22" cube) . I switched from a 6 bulb t 5 fixture to a 16k 120w razor which lights my tank completely. I absolutely love it and its price tag. I know it is not one of your choices but take a look at it. Its very ready to program and super col looking I am also getting great colors, shimmer and growth.

 

[ReefPops]

I have the same size tank and went with a radion. Don't have much in it so can't attest to its ability, but you can check out my pics to see what what it looks like https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/104660-reefpops-45-gallon.html

If I remember correctly, the lights are not at full power and are to my very blue liking. I have an ATI dimmable on my 39 (similar shape tank) and love that so the radion has some big shoes to fill.