Hydra 32HD vs Radion XR15 G5 PRO LED

[Andresnyc93]

Hello everyone,

I’m putting together my new Reefer 170 and was wondering if anyone has used either of these lights and if you had success growing acros and some LPS. I’m stuck between these two lights and would like some input since I haven’t used either of these LED brands.
Thanks in advance!

 

[SPS2020]

There should be lots of threads on this topic. I was torn between the two when I setup my 100g last year. I went with four Hydra32 HD's because I didn't like to be forced to choose between Radion Blue or Pro. I do not regret the choice. My Acros are growing great.

 

[PatW]

Last I checked, Bulk Reef Supply had extensive write ups on both lights. It is my understanding that the Radions have a much more uniform coverage of light intensity over their area of light coverage.

The Hydras still are more intense in the center of the coverage. But elevating the Hydras some helps quite a bit.

I have a much older set of hydras on my tank and they have given years of good service.

 

[Little c big D]

Are you opposed to using 2 16primes over the hydra? It let's you adjust the spread better. I have 2 primes on my 200xl... I did recently add a t5 hybrid too it. But they were doing fine.

 

[srobertb]

Hello everyone,

I’m putting together my new Reefer 170 and was wondering if anyone has used either of these lights and if you had success growing acros and some LPS. I’m stuck between these two lights and would like some input since I haven’t used either of these LED brands.
Thanks in advance!

This is going to be a hard one. I know the easy answer is “just go and see them” but that’s so hard these days.

I have used both brands you mention and currently use the G5’s In Blue. My tank absolutely hits a 12-20k spectrum for acros. Don’t let the “blue” fool you. It’s still a versatile high output highly configurable light.

It is my unprofessional opinion that the Radions just look better and put out better light. Programming doesn’t matter to me because I set it, check PAR, and then won’t touch them every again.

I will admit that at 80%-ish power my acroporas love the AB+ spectrum but with a shallow tank my LPS are kind of the red headed step children of the tank (slow to adapt and not super thrilled). That being said, they’re growing. Just not like my acros and SPS.

Between these two options you can’t pick “wrong.” I’m getting an LPS but maybe an Acro vibe from you so either will work. It’s really about preference.

 

[Tbg299]

I have two of the XR15 gen 5 blues over a 3 foot tank. I use the Coral AB+ lighting template, and it really isn't THAT blue as people say, unless you have blue intensities maxed out. The Mobius app is also very useful for me because I also have a vortech powerhead.

 

[Andresnyc93]

There should be lots of threads on this topic. I was torn between the two when I setup my 100g last year. I went with four Hydra32 HD's because I didn't like to be forced to choose between Radion Blue or Pro. I do not regret the choice. My Acros are growing great.

I’m leaning towards the hydra 32 hd as well cause they can provide more coverage but was trying to see if perhaps there was something I didn’t know about the radion’s. Do you also have some LPS in tank? How tall is your mounting/water level from light

 

[Andresnyc93]

Are you opposed to using 2 16primes over the hydra? It let's you adjust the spread better. I have 2 primes on my 200xl... I did recently add a t5 hybrid too it. But they were doing fine.

I’m not opposed to it, I just keep seeing reviews that the 16 primes tend to give out after a year or so. If I’m spending that much money on a LED I want it to last for a little more than that you know. What corals are you keeping?

 

[Little c big D]

Mine are 8months only currently. I suppose we will see what happens to them. I have some sps, hammer, acan, and a few zoas. I'm pulling the zoas before they take over. They were starter corals to get my feet wet again. I can't speak to the life but I can say they have worked great so far. I feel like if the 16s have issues the the hydra would also?

I’m not opposed to it, I just keep seeing reviews that the 16 primes tend to give out after a year or so. If I’m spending that much money on a LED I want it to last for a little more than that you know. What corals are you keeping?

 

[Andresnyc93]

This is going to be a hard one. I know the easy answer is “just go and see them” but that’s so hard these days.

I have used both brands you mention and currently use the G5’s In Blue. My tank absolutely hits a 12-20k spectrum for acros. Don’t let the “blue” fool you. It’s still a versatile high output highly configurable light.

It is my unprofessional opinion that the Radions just look better and put out better light. Programming doesn’t matter to me because I set it, check PAR, and then won’t touch them every again.

I will admit that at 80%-ish power my acroporas love the AB+ spectrum but with a shallow tank my LPS are kind of the red headed step children of the tank (slow to adapt and not super thrilled). That being said, they’re growing. Just not like my acros and SPS.

Between these two options you can’t pick “wrong.” I’m getting an LPS but maybe an Acro vibe from you so either will work. It’s really about preference.

I was mostly trying to keep some soft acros but also love me some goni’s and birds nests but you are correct it is very difficult to go see this in person since Covid has affected so many places by me that most places have such limited choices so I’m stuck turning to the internet for advice

 

[Andresnyc93]

I have two of the XR15 gen 5 blues over a 3 foot tank. I use the Coral AB+ lighting template, and it really isn't THAT blue as people say, unless you have blue intensities maxed out. The Mobius app is also very useful for me because I also have a vortech powerhead.

I also have some mp40s and plan to add a mp10 to this tank so this is why I became very interested on the XR15.
Is the aesthetic of the tank like full spectrum or do you get shadows? That’s the biggest problem I’m having with my Kessil’s currently and would like to use a light that gives my corals what they need but also is aesthetically satisfying

 

[Andresnyc93]

Mine are 8months only currently. I suppose we will see what happens to them. I have some sps, hammer, acan, and a few zoas. I'm pulling the zoas before they take over. They were starter corals to get my feet wet again. I can't speak to the life but I can say they have worked great so far. I feel like if the 16s have issues the the hydra would also?

I don’t know if it’s just the model or the company. I had a fuge prime light and it gave out after 6 months of use, although their costumer service team was helpful I keep seeing some articles about AquaIllumination being a short term light and not for a reef you’re going to keep for a couple of years.

 

[Little c big D]

I don’t know if it’s just the model or the company. I had a fuge prime light and it gave out after 6 months of use, although their costumer service team was helpful I keep seeing some articles about AquaIllumination being a short term light and not for a reef you’re going to keep for a couple of years.

Ecotech owns AI I believe. And I know BRS is associated with them so take ot with a grain of salt but they did a nice video on the lights. If it's true, then the extra money on the radions is sensible. If not though they are a good value. I have heard having the UV way up, which mine is max... can melt them but I've yet to actually see that as well

 

[Spig]

I've been using two 32hd's and have liked the results so far. If you decide to get them I'd recommend joining the AI fb group. There's some good presets and how to's there. I think the biggest take away I've learned this far is to not overdo it when selecting power settings for each spectrum as over time you can cook the plastic led cover. Hasn't happened to me. Just seen photos on that group I mentioned. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Lavey29]

I also have some mp40s and plan to add a mp10 to this tank so this is why I became very interested on the XR15.
Is the aesthetic of the tank like full spectrum or do you get shadows? That’s the biggest problem I’m having with my Kessil’s currently and would like to use a light that gives my corals what they need but also is aesthetically satisfying

On that size tank you want one XR30. With your other ecotech components mobius let's you easily seamlessly integrate flow and lighting with one good app.

 

[Andresnyc93]

I've been using two 32hd's and have liked the results so far. If you decide to get them I'd recommend joining the AI fb group. There's some good presets and how to's there. I think the biggest take away I've learned this far is to not overdo it when selecting power settings for each spectrum as over time you can cook the plastic led cover. Hasn't happened to me. Just seen photos on that group I mentioned. Good luck with your decision!

How tall are you mounting them? My prime fuge ended up getting cooked in my sump because I was running them over 70% reds so I’m a little wary on these which is why I’m trying to get peoples experiences with it.
that’s what’s keeping me from pulling the trigger on the 32s

 

[Andresnyc93]

On that size tank you want one XR30. With your other ecotech components mobius let's you easily seamlessly integrate flow and lighting with one good app.

Legit costs almost as much as the tank

 

[MaxTremors]

How tall are you mounting them? My prime fuge ended up getting cooked in my sump because I was running them over 70% reds so I’m a little wary on these which is why I’m trying to get peoples experiences with it.
that’s what’s keeping me from pulling the trigger on the 32s

I have nothing but good things to say about AI and the Prime 16hd. I have not owned Radions. The Primes/Hydras are by far the most popular reef light on the market, so while there may be a perception that they have a high failure rate, I don’t think it’s any higher than any other light. Ecotech has had quality control issues with the G5 Radions as well. I do know that Fragbox, which sells both and facilitates warranty claims said compared to what they sell they see more warranty claims for Radions, though I don’t think it was something they web through their records/sales to verify. I do know that the blutooth connectivity with the Radions is awful and the a lot of people complain about the app being finicky. Personally, just based on my experience, between the two, and considering the price, I would go with AI. I would maybe do 4 Primes instead of 2 Hydras, just because you could spread out the coverage a little more, there’d be slightly more wattage, and because they’d be usable on pretty much any size tank if I up/downgraded in the future.

 

[Lavey29]

Legit costs almost as much as the tank

Yes kind of pricy. BRS has a vid where they recommend the 30 on your tank due to the even light spread and par.

 

[Spig]

How tall are you mounting them? My prime fuge ended up getting cooked in my sump because I was running them over 70% reds so I’m a little wary on these which is why I’m trying to get peoples experiences with it.
that’s what’s keeping me from pulling the trigger on the 32s

I have mine set at 10 inches currently. From what I've seen alot of people that have had issues are running presets with power settings at well over 100% for extended periods of time. An example would be the BRS AB+ preset they made for the 32hd. It has some of the spectrums set at like 120% for hours.