so I picked up a gen 4 radion xr30 non pro a while back before I got my tank, a 93 cube. I know it says it can light a 30x30 area but I'm wondering if I'd be better off with 2 xr15 radions? Any help would be appreciated.
Lighting 93 cube
- Cube Build
- Thread starter Rays2k
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If it were I, I would just add another XR30. I would use the one you have and then when you’re ready, you can just add another one. Two xr15’s will still cause a good amount of shadowing.
Goodluck!
Goodluck!
DSmithZ28
Active Member
I have a 93 Cube and one light just isn’t enough for complete coverage and two is too much. I run 2qty SB reef lights turned WAY down.
HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
I think one G4 Pro would be fine for the SPS and the LPS/Softies on the bottom. I have one on my 93 cube but added it to the Aqualife retro T5 fixture because I have mostly SPS and wanted better spread. Since you have the non-pro version , I would just add some T5s. Its really a slick set up.
DSmithZ28
Active Member
Well that’s my point, one LED will do fine for SPS on top and softies on bottom but the spread is not enough for a 30 inch tank. So I went a second LED and you went T5. Same difference. After visiting WWC I’m confident in LED light growth for corals. Theirs was amazing.
HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
I've had very good success with LED and AI Primes at that. Just trying something a little different.
mlb75
Community Member
Any thoughts on mounting it on the angle vs front to back or side to side? Looking to setup a 93 in a corner and was thinking single xr30 pro but may go with 6 or 8 bulb 24” T5 instead since I’ve had great luck with them in the past but nervous about the 24” bulbs.
theblackpearl
Active Member
xr 30 in the center with a dual bulb t5 in the front and a dual bulb t5 in the back......Thats a recipe for success
HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
I’m running G4 Pro in Aquatic Life 24” 4 bulb hybrid at angle and it works fantastic. Check it out in my build thread.
wake122
Active Member
So is it really worth the extra $150 for the pros? I'm in the same boat at this person except my tank is a 29x29x24. I was thinking about doing just the normal XR30W G4 not the pro version. I plan to run eventually some SPS but mostly softys and LPS to start with. Maybe a few SPS towards the top.
HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
If you keep lower light SPS (i.e. smooth skin deepwater stuff) near the top and softies and LPS you should be ok with the non-pro.
OPhelanK
Active Member
I’m running one gen 4 pro and I recently put the retrofit t5 on my 93 gal cube. A lot is dependent on your rock structure. I’m at 180 par at my sand with my lights running at about 47%. My sps seems to be doing well. I run a color pattern with my lights though.
HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
Are you running the AB+ program and what T5's are you running? I have been curious about the par with this set up.
wake122
Active Member
So if I went with the Pro version I'd have a lot more options. If I wanted to move later on down the road to more of an SPS tank it would be better with the pro vs nonpro and all I would need to do is add like 2 T5 bulbs and I would be good to go?
Greaps
Active Member
If my home would fit a large cube style tank, I would use a metal halide. A single larger reflector would cover the tank.
Other option I like for a cube like yours is an aquatic life T5 hybrid.
Other option I like for a cube like yours is an aquatic life T5 hybrid.
HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
I think one G4 pro would be good for sps but not great. Adding the T5 later would make a great set up.
OPhelanK
Active Member
I run the radiant color program. I have 2 blue plus and 2 actinic. Before breaking water par is at 1000+ . Where my sps is it is 600. I think one radion would do well. Especially if you’re doing a mixed reef. My acans and mushrooms sit at the outter corners and I’ve had to lower my lights a few times
wake122
Active Member
What % would you run the single pro at? How many "24 bulbs would you run as well later on down the road?
