Question for those with Ecotech Radion experience

[paal]

Hi,
Friends of mine are getting their first tank ever; waterbox 130.4 (42*24*26(tall) inches) They want LED as their only light, and they prefer to pay extra for a premium light right away VS maybe regretting their cheaper purchase later on and “having” to upgrade. The overall design is important. No mixing of different products.
I’ve been reefing since the late 90s, but only used LED as supplementary lighting (if at all) No local reefers around with LED and closest store is 2x7 hours away. (only been twice the last 5 years)
I think the below solution sounds good, but I am not 100% comfortable pointing them to a product I have never even seen myself. That's why I feel I have to spam the forum with yet another basic lighting question. (sorry )

My idea is to recommend them starting out with 2x Radion XR15 gen.5. Later on, if they start getting more light-demanding corals they can add 1 more. (They will start out with soft corals only at least the first year. Once they have all the basics covered and things are looking stable, I will probably supply them with some easy to keep starter-sps.)
Does this sound like a solid approach? How high above the water line do you think they would have to mount them in order to have an even spread all over the tank with only 2 XR15s? Any other options you would strongly prefer over the radions?

Thanks.

 

[AZMSGT]

2 XR 30s would be a better start. They can start with them running parallel to the tank Length. Then as they grown they can add the third and move them to a perpendicular configuration. The spread of the lighting is better. You don’t get the corals all reaching to the center or spot of light. I run 3 XR30 G4s on my 59”x24”x24”. I would run 4 XR30 G4s but I can’t get new G4s anymore.

 

[paal]

Yeah, XR30s would be better, but twice the price so it's not an option for them when starting out. I could see them getting maybe 4 XR15s a few years from now though. Nothing more than that. I think more than 3 would be pushing it.

Isn't the light amount you're referring to more for a typical sps tank though?
Maybe I'll try convincing them to go the T5 route instead and save some $$$

Thanks

 

[Murica]

For what it’s worth, i was set on G5’s but after scanning the forums, not many people are impressed for the price and there’s been a bunch of reported issues. After reading everything I have I’m now going to be choosing an alternative

 

[rob myers]

The xr 30 would give you th best spread for the 24 inch wide tank mine are 7 years old and still growing strong . Check out bulk reef video on the spread on the radions for light spread and tank coverage. It’s a great video and also recommend height . My lights are 7 years old and still growing strong wont regret paying the extra money in my opinion.

 

[AZMSGT]

Well, honestly, it depends on the type coral they will have. LPS needs less light. SPS needs more. Is a narrower tank an option? Perhaps an 18” front to back instead of a 24”?

Take a look at how BRS set up the RedSea XXL750 lights. They took XR15s and put them in a grid.

 

[RCS82]

2 Reefi Duo Extremes. Fairly easy decision if you want top quality at a good price considering what Ecotech and Orphek are offering.

 

[AcanthurusRex]

BRS already did a test with PAR and placement recommendations.
I have 3 XR15G5s and a RSR525 and it is plenty bright. BRS immediately went to 4 XR15s but if you look at the data they should have tested 3 as well.
The only draw back on using XR15s is extra power supplies and cords.
I have them in acclimation mode so I have not done any PAR testing.

 

[dadnjesse]

I would use the XR30 instead of the XR15's