Radion / AI Fixture Count

[mfollen]

Hello reefers!

Long-time reefer here getting back in the hobby who could use some help determining the right fixture count for the right coverage over a 72" X 26" X 24" aquarium.

For the Radion G4 Pro's, would I have enough coverage with 3 fixtures? Or should I pony up for an additional fixture totaling at 4?

Bulk Reef Supply recommends a spread for each G4 of 24" x 24" but a maximum spread of 32" x 32".
At the recommended spread of 24", that would be enough to cover the 72" tank length. I am planning to have the G4's hang perpendicular to the length of the aquarium.

Thank you so much!

 

[CC13]

Hello reefers!

Long-time reefer here getting back in the hobby who could use some help determining the right fixture count for the right coverage over a 72" X 26" X 24" aquarium.

For the Radion G4 Pro's, would I have enough coverage with 3 fixtures? Or should I pony up for an additional fixture totaling at 4?

Bulk Reef Supply recommends a spread for each G4 of 24" x 24" but a maximum spread of 32" x 32".
At the recommended spread of 24", that would be enough to cover the 72" tank length. I am planning to have the G4's hang perpendicular to the length of the aquarium.

Thank you so much!

Depends on what types of coral (if any) you plan on keeping. You could always buy 3, test PAR at the points and levels you want to add higher PAR requirement corals like SPS and then buy more if so needed.

 

[ndrwater]

I personally think 4 would give better coverage if you can swing it. I run a similar setup on my 8' 240. I have 5, and have a bit of shading in the corners. Could probably use one more...

 

[Jacked Reefer]

Hello reefers!

Long-time reefer here getting back in the hobby who could use some help determining the right fixture count for the right coverage over a 72" X 26" X 24" aquarium.

For the Radion G4 Pro's, would I have enough coverage with 3 fixtures? Or should I pony up for an additional fixture totaling at 4?

Bulk Reef Supply recommends a spread for each G4 of 24" x 24" but a maximum spread of 32" x 32".
At the recommended spread of 24", that would be enough to cover the 72" tank length. I am planning to have the G4's hang perpendicular to the length of the aquarium.

Thank you so much!

It all depends on how you want to stock the aquarium and how you want it to look. If you want less disco shimmering and an sps aquarium I would get four and hang it high above the tank. If your fine with disco lines and want a mixed reef three is more than adequate

 

[mfollen]

The reef will be a mixed reef. If I'm able to elevate the G4's, I think I'm going to stay with 3 Radion G4 Pro's with diffusers.

That 4th fixture would be pushing past my budget unfortunately.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Daniel Waters]

If you plan on using a canopy, you could consider using 5 XR15 pros. It adds some extra cords and power bricks, but I think is a little more versatile as you can spread the pucks out wider. However, You had said you plan on turning the XR30s perpendicularly, so you may be more concerned over front/back coverage versus left / right. If you mount the units at 12" or higher, though, I think your spread will cover the 26" width just fine, as most people don't have corals directly up against the front and back panels of the glass anyway. Everyone I know who has XR30s always seem to be running them well below maximum, so I would think 5 of the smaller units might work just as well and save you a little bit of money.

 

[mfollen]

Thank you Daniel & everyone!

I've decided to actually not pursue the Radions and will be using Hydra's. What would you all think about the following setup?

Would 4 Hydra 26's running parallel to the tank length provide enough lighting for growing SPS colonies over 72"X26"24"? Or would I need to upgrade from 26's to 4 Hydra 52's running parallel to the length of the tank?

I'm not sure if the Hydra 26's can provide enough light across the 26" length.

Thank you very much!

 

[Daniel Waters]

I've decided to actually not pursue the Radions and will be using Hydra's. What would you all think about the following setup?

Would 4 Hydra 26's running parallel to the tank length provide enough lighting for growing SPS colonies over 72"X26"24"? Or would I need to upgrade from 26's to 4 Hydra 52's running parallel to the length of the tank?

I'm not sure if the Hydra 26's can provide enough light across the 26" length.

I'm not familiar with the hydras, but I suspect using 4 hydra 26s would be similar to using 4 radion Xr 15s. I think this could work for SPS in most parts of the tank initially. Definitely would not be an issue for lps and softie corals. You can always start with 4 and add an additional unit if needed later. Most people using puck style LEDs discover they often need more pucks than they originally thought they might (for various reasons).

If cost is a main concern of yours and you're not against T5 ligting, buy a 60 inch 8 bulb ATI T5 fixture. It will give you all the light and spread you would ever need for sps and will save you a considerable amount of money up front.

 

[mfollen]

Well! XR15's are on sale, and XR15's it is!!!

On a 72"X26"X24" tank, should I run 5 down the middle, or would I be better off with 2 sets of 3, or 4 side by side?
I'm looking for a mostly SPS tank with some LPS & softies.

Thank you!