Radion gen2 vs A.

[mccune]

I am trying to decide on lighting for my cadlights 50 long 36x18x18. For lighting I have 2 Radion gen 2 that I have had laying around for years. Tank has been running for a year just cycling and added a few fish.
Now I am trying to decide on lighting. Should I use the 2 radions I had or upgrade to a pair of AI primes, AI Hydra 26 AI Hydra 52.
I can justify the cost of gen 4 radions

 

[jda]

What are you gonna be keeping? Your existing lights should be Ok for most things unless you want to specialize in some harder acropora, high light 'nems or lots of clams.

 

[mccune]

Going to go for a mixed tank. LPS lower in the tank and in shaded areas SPO high in the tank, Zoas mixed throughout.
I just don’t know if the older lights are worth using or I should just sell them and get newer tech

 

[jda]

I don't think that there is much difference between your lights and a new Hydra when concerned only about the coral... dunno about the controller compatibility and the apps and thunderstorms and stuff.

I would just use the Gen 2s and see how long they can last you since they are long out of warranty. The biggest unknown is when they might burn out or die... could be tomorrow or ten years... who knows?

 

[mccune]

I purchased them both new and used them for about 9 months to a year they are still in great shape.

 

[jda]

Go for it. Just use 'em and keep the money for later on.

IMO, putting them in a AquaticLife fixture and adding a few T5s is more of an improvement that just getting new panels... others will disagree.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Use the Gen 2s still a great light.