Radion light users question.

[Zoaeasy]

I am receiving a Cadlights 60gallon cube next week. ( yes I know the reefscaping is going to be lets say, interesting) I am looking at lighting options and Radion Gen 3 or 4 is high on the list. Mixed reef SPS and LPS. Size is 23.5x 23.5x25.3 .
What do I need ?XR 15 or 30 . regular or Pro.
The wisdom of the hive is appreciated.

 

[drawman]

I would at least go with one XR30. I have a Gen 3 on my 60 gallon Marineland Cube but I may end up adding a second someday. If you're buying new I would say go with the Gen 4.

 

[CJBuckeyes]

I have two gen 3 pro's on my 70g. I'd recommend starting with 2 gen 4 xr15's. You can adjust the spacing, reducing the risk of shadowing versus an xr30.

 

[Zoaeasy]

I would at least go with one XR30. I have a Gen 3 on my 60 gallon Marineland Cube but I may end up adding a second someday. If you're buying new I would say go with the Gen 4.

Thanks. What is the problem with the single XR30?
Gen 4 has more power correct. If I need two Radions ,may just make the jump to Gieseman T5 led or ATI combo.

 

[drawman]

Thanks. What is the problem with the single XR30?
Gen 4 has more power correct. If I need two Radions ,may just make the jump to Gieseman T5 led or ATI combo.

No real problem with it other than my aquascape is one piece of towering rock in the middle so there is some shadowing with the single light. It's common with all LEDs but the Gen 4 lights are supposed to be better with their spread. I think it all depends on your aquascape and how you're placing your coral so I don't think you'll necessarily need two. Also I have an extra G2 that's not being used so that's why I'm thinking of adding one. I'm sure there are some threads on here where people are measuring the PAR spread differences between the G3 and G4.

 

[Salty1962]

I would go with the 15s because you can create more spread. Looking at my system, I wish I would have added a couple of 15s instead of another Pro. My tank is 36" so one wasn't enough.

 

[Zoaeasy]

No real problem with it other than my aquascape is one piece of towering rock in the middle so there is some shadowing with the single light. It's common with all LEDs but the Gen 4 lights are supposed to be better with their spread. I think it all depends on your aquascape and how you're placing your coral so I don't think you'll necessarily need two. Also I have an extra G2 that's not being used so that's why I'm thinking of adding one. I'm sure there are some threads on here where people are measuring the PAR spread differences between the G3 and G4.

Yes I am also thinking of a tower as the best option.

 

[drawman]

Yes I am also thinking of a tower as the best option.

I think with the tower look (depending on where in the room the tank is located) you can keep the coral to the front as well. That way you could have one XR30w more towards the front or (like others have said) two XR15w towards the front (or front two sides). How are you planning on mounting/hanging them?

 

[Zoaeasy]

I think with the tower look (depending on where in the room the tank is located) you can keep the coral to the front as well. That way you could have one XR30w more towards the front or (like others have said) two XR15w towards the front (or front two sides). How are you planning on mounting/hanging them?

Thanks. The tower will slope backwards . It's situated in Corner so will have two viewing sides . I have done a lot of reading and looked at many options including Orphek V3. ATI power modules Giesseman . Combo's are out of my price range. Planning easier SPS with medium light requirement and then working down with LPS to the bottom. My decision is to start with one Radion XR15 pro with the dispersion lens and then add another later if needed. Tank mounted.