Radion or 250w radium

[A. grandis]

Cost is no issue to me in this hobby and I would drop 20K in Radions, Pacific Sun, whatever and cover the whole top of the tank if they were better... but they are not even close, IMO. The grass is not greener for acropora tanks. If you read and see enough high-end acropora tanks, each owner will have a hit-list of corals that suffer under their LEDs - there are not many of these types of tanks, though. If you do decide to dabble, keep your MH - about a 80-90 chance that you will want them back. If you want the black-light look, then add some reefbrites (or replace your T5s with them).

Again, I am an acro snob - no MBP&S are allowed in my tanks except for Leng Sy. No softies or LPS either. Lots of clams. This probably helps to explain my doochieness and opinions...

Can you also put some pictures here, please.
Grandis.

 

[rockskimmerflow]

I am saying at least four. Four is probably enough with T5s, but some people have more. Expect no electrical savings.

The color is up to you. If you are into the black-light look, then you might like the Radion better. If you are into how the stuff looked 5 years ago and don't like the black-light, photoshopped look where white egg crate is blue/purple, then the Radiums will still be for you.

Personally, I have NEVER seen a LED lit acropora tank that I did not think would look better under 20K Radiums or 14K Phoenix, but that is just me - they are OK, just not my thing. I also think that there are a bunch of acropora that will only do well in elite tanks (not impossible or anything, but harder under LED with less margin for error). Others disagree - these are my opinions only. I like the way that stuff looks in Copps or Big Ed's tanks under the white lights that just pop like crazy - the Radions won't do this.

Yeah can't say I've ever walked up to a tank lit with LEDS and not been able to tell that it was. There's just something about the natural color blending of metal halide and T5HO that lends itself to looking 'real'. I've seen some very nice SPS dominant LED setups but as you say, I think all of them could have benefitted from a switch to halide or at least supplemental fluorescents. The whole idea of saving a few hundred bucks a year on power is ludicrous to me. If my corals grow even 5% faster and look better under the higher wattage T5/MH setup I'd consider myself a fool for trading the coral growth and superior aesthetics for the cost of a few frags over the course of a year. But hey, that's just me.

I vote the OP keeps the MH/T5. Running many different tanks with MH only, T5 only, LED only, and every combination in between I can say that I certainly prefer the appearance of T5HO and or MH to any LED system I've got running over reefs. Now, I haven't had my hands on the Philips Coral Care and have heard great things. But I can say for sure that IMO Radions won't look as good and you'll need at least 3-4 to be comparable to your current system.

 

[A. grandis]

This is the same info that my research led me to as well. The people with the amazing tanks using Radions are using 1 per ft of tank, or like mentioned above at least 2 per MH they replaced. I decided it was not for me and whet back to MH/T5, just bought a Giesemann Spectra. It actually arrived yesterday so no review on how it looks on the tank yet but Im excited.

I'm excited for you! Pics please.
Man, you guys are killing me! LOL!
I just love hear you talking about halides/T5s.
Grandis.

 

[A. grandis]

Yeah can't say I've ever walked up to a tank lit with LEDS and not been able to tell that it was. There's just something about the natural color blending of metal halide and T5HO that lends itself to looking 'real'. I've seen some very nice SPS dominant LED setups but as you say, I think all of them could have benefitted from a switch to halide or at least supplemental fluorescents. The whole idea of saving a few hundred bucks a year on power is ludicrous to me. If my corals grow even 5% faster and look better under the higher wattage T5/MH setup I'd consider myself a fool for trading the coral growth and superior aesthetics for the cost of a few frags over the course of a year. But hey, that's just me.

I vote the OP keeps the MH/T5. Running many different tanks with MH only, T5 only, LED only, and every combination in between I can say that I certainly prefer the appearance of T5HO and or MH to any LED system I've got running over reefs. Now, I haven't had my hands on the Philips Coral Care and have heard great things. But I can say for sure that IMO Radions won't look as good and you'll need at least 3-4 to be comparable to your current system.

When I saw the Radions here in one of the stores and thought it was a cheap junk light from far, but I recognized the shape and the fan, so I came closer and I was just stunned to see it's weakness. The guy at the store said it's just for looks. A kid asked me if it was Christmas lights. LOL! Not kidding!! You can imagine how much I laughter!! That is the only store that carries and shows Radions. I just don't understand the whole LED hype, although I respect their taste.
I've seen good looking tanks online and some videos, but nothing that I would even compare to a MH/T5 system.
Well, I don't need to go on and on with this... You guys know me already.

The Phillips Coral Care could be compared to a T5 system in some ways, but isn't quite like it too. It couldn't be compared to a MH system. That's for sure.
The qualities of the diodes are totally different of the qualities of MHs and T5s. It's the way it is.

MH/T5 are serious lights for serious people IMHO.
Just my opinion. I have a great admiration for a well lit SPS tank. Halides/T5s combos are the ultimate.
Please post some pictures, so I can sleep well dreaming with some Acros tonight!

Grandis.

 

[billwill]

I’ve run both. I’ll say that sps grew faster under (2) 250w Radiums. But I also had a chiller in the house and my house just got too hot in the summer even with portable ac. I have (2) Radion XR30 G4s over my 90g, and the coverage is every bit as good as my MH were. And I can’t run them at 100%, so I’m not sure why people are recommending (4) over this same size tank. I run about 70% intensity, and have been running them for just over a year. Ultra clean install, cheaper operating cost, and a little slower growth. I had very good growth with Kessil 360Ws and four bulb T5 for a couple years before this as well.

 

[A. grandis]

Here:
Back in 2013.
Quote:
"This is one of the five executive display tanks at SeaChem's headquarters in Madison, GA. What is really impressive about this display is how the SPS colonies are literally growing on-top of one another and the shear size of the 10 year old tongue corals. There are several collector's clams in here including the best Crocea clam I hav eever seen in person! The aquarium is lit with six metal halide pendants two 400W and four 250W all with Radium 20K bulbs (which is why the tank appears blue on film). This display is auto dosed with (coming soon) daily. This version of the aquarium was re-set in 2008. The aquarium is manufactured by Marineland and the dimensions are 84"L X 24"W X 30"T and holds 265 gallons. It is complete with a furniture grade solid hardwood Ocean Mark matching canopy & stand."
Aloha,
Grandis.

 

[A. grandis]

I’ve run both. I’ll say that sps grew faster under (2) 250w Radiums. But I also had a chiller in the house and my house just got too hot in the summer even with portable ac. I have (2) Radion XR30 G4s over my 90g, and the coverage is every bit as good as my MH were. And I can’t run them at 100%, so I’m not sure why people are recommending (4) over this same size tank. I run about 70% intensity, and have been running them for just over a year. Ultra clean install, cheaper operating cost, and a little slower growth. I had very good growth with Kessil 360Ws and four bulb T5 for a couple years before this as well.

They recommend for the coverage, not for intensity. LEDs are directional lights.
MHs and T5s have better coverage than LEDs. That is mostly because of the reflectors allowing an embracing coverage by the MHs and T5s. The uniformity of T5s is the best IMO.
Grandis.