Radion vs. Hydra 52

[frankm88]

I am looking to upgrade my lighting but cant seem to make up my mind. My brother in law has the hydra 52 and his tank looks awesome. I think the lights have just about the same features What do you guys think is a better choice in the long run?

 

[cgomez87]

If its a regular radion or a hydra 52 I would go with the hydra but if it was a radion pro or a hydra 52 I would go with the radion pro I've red better outcomes with the radion pro

 

[reeffirstaid]

I have three (3) Radions over my 150 gallon reef, and a Hydra 52 over my frag tank. Both lights are very nice, and honestly, I was quite impressed with the Hydra, especially for the price. My personal opinion leans toward the Radions. The software is better and overall they just have an edge on the Hydra. In reality, you will be satisfied with either fixture.

 

[mfinn]

I have never seen the Hydra so I can't comment on them, but I do have 4 Radions and I think they are perfect for me.
I have 3 gen 1's and a gen1 upgraded to a gen 3. I vote Radions. Whether you need the Pro or the gen 3 is up to you.

 

[bigfoot86]

Both nights are nice, but just priced heavy due to all the unneeded bells and whistles. Can have just as much success with cheaper lights.

 

[frankm88]

I like all the bells and whistles which is why i narrowed it down to the 2 choices. I didnt see much difference in the gen3 to the gen3 pro i think there was an extra yellow or something like that.

 

[frankm88]

you guys arent making this much easier! haha the poll has one vote for each...

 

[SloppyJ]

What are we voting on? Performance? If so, they're really close. But I went radion g3 pro because of the vortech control.

 

[frankm88]

How does it interface with the Vortech...do i need a mp10w?

 

[SloppyJ]

You need the wireless mp-10's. You control them through ecosmart live. Their reeflink is another way.

 

[frankm88]

I have a mp10es coming tomorrow...im a day late!

 

[SloppyJ]

No worries, you can buy the wireless module and install it in your controller.....if you decide to get the radion

 

[frankm88]

Oooooooooh

 

[watdachuck]

Here is what my Radion is putting out at 45% intensity on Radiant Color mode...or at least this is what I am told...

These things are pretty powerful, I am just ramping mine up at the moment.

 

[DSP]

I have three (3) Radions over my 150 gallon reef, and a Hydra 52 over my frag tank. Both lights are very nice, and honestly, I was quite impressed with the Hydra, especially for the price. My personal opinion leans toward the Radions. The software is better and overall they just have an edge on the Hydra. In reality, you will be satisfied with either fixture.

+1 another vote for Radion pro here!

 

[frankm88]

Post some tank pictures and how you have them mounted

 

[mfinn]

I went over to another reefers house Saturday and he had 4 gen 2 Pro's that looked pretty awesome. But what I was impressed with was the reeflink wireless controller he had. He showed me how he can control the lights with his smart phone.

 

[frankm88]

funny how things work...last night i was cleaning up around my tank and i pushed the transformer for my light behind my stand with my foot and it went BOOM. I know the transformer shouldnt be on the floor in the first place but i didnt see any water on the floor so i have no idea what happened...anyhow now i really do need a light!

 

[SloppyJ]

I'm mounting mine with an AI EXT rail. Super clean look.

 

[mfinn]

funny how things work...last night i was cleaning up around my tank and i pushed the transformer for my light behind my stand with my foot and it went BOOM. I know the transformer shouldnt be on the floor in the first place but i didnt see any water on the floor so i have no idea what happened...anyhow now i really do need a light!

I hate it when things happen like that.

The upside, is there is a new light fixture in your immediate future.