Radion xr15 pro vs. blue

[Napoliandy]

Ok, so these lights are on sale and I presently have AI hydra 26’s on my tanks. Was going to move these over into my new build when I’m done setting it up. Recently there is a sale for lights, which poses a good deal. Being that I am used to the hydras, what light would preferably be the right light for me. Presently housing lps, softies and quite a few sps. My corals are doing great, and part of me says leave a good thing alone, but I know these lights are old an outdated. Please give me your insight on which light you are using and why.
thank you ahead of time.

 

[BanjoBandito]

I used an XR15 Blue on my nano, and beyond just being WAAAAAAY too much light, it was very nice and did a nice job, but I had to reign it in an awful lot. I found the pre-programmed light schedules were too much for that little tank. Nice light though....the diffuser is an absolute waste of money.

 

[exnisstech]

hmm. If the hydras are working for you why replace them just because of a sale? There will always be a sale at some time or other. I have a hydra 26 and 3 xr15 pro gen 4 and to be honest I prefer the AI app over ecosmart live. I hated mobius so dumped it since I have g4 lights I'm not forced to use it. The only thing I do like better about the radions vs hydra is the abilty to raise the intensity across all channels with one slider. Not sure if I consider the hydra 26 old and out dated if coral are growing good but that's just me.

 

[X-37B]

I just posted a similar post.
I run 2-16hds on my 20g nano cube and 3 on my 45 frag system.
On my new 80g I was going to use 4 16's but am now going to use 2 xr15 gen 5's and am probably leaning towards the pro version.
Here are my 2 systems running 16hds. I would not change these and am looking long term down the road. Their is a compamy, Luxdium, that will have replacement pucks for these in the near future so you can upgrade your system without buying a complete light.

I am also curious as to how different the growth rate and color will be between the two.

 

[Acros]

I ‘upgraded’ from the AI Hydra 32HD on to an XR15 G5 Blue. Only real difference between the two were that I could hang radions closer to the waterline (8.5”).

The upgrade would be more for your satisfaction (which is ok, I find myself itching to upgrade something and I cannot find many things to upgrade, lol).

 

[X-37B]

Thanks! Its not really an upgrade as the 120 ran halides. The 80 is replacing the 120. I could run halides but decided to go full led on all systems after seeing the results on my 2 other systems.

 

[X-37B]

Thanks! Its not really an upgrade as the 120 ran halides. The 80 is replacing the 120. I could run halides but decided to go full led on all systems after seeing the results on my 2 other systems.

Sorry wrong thread, lol.

 

[SPS2020]

When I purchased my Hydra32 HDs, I pondered whether to buy the Radions instead. There were two reasons I did not go with Radion: I had to choose between the two versions (Blue or Pro) and I wanted a puck design and not individual LED's. I felt the Hydras would produce light more akin to metal halide (shimmer) which I was moving away from to try LED. So far, I have been happy with my decision.

 

[Tonycass12]

I run 2 xr 15 pros over my 24x24x16tall

The pros will have more par output and way more adjustability for color spectrum.

 

[Acros]

I run 2 xr 15 pros over my 24x24x16tall

The pros will have more par output and way more adjustability for color spectrum.

I believe the power advantage was a thing in the previous generation. In the current generation, the Pro has only a 5w advantage over the Blue and a similar negligible difference in overall par.

Some reports here complain about not enough par from the Pro version when running a blue spectrum. To do so, they had to turn the whites way down. In effect Blue will give more power unless running a very white spectrum.

Edit: That being said, I am getting tired of the blue look and will go with Pro on my next upgrade. Par would not be my reason for the change.

 

[Tamberav]

I like the pros but I like whiter more balanced tanks. I also don’t like a lot of shimmer.

I see no reason for you to upgrade though. Your lights are totally fine and not outdated. They grew coral when they were released and they grow coral now.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I have a few different tanks and over one I have 2XR 30s G fives pros and the other thing I have 2XR 30 G5 blue and to be honest with you I prefer the pro look in the LPS setting over the blue in the LPS setting this is my preference and I really wish I never bought the blues in the near future I’ll be looking to trade someone for the pros

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I have a few different tanks and over one I have 2XR 30s G fives pros and the other thing I have 2XR 30 G5 blue and to be honest with you I prefer the pro look in the LPS setting over the blue in the LPS setting this is my preference and I really wish I never bought the blues in the near future I’ll be looking to trade someone for the pros

 

[Napoliandy]

So, I have to really say thank you. I was thinking the same, why upgrade. I appreciate everyone’s input. The pros seem to be winning in the struggle. I don’t have to spend the money. I can wait till it’s feasible or maybe a holiday sale. Gives me a few months to save.
thank you again guys.