Radion XR30 G4 vs XR30 G4 pro

[Steve1500]

Anyone have experience with both these lights? Is the extra $150 worth it on the Pro light?. You get extra wattage and some more colors (violet and warm white) but will I notice a difference on a 180G (3 sets of lights) with SPS?

 

[Jonreefer]

Doubt it. Just a way for Ecotech to charge an extra $150 for about $6 worth of extra LED added to make it PRO

 

[Saltyreef]

There is a difference between the two. This article goes in depth.

https://reefs.com/2017/01/18/ecotech-marine-radion-gen-4-xr30w-pro-definitive-review/

Also heres a fun little tool to be able to compare some of the high end lights on the market. The par and light density for the xr30 g4 pro is worth the extra money to light a deep tank. If you dont have a deep tank or shadowing then i would say the xr30 g4 would be sufficent for sustained growth.

 

[Saltyreef]

Oops heres the led comparison tool http://www.aquaillumination.com/science/par.html

 

[tankstudy]

I would pay the $150 for the extra LEDs. The individual leds aren't expensive but you'll want them. I've used LED's for nearly 10 years and the biggest problem with them is that their wavelengths tend to be very narrow compared to T5 bulbs. That's why you need so many colors on the puck because each one produces a narrow wavelength but when you combine them, it works out. The more various types of LEDs you have on your puck, the better.

 

[Saltyreef]

I would pay the $150 for the extra LEDs. The individual leds aren't expensive but you'll want them. I've used LED's for nearly 10 years and the biggest problem with them is that their wavelengths tend to be very narrow compared to T5 bulbs. That's why you need so many colors on the puck because each one produces a narrow wavelength but when you combine them, it works out. The more various types of LEDs you have on your puck, the better.

Honestly, the extra LED's is a moot point vs the extra par and density. I don't even run the red and green leds on my AI hydra 26's. The spectrum I get with those colors loves to grow nussiance algae.
Comparing to T-5, sure leds are not apples to apples(spectrum wise)but I've grown plenty of nice corals from sizes of eraser tips to bigger than my head from just an old AI sol blue with 2 shades of blue and white

 

[Steve1500]

There is a difference between the two. This article goes in depth.

https://reefs.com/2017/01/18/ecotech-marine-radion-gen-4-xr30w-pro-definitive-review/

Also heres a fun little tool to be able to compare some of the high end lights on the market. The par and light density for the xr30 g4 pro is worth the extra money to light a deep tank. If you dont have a deep tank or shadowing then i would say the xr30 g4 would be sufficent for sustained growth.

Awesome information. Thanks!

 

[jda]

Are you planning on using anything else? IMO, a Pro is underpowered alone on a 2x2 section for a SPS tank with lots of acropora, maybe not so much with just montis, stylos, birdsnest and pocilipora. If you are going to go with an Aquatic Life and have a good amount of T5s, then I would just use the normal ones.

 

[Steve1500]

Are you planning on using anything else? IMO, a Pro is underpowered alone on a 2x2 section for a SPS tank with lots of acropora, maybe not so much with just montis, stylos, birdsnest and pocilipora. If you are going to go with an Aquatic Life and have a good amount of T5s, then I would just use the normal ones.

Yes I will be using the aquaticlife hybrid with 4 60” T5s. Thanks to all for your help!