Radions or T5's

chriscq · Mar 5, 2017

So I'm in a small debacle. I'm torn between using three Radion G3 pro's or my ATI 60" 8x80W T5. The tank they'd be going on is a rimless 60x22x16. The majority of what I'll be keeping are SPS with some LPS and softies. I currently own both lighting setups so I can do either without spending any extra money. I wish I could combine the two for the best of both worlds but that's not an option.

Yoda0311 · Mar 5, 2017

No question here I'd definitely go T5 if you are doing SPS

pa1ntbru5h · Mar 5, 2017

+1 on T5 if your tank will have an emphasis on SPS.

deaclauderdale · Mar 5, 2017

Radions

lennyd19 · Mar 5, 2017

Both. You will not be disappointed!!

chriscq · Mar 5, 2017

lennyd19 said:
Both. You will not be disappointed!!

I wish I could! I don't know how I'd incorporate the radions into the mix with the ATI fixture I have

lennyd19 · Mar 5, 2017

There are some posts around of people diy radions in ati fixtures I just made a custom bracket from 80/20.com I have 2 XR15 pro's and 2 t5's fixtures on my current setup. On my new build I will have 2 XR30 pro G4 and 2 t5 retros and build maybe a floating hood. It is truly the best of both worlds get the pop of led with great growth and insane colors and the soft hue of the t5.

jackson6745 · Mar 5, 2017

robbie8691 · Mar 5, 2017

T5 FTW

racin2438 · Mar 5, 2017

Radion's and T5's...i just updated my canopy with 3 Gen3 and ATI T5 blue+ bulbs. looks great.

chriscq · Mar 6, 2017

lennyd19 said:
There are some posts around of people diy radions in ati fixtures I just made a custom bracket from 80/20.com I have 2 XR15 pro's and 2 t5's fixtures on my current setup. On my new build I will have 2 XR30 pro G4 and 2 t5 retros and build maybe a floating hood. It is truly the best of both worlds get the pop of led with great growth and insane colors and the soft hue of the t5.

I'm going to have to look into retrofitting them into the ATI. Thanks for the heads up. Another option is using reefbrites to supplement the T5's so I'm looking into that too

chriscq · Mar 6, 2017

racin2438 said:
Radion's and T5's...i just updated my canopy with 3 Gen3 and ATI T5 blue+ bulbs. looks great.

If I was doing a canopy this would absolutely be an option for me but I'm going for a sleeker look.

svogun · Mar 6, 2017

zsuzsu · Mar 6, 2017

I use both

Yoda0311 · Mar 7, 2017

I'm partial to old school methods. I have lost too many coral trying to dial in LED's. I haven't lost a single coral due to the T5 or metal halides I run.

chriscq · Mar 7, 2017

Yoda0311 said:
I'm partial to old school methods. I have lost too many coral trying to dial in LED's. I haven't lost a single coral due to the T5 or metal halides I run.

Since you're a T5 guy. Do you think the 60" 8x80W ATI is overkill for my 16" deep tank? I'm slightly worried it might be too much

Zack K · Mar 7, 2017

Radions IME work better. But either will work just fine. Radions if you want a color pop or T5 for a smidge more growth.

Smashville · Mar 7, 2017

I have been trying make the same decision between 3 Radions or the ATI 60" for my 180g build. The only difference is I don't own either fixture and will need to purchase it . Money was not an issue so the cost was not factored in. I've looked at several tanks with both fixtures and to me the best looking SPS were under T5's. I didn't care for the shadowing the Radions produced without the addition of T5's. I have made my mind up and ordered the ATI 60" yesterday.

chriscq · Mar 7, 2017

ScottSimpson said:
I have been trying make the same decision between 3 Radions or the ATI 60" for my 180g build. The only difference is I don't own either fixture and will need to purchase it . Money was not an issue so the cost was not factored in. I've looked at several tanks with both fixtures and to me the best looking SPS were under T5's. I didn't care for the shadowing the Radions produced without the addition of T5's. I have made my mind up and ordered the ATI 60" yesterday.

Awesome! I also decided on T5's. I just ordered a 48"reefbrite XHO so I will still get the pop LED's provide. Best of both worlds.

jwshiver · Mar 7, 2017

I have a pair of Radion G3s collecting dust. I couldn't get them to color up my corals. I tried the AB+ schedule for several months with no success. Many have had great success with Radions or LED only and strongly defended them which I can respect if it works for them. I'm curious to know why LED only works for some and not others. I switched to a LED/ T5 hybrid with the Giesemann Aurora and the results have been dramatic with both color and growth. It seems like more people are gravitating to the hybrid set up.