Switch to Radion: Quantity and type doubt

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Out of curiosity, why do you want to switch to LEDs? I use LEDs over two of my tanks, so I'm not against them at all. I really like them in fact. I think, however, a lot of the "bad blood" toward LEDs is due to incorrect expectations as to their pros and cons. LEDs are by no means perfect, and like any other reef lighting source, they have trade-offs. With this big of an investment, I would strongly suggest you play around with them at a fellow reefer's house or LFS. Make sure you know about them, you know all the quirks, and have a concrete reason to buy them.

Honestly, if you're having success with your T5s, I wouldn't switch. I only saw the one picture of your tank, but it looks spectacular. Whatever you're doing, it's clearly working really well for you. If I was having that level of success, I wouldn't change a thing. Just my two cents.

 

[Janci]

Out of curiosity, why do you want to switch to LEDs? I use LEDs over two of my tanks, so I'm not against them at all. I really like them in fact. I think, however, a lot of the "bad blood" toward LEDs is due to incorrect expectations as to their pros and cons. LEDs are by no means perfect, and like any other reef lighting source, they have trade-offs. With this big of an investment, I would strongly suggest you play around with them at a fellow reefer's house or LFS. Make sure you know about them, you know all the quirks, and have a concrete reason to buy them.

Honestly, if you're having success with your T5s, I wouldn't switch. I only saw the one picture of your tank, but it looks spectacular. Whatever you're doing, it's clearly working really well for you. If I was having that level of success, I wouldn't change a thing. Just my two cents.

Very true.
Going back to LED was always the idea. My first tank had Kessil over it and I loved how easy it was in adjusting, programming, viewing.
Corals liked it as well.
My mind is not set up yet so all information I can get out of you guys is welcome.

 

[Velcro]

Radions x30 are really good and their app is very useful .. just my two cents .. three of them are surprisingly enough for my 500g corals doing great

What kind of coral?

 

[NefTunzReef]

+1. If I was going to use LEDs, that would be my choice from everything I have read.

I am actually wondering what is making the OP want to change lights to start with, is there an issue or does he just want a change.

Personally, I am a big fan of MH/T5 for an SPS tank.

Agreed. Check out the Brstv video on the Orphek Atlantik v4 and see for yourself. I just ordered a pair after originally planning to buy the radions.

 

[Midrats]

Very true.
Going back to LED was always the idea. My first tank had Kessil over it and I loved how easy it was in adjusting, programming, viewing.
Corals liked it as well.
My mind is not set up yet so all information I can get out of you guys is welcome.

Why not go back to Kessil then?

 

[Velcro]

Why not go back to Kessil then?

Yea, kessil + retrofit t5 is a winning combination for me... and I've tried it all.

 

[Faisal27]

What kind of coral?

Lps/mushroom/ poly

Next phase will be sps once the tank matures a bit more

 

[Velcro]

Lps/mushroom/ poly

Next phase will be sps once the tank matures a bit more

I think you'll run into shading issues with SPS personally.

 

[Faisal27]

I think you'll run into shading issues with SPS personally.

Any suggestions ?

 

[Velcro]

Any suggestions ?

More radions or add some T5. Your preference. Probably wont see much issue when they are frags.

 

[Rick Cavanaugh]

on an empty tank 2 radion g4 pros will cover the tank. However, once you put rock in it you will get shadows. So it is difficult to say, but you may be ok with 2 radion g4 Pros, or you may need one more. I have 2 g4 xr30 pro gen 4 over a 48 inch long tank that is 24 inches deep. Plenty of par at most areas running at 70% (200-400 from top 2/3 of tank). So you tank is longer and wider, you may need to run 2 at 100% and raise them to 12 over the water. But don't forget the shadows..... Also, bracing of the tank creates shadows too. I have a wide black eurobrace that shadows the top edges.

 

[Rick Krejci]

Hi guys

...
I feel the 6 pieces of XR15 would do best, but will they have enough PAR at the bottom?

2 XR15's will have identical penetration to an XR30, since they are simply the 2 pucks of the XR30 seperated. I would go for the 6x XR15 due to the reduced shadowing. The only downside if more cords. The recent BRSTV reviews of each will show you the spread and par with AB+ at different water depths and different hanging heights...excellent reference.

 

[rck329]

I was debating the same issues about Radions and coverage for a 180 (72x24x24) that I'm in the process of setting up.

I have a 40 breeder (36x18x17) set up with a single XR30 G4 (non-pro) - I know that 36" is a stretch for an xr30, but even so I feel like there is a lot of shadowing even in the center 24" of the tank. It's seems especially noticeable with my black starboard bare bottom and black background.

All that said, I really didn't want to spend $2400 for 3x G4 Pros on the 180 and find out I still don't have the "fill" I would like. So I've elected to go with two Orphek Atlantik V4's mostly based on the BRS review of them. I don't have them set up yet, so I can't speak to their effectiveness, but based on the testing I think they are going to provide good coverage.

It was a tough decision because I think the Radion is a very elegant solution, I really like their RMS mounting system, Ecosmartlive control, and I think they are proven performers given the right set up, but like I said, I was uncertain about 3x on an SPS dominant 180, and if I had to buy more that is really getting too expensive for my taste.

Another thing that kind of irked me about Radion - since they are apparently coming out with a diffuser, it's almost like they are admitting the standard light doesn't provide the spread and diffusion you would like to see in an $650-800 fixture. And I wasn't that impressed with the BRS test of the diffuser compared to no diffuser .

Anyway, my 2 cents.

 

[Txdragonslayer]

Go 6 15's

 

[Janci]

I was debating the same issues about Radions and coverage for a 180 (72x24x24) that I'm in the process of setting up.

I have a 40 breeder (36x18x17) set up with a single XR30 G4 (non-pro) - I know that 36" is a stretch for an xr30, but even so I feel like there is a lot of shadowing even in the center 24" of the tank. It's seems especially noticeable with my black starboard bare bottom and black background.

All that said, I really didn't want to spend $2400 for 3x G4 Pros on the 180 and find out I still don't have the "fill" I would like. So I've elected to go with two Orphek Atlantik V4's mostly based on the BRS review of them. I don't have them set up yet, so I can't speak to their effectiveness, but based on the testing I think they are going to provide good coverage.

It was a tough decision because I think the Radion is a very elegant solution, I really like their RMS mounting system, Ecosmartlive control, and I think they are proven performers given the right set up, but like I said, I was uncertain about 3x on an SPS dominant 180, and if I had to buy more that is really getting too expensive for my taste.

Another thing that kind of irked me about Radion - since they are apparently coming out with a diffuser, it's almost like they are admitting the standard light doesn't provide the spread and diffusion you would like to see in an $650-800 fixture. And I wasn't that impressed with the BRS test of the diffuser compared to no diffuser .

Anyway, my 2 cents.

The Orphek are a good option as well. I have been checking them out in the last days.
Economically (for me) it would be best to stay with Radions. I am not in US and here prices are higher than with you, adding shipping losses as well.
In the mean while I have received a very good offer from a good friend for the XR30WG4Pros. Adding some T5's would result in complete coverage and a nice spectrum.
Still figuring out the best options...

 

[Marc_Tang]

I'm in the process of buying an almost identical 135cm x 81.5cm x 65cm high tank to you now.
The cost of 6 individual XR15's equates to 3 XR30's and I have gone the XR15 route.
6 XR15's will have a better spread, especially given the 80cm depth front to back, and gives you more flexibility with mounting height as it's less crucial than with the bigger XR30 units which have to cover the large area from only 3 more central points.
Other benefits include:
1) Less PAR hotspots directly under fittings.
2) Less shadowing with 6 individual light sources versus 3.
3) 6 individually controllable units as opposed to 3 controllable units allowing more flexibilty with lighting strength/PAR in different areas of the tank. Great for a mixed reef with LPS and SPS in different areas requiring different light intensity.
I'm very new to reefing but have been advised by a great marine retail outlet in my area, but all the above seems to be common sense to me.
If I already owned XR30's I would definitely use them as they are great fittings, but given I was buying new, XR15's offer more me more flexibilty.
Maybe 6 x XR30's is the ultimate solution for coverage, but they would all have to be turned right down to avoid scorching everything?!

 

[Janci]

I'm in the process of buying an almost identical 135cm x 81.5cm x 65cm high tank to you now.
The cost of 6 individual XR15's equates to 3 XR30's and I have gone the XR15 route.
6 XR15's will have a better spread, especially given the 80cm depth front to back, and gives you more flexibility with mounting height as it's less crucial than with the bigger XR30 units which have to cover the large area from only 3 more central points.
Other benefits include:
1) Less PAR hotspots directly under fittings.
2) Less shadowing with 6 individual light sources versus 3.
3) 6 individually controllable units as opposed to 3 controllable units allowing more flexibilty with lighting strength/PAR in different areas of the tank. Great for a mixed reef with LPS and SPS in different areas requiring different light intensity.
I'm very new to reefing but have been advised by a great marine retail outlet in my area, but all the above seems to be common sense to me.
If I already owned XR30's I would definitely use them as they are great fittings, but given I was buying new, XR15's offer more me more flexibilty.
Maybe 6 x XR30's is the ultimate solution for coverage, but they would all have to be turned right down to avoid scorching everything?!

Wow, first of al Marc, welcome to Reef2Reef
I have to say your tank choice is nearly perfect Lol...
I hope you start a build thread. This forum is full of experienced people who are willing to give advise and support all the way till success.
Your choice for lighting is spot on I believe. Myself I am now going more in the direction to the XR30 with some additional T5 bulbs to eliminate shadowing.