Ecotech Radion ~vs~ AquaIllumination SOL ~vs~ Vertex Illumina

[Jeremy B.]

I've been wanting to do this comparison for some time now, and now that the Ecotech Radion has arrived today I will get the chance to. I wanted to do a helpful comparison of the three flagship LED fixtures / models available on the market.

This thread will be a work in progress, and will update as I get time to do so. I will eventually include PAR numbers, power consumption, spread, penetration, color rendition, etc.

Ecotech Radion XR30w $749
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/ET-XR30W.html

AquaIllumination SOL Blue $399 (Add $74 for the controller)
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supply/AquaIllumination.html

Vertex Illumina 12" 260 $999
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supply/vertex-led.html

 

[Jeremy B.]

The first thing here I want to point out is that you will most likely need two of the SOL modules to equal the light output coverage you would get of the Radion or Illumina. That makes the price much more close in comparison than what it seems here.

The second item to point out is that the Illumina comes with the hanging kit, which makes this fixture ready to go out of the box. Both the Radion and AI SOL need additional items for mounting or hanging. The hanging kit for the Radion is $45, and the rail kit and hanging kit together for the AI SOL is $74.

Ready to go prices for the fixtures, including all controllers (if needed), hanging kits, mounting rails, etc., are as follows:

Radion $794
AI SOL $547 ($946 assuming two modules)
Illumina $999

 

[socalmonty]

Yes!! This is exactly what many of us have been waiting for. Thanks for taking on the project. It should be interesting.

 

[SPotter]

hopping on for the ride Jeremy. Lighting is the final piece to my monster order I'll be placing!!!!

 

[pnavarro170]

sweet put them over the same tank. par measurements and pics, lots of pics !!!

 

[cllrmar]

The first thing here I want to point out is that you will most likely need two of the SOL modules to equal the light output coverage you would get of the Radion or Illumina. That makes the price much more close in comparison than what it seems here.

The second item to point out is that the Illumina comes with the hanging kit, which makes this fixture ready to go out of the box. Both the Radion and AI SOL need additional items for mounting or hanging. The hanging kit for the Radion is $45, and the rail kit and hanging kit together for the AI SOL is $74.

Ready to go prices for the fixtures, including all controllers (if needed), hanging kits, mounting rails, etc., are as follows:

Radion $794
AI SOL $547 ($946 assuming two modules)
Illumina $999

Hi Jeremy,

I just left a message for you prior to seeing this thread. I was also debating between the Radion and Vertex 260. Looking forward to seeing these results so I can place order as well.

 

[marrstarr]

Cant wait for the results!

 

[asylumdown]

ooooh, thank you. I'm about a month and a half from needing to order lights. This is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[pmrossetti]

Maybe some words about the new Phoenix and Panorama Pro fixtures, too?

 

[chadfarmer]

lets get this done dont play around

 

[pmrossetti]

lets get this done dont play around

ok

 

[Yogre]

Thanks for this thread, Jeremy! I'm in the market for LED, this will be very helpful!

 

[Jeremy B.]

The Phoenix hasn't been released yet, so I can't do anything with that. To my knowledge Ike hasn't started shipping the new Panorama Pro fixture yet either, although it should be any day now.

It looks like I'll have some time tomorrow afternoon to get the Radio and Illumina hanging up on the same bracket as some existing AI SOL's that I have running now. I'll post pictures as I get a chance to work on this.

 

[heckeng]

I am sure those are all going to be great fixtures, but the big difference is price per square foot in my opinion. I actually just ordered some AIs from Premium Aq and did look at the Vertex, but they are so much more expensive for a given tank size, it is hard to say that they really compete with the AI. I am sure their quality is better, and they may have more features, but I don't really feel like compete evenly. It will be interesting to see what the Radion does since people have been talking about it for so long.

 

[Addiction2SPS]

Great idea! Just want to note that I do get at least 24x24 coverage with standard optics on my Sol blue.

 

[Kreeger1]

Tagging along

 

[SmokedOut]

Defenitly following Along...Been waiting for this one for;-)

 

[googoomas]

In the market for a new fixture(s), this will be very helpful..

 

[x19]

Tagging along.

 

[kellerexpress]

Looking forward to the results!