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

[nycreef]

Jeremy, great thread and just in time. The new AI Vega is coming out and I would like to know if we can add that one to the mix. I'm running 400 watt MH's 14k ushio with galaxy electronic ballasts hung about 16-18 inches over the water so I don't have to move them when working in there. Id like to keep the height of an led system the same and still be able to have as much light as my MH's. My reef consists on clams on the sand bed sps midway & top, Lps at the bottom.
Which of these lights will replace mine without loss of light at height and depth?

I like the radions controllable spectrum and yes the red & greens do make a difference because I have the red bulbs over my tank and they make the corals pop. It's strange Jeremy you didn't mention the controllablity of these fixtures in the comparison, that is a huge feature. Also that you can dial in your spectrum. I know if I went with AI I would wait for the vega, but I know I would need two AI's as opposed to one radion. Not sure if they work wirelessly together when you have multiple units, I know radion does. Power is more on the radion but you use one radion as opposed to two AI's. Can't wait to get rid of my current money pit lighting system.
I'm subscribed to this thread.
Can we do an external pump thread next. I'm at 850 watts on my manta ray pump. I need a solution for that one. Lol.

 

[Jeremy B.]

I'll certainly be testing a Vega as soon as I can get my hands on one - hopefully just a few weeks or so from now!

 

[nycreef]

Any news on the new radions with the tir lenses, few more led's, 30% more light and the ecosmart live platform?

 

[Jeremy B.]

Nothing yet on the new Radions. My guess is that this will be something around MACNA time in September, but that's not certain yet.

 

[Haxer]

Jeremy B.,
I am currently torn between 3 radions or 2 GHL Mitras for my 220 gal tank, will PA carry the Mitras led system?

 

[Cloudburst2000]

Hmmm...I am wondering how the Maxspect Mazarra compares to these fixtures. I am considering all these LED fixtures except for the AI (which I personally think looks like a brick hanging above a tank).

 

[Jeremy B.]

Jeremy B.,
I am currently torn between 3 radions or 2 GHL Mitras for my 220 gal tank, will PA carry the Mitras led system?

Unfortunately we do not have any plans right now to carry the GHL unit, I apologize. We do carry the Radions, and they work very well at that!

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hmmm...I am wondering how the Maxspect Mazarra compares to these fixtures. I am considering all these LED fixtures except for the AI (which I personally think looks like a brick hanging above a tank).

I haven't tested Mazarra's in a direct comparison to these, I'm sorry. I'm coming up with a new standard for testing all of the fixtures right now that's a bit more accurate than what I've done in the past.

 

[Jeremy B.]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am in the process of setting up a new test for all the fixtures that were included in this test, as well as a couple of others that I will be adding in. I plan on starting this next week, however it will take some time to collect all of the data. Once I'm deep into the testing process I will start another thread in our forum here on RC for information regarding the data collected.

 

[synrg]

Please add the new Maxspect Razor to the test. Would love to see how it stacks up against the higher $ fixtures.

 

[Falcao]

great Jeremy

 

[Jeremy B.]

Please add the new Maxspect Razor to the test. Would love to see how it stacks up against the higher $ fixtures.

I think the only fair way to compare the Razor to the other fixtures would be to use multiple modules from AI or Ecotech, or using a 24" fixture from Vertex, do you agree?

The reason I ask this is because I'm just starting with single modules of all of the manufacturers for now, including Maxspect. I'll eventually get to the Razor, but I'll need to go back in and add a second module for AI and Ecotech, and then a whole new fixture from Vertex to do a fair comparison. I'm guessing it will take me approximately 3-4hrs per fixture to collect and plot the data, so it could be a while until I get to this.

 

[synrg]

I see your point, but it would be interesting to see how the Razor performs against single units with similar price points too.

 

[sahicharles]

Hi Jeremy,

How many Illuminas you'll suggest to cover a 48"x48"? Do you think 36" module will cover better or 48" module? I don't want to have too much light bleed out the tank?

 

[Cloudburst2000]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am in the process of setting up a new test for all the fixtures that were included in this test, as well as a couple of others that I will be adding in. I plan on starting this next week, however it will take some time to collect all of the data. Once I'm deep into the testing process I will start another thread in our forum here on RC for information regarding the data collected.

Can't wait! Actually, I can wait. I won't actually be in the market to buy LEDs until sometime this fall. I am just trying to do my homework first. I will probably either get the new Elos Concept80 (40g) aquarium or possibly the Elos70 (if I can swing my landlord to allow the extra gallonage). So a stylish LED fixture with good performance is a must.

I also think a slightly longer term test would be cool. Add a few corals of the same type under each light to see how they 'color up' over a month or so. I'm talking a few small coral pieces of some different colors possibly in a small frag rack...no need for rock, etc. It seems to be how the corals color up under particular LEDs that either turn people off/on about a particular light. But differences in coloration is very difficult to see from one fixture to another because the pics of corals are not in the same tank, etc. So basically we have to rely on what reefers with a particular fixture say about coloration of their corals. I don't think I have ever seen a side-by-side comparison because most reefers don't have the money or resources to be able to truly compare fixtures side-by-side. Could be an interesting experiment.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Jeremy,

How many Illuminas you'll suggest to cover a 48"x48"? Do you think 36" module will cover better or 48" module? I don't want to have too much light bleed out the tank?

That's kind of a tough one really. I would do either 2 x 36" modules side by side, or 4 x 12" modules. The 4 x 12" is going to be a bit cheaper, but obviously lower PAR Levels inbetween the modules somewhat.

 

[felix morales]

Jeremy I'm on the fence on which light fixture should I purchase AI or Vertex?? decisions decisions decisions

 

[Jeremy B.]

Jeremy I'm on the fence on which light fixture should I purchase AI or Vertex?? decisions decisions decisions

It really depends on your setup. Both fixtures are two the nicest LED's available on the market, with awesome control to go with them. It depends on what you want, as well as your specific setup.

 

[felix morales]

My tank we be mostly sps corals and clams.. I like the fact that Vertex Par reading are stable throughout the tank.. But the AI Vega will be out soon now one know yet what surprises that's gonna be ..?

 

[alanbates12]

would like to see the results with the lights at the manufacture recommended height settings. I think the Vertex is suppose to be 3 or 4 inches off the water surface. Not sure about the others.

Thanks for the comparison,