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

[SkullV]

Great comparison. Wish they could have added the new Apollo Solarblast dimmable unit to the mix.

I've narrowed down to the AI SOL Blue (399) or the Apollo (399) for my 60G cube. Now trying to decide which one offers more versatility regarding wireless lan connection, controllers and programming as well as the cost

You get a WHOLE lot more for your money with the Apollo in terms of Coverage, Spectrum (Apollo will add any color LEDs you want), and PAR.

They are also working on their own controller but you can currently have full control with an Apex or Profilux controller.

 

[Dustin1300]

You get a WHOLE lot more for your money with the Apollo in terms of Coverage, Spectrum (Apollo will add any color LEDs you want), and PAR.

They are also working on their own controller but you can currently have full control with an Apex or Profilux controller.

I would not even consider this fixture in the same category as AI, Vertex, and EcoTech given the names and knowing they will be around. Investing into a fixture that's been thrown together is a high risk. From what I've reviewed on this fixture it's hit or miss but the discussions of these fixtures should probably stay out of this thread since PA is trying to compare the three fixtures which they sell and cannot do a comparison against every fixture in the industry.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Agreed, the Apollo Solar Blast is not even in the realm as these three fixtures!

 

[mojo~]

Really thinking of putting 2 ai's on my 75. When can I pre order the new ones?

 

[92reefer]

Really thinking of putting 2 ai's on my 75. When can I pre order the new ones?

I'd like to know as well. Putting a new tank together and looking at the Sol but would probably spring for the Phoenix if it's coming out in the next month or so?

 

[mojo~]

great work Jeremy

 

[mojo~]

the more I read the more I am leaning towards the Ecotechs... I want the fixture close to the water so I dont see the light spillage. Maybe have to go that route..

I am sure the vertex has the best spread. How does the Eco stack up? I would imagine 2 would be fine on a 75g correct?

 

[Dustin1300]

Mojo,

Two would be plenty for a 75 and a similar comparison for you would be at the following link. Mr. Saltwater Tank did a 4 month test on the Radion beside his MHs and noticed no change in coral growth, coloration, etc...The latest video out shows his programming and is the first look I've had at a more in depth look at the interface which is pretty slick IMO. Good luck!

https://www.mrsaltwatertank.com/radion/

Jeremy still had the three fixtures still set up last Saturday when I was picking up an order!

 

[LiamLiffey]

Jeremy, thanks very much for this thread. I would highly appreciate if you could also comment on the light quality itself. I mean color rendition and the horrifying "disco effect".

Cheers
Axel

 

[kevinrf]

I don't have any corals or fish because my tank is still cycling. I have a Radion 8inches above the water level on a 50g cube 24x24x20. I just love the colors it produces. The violet & red are awesome........... can't wait to see it with corals.

 

[Tanks and Stuff]

Umm, what about these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC0barSQf2M&feature=player_embedded

 

[Jeremy B.]

Umm, what about these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC0barSQf2M&feature=player_embedded

?????

 

[Macropora]

Great thread. Keep us posted on the progress.

 

[Eurobeaner]

Jeremy, thanks very much for this thread. I would highly appreciate if you could also comment on the light quality itself. I mean color rendition and the horrifying "disco effect".

Cheers
Axel

they have these fixtures on display over a frag tank. i went in and looked at them. the radion was most impressive. i could not believe it was leds running that half of the tank. very even light spread, fantastic color. none of that headache inducing AI disco shimmer. its is very compairable to halide.

 

[Jeremy B.]

A lot of that smoothness was from the Illumina, which is right next to it. The Ecotech, when running by itself, still has a very small amount of spotlighting to it, but not much. It's really hard to get an idea of what each one looks like on that tank with all three of them running. You really need to see each one running by itself to see the differences over that tank.

 

[data_loss]

It's really hard to get an idea of what each one looks like on that tank with all three of them running. You really need to see each one running by itself to see the differences over that tank.

Sounds like a great idea for a video Jeremy :frog:

 

[props4you]

Jeremy,

Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison !!

 

[Dustin1300]

Jeremy,

Is this going to be revived now that the busy season is over?

 

[mr86mister]

Wow, thanks so much Jeremy! A lot of information and the thread as a whole has some entertaining turns. Of course there are tons of LED's on the market and being added to the market as we speak but it is nice to see the leading three being compared. Hopefully your season was great and you are able to get back to some fun aspects of the hobby again.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Jeremy,

Is this going to be revived now that the busy season is over?

Busy season over? The four busiest months of the year are Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr. I will try and get back to updating this as soon as I can find time, I apologize. :beer: Trust me, I enjoy doing the hands on stuff out in the shop rather than glued to my office chair.