ecotech radion

[mypepper]

Go slow after the upgrade Randy.

They are really much more powerfull than the Vegas. Drop your intensities .

I definitely will turn down my intensities.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[sharko88]

I have two Radion Gen 2's and I am not as happy as I would have hoped with mine. The growth rate is no where near MH or T5. I have a 31" deep tank (about 28" deep when you account for the sand bed), my lights are 14" above the water and I still can't put my intensity over 50% or my corals will start to bleach out (so the slow growth is not due to too little light intensity). And yes, I have used the acclimation period feature at 6 weeks and still have the issue. And my water parameters are and have been perfect for the last 6 months (tank is only 8 months old).

 

[Donkeykong]

I have two Radion Gen 2's and I am not as happy as I would have hoped with mine. The growth rate is no where near MH or T5. I have a 31" deep tank (about 28" deep when you account for the sand bed), my lights are 14" above the water and I still can't put my intensity over 50% or my corals will start to bleach out (so the slow growth is not due to too little light intensity). And yes, I have used the acclimation period feature at 6 weeks and still have the issue. And my water parameters are and have been perfect for the last 6 months (tank is only 8 months old).

I think it has been well documented that the growth rate under LEDs is not matched to Halides. But it is also very well documents that LED's can and do grow some amazing corals, albeit a little slower.

As for the Radion, AI, Chinese LED's. I personally have run equipment from both company and the quality of the products they put out is great and then if on a rare instance you have issues, they are right there doing everything they can to help you out. Quality and customer service is why you spend so much with these companies and if you can swing it I would highly suggest it. But some people cant and they go with reef breeders or the like, there are plenty of tanks on here that have solid growth and coloration under these lights. They do not have as many options to play with and if they run into trouble they are more on there own, but stand in front of a properly done tank and you wont now the difference.

 

[Linkblaze]

It depends what you want. I bought the 24" Evergrow/OEM brand for $135 and it works extremely well for my needs.

Yes, you can spend $600, $700, $800 or more for the same PAR and coverage and have all the extra bells and whistles. However, if you aren't all that interested in being able to map out your spectrum from your computer, set 10 minute intensity increments, or control your lights from your Android phone, a simple 2 channel light with a couple of Home Depot timers might be just fine.

For someone setting up a 72" reef, they can spend $405 (3 fixtures) on the Evergrows or $2400 on something else. Some won't want to spend $2400 on their entire setup, never mind the lights.

Like it or not, cheap, reasonable options are here to stay. This shouldn't make you feel bad about your expensive purchase of the same PAR lights. You had reasons for purchasing it. However, don't assume everyone has the same requirements or desires as you.

A very reasonable lighting solution can be made with these cheap LEDs. Furthermore, most places selling them (Barrier Reef, Reef Breeders, Ocean Revive, etc.) offer solid warranties and customer service.

So, I would encourage folks to continue to share options, no matter how cheap or expensive they are. :beer:

p.s. When did it become a requirement that your lighting had to be able to simulate a storm while streaming you a video of the latest Glee episode? Didn't we get along just fine with fluorescents and metal halides that had just two modes: on and off? Heck, in the case of metal halides, the on mode was more like the ............on mode.

I think the Radion's are massively overpriced as well. However, I don't think you're quite comparing the correct fixtures. First, I don't know of any fixture for $130 that's in the same league as the Radion's. Really, the cheapest option are the Evergrow fixtures that go for around $180 to $200 and even then you don't get all the cool controllable features - you get two knobs.

Realistically speaking, to get a proper comparison, you need to look to more like something like the Reef Breeders Photon fixture which has comparable control ability to the Radion. That's a $320 fixture. Still, much cheaper then the Radion but getting into the same ball park as the Hydra.

When I did my research on this, I came to the conclusion that the Chinese make some pretty good LED's, and while the price is quite competitive, the choice isn't quite the clear cut choice like say, the Jebao over the Vortech's or Tunze's are. For a few more bucks on things like the AI, Kessil, and some others you get some pretty slick control and mounting options. My main problem with the Chinese LED's and really most every manufacturer, besides Kessil, is how frigging ugly all the fixtures are. I mean, it looks like you've got a cable box hanging over your display. I ended up going with a smaller company that knows how to at least design an attractive looking fixture - Nano Box Reef.

 

[kevin_austin]

I think the Radion's are massively overpriced as well. However, I don't think you're quite comparing the correct fixtures. First, I don't know of any fixture for $130 that's in the same league as the Radion's. Really, the cheapest option are the Evergrow fixtures that go for around $180 to $200 and even then you don't get all the cool controllable features - you get two knobs.

Realistically speaking, to get a proper comparison, you need to look to more like something like the Reef Breeders Photon fixture which has comparable control ability to the Radion. That's a $320 fixture. Still, much cheaper then the Radion but getting into the same ball park as the Hydra.

When I did my research on this, I came to the conclusion that the Chinese make some pretty good LED's, and while the price is quite competitive, the choice isn't quite the clear cut choice like say, the Jebao over the Vortech's or Tunze's are. For a few more bucks on things like the AI, Kessil, and some others you get some pretty slick control and mounting options. My main problem with the Chinese LED's and really most every manufacturer, besides Kessil, is how frigging ugly all the fixtures are. I mean, it looks like you've got a cable box hanging over your display. I ended up going with a smaller company that knows how to at least design an attractive looking fixture - Nano Box Reef.

I would say that the entry point is around $135. Right now, the cheapest Evergrow fixture (D120/U120) is being sold by Ocean Revive for that much. You can also see a similar price for the TaoTronics version on Amazon (recently reduced from $169.99 to $139.99).

This is probably going to be the price point for these base fixtures. For me, that is all I need. I'd rather have something simple and reliable. Now that the fixtures come with 90 degree angled plugs (rather than straight), they are lower profile. To me, they look just fine and, again, for a $135 light with the same PAR and coverage at the $800 lights, I can't complain.

 

[kenghmoob]

I have 6 radions .I tried the Chinese lights they work well but dont have the control ability or customer support and upgradabilty .leds are starting to burn out after 18months.Radions are American made , upgradable and outstanding service? The Chinese lights are basically disposable

I have (4) Radions and I stand by Ecotech. Their customer service is one of the best that I've ever encountered. I have the first generation Radions and when my fans stopped working, they sent out (4) of the newer fans to replace the old ones at no extra charge. While taking out the circuit boards to get to the fans, I knock a few circuits loose causing the light fixture not to work. One phone call, and they sent out (3) new circuit boards. They make this hobby fun.

I would have to disagree with you on the fixtures being Amercan made. My boxes say "Assembled in USA" where as there is another sticker that says "MAde in China". It's like saying that Chevy are American made but we all know that they have plants in both Canada and Mexico. Heck, my Tundra is Amercan made where as many peoples Silverado is Canadian or Mexican made. All in all, I bet most of the components that make up our expensive toys, come from back east. If you want to say that EcoTech is an American company where customer service is a whole lot better than the other fixtures I would agree with you there. I'll try to include the stickers on my box