LED options???

[CUZ]

I'm upgrading tanks and want to ditch the halides for LEDs. Seems easy but all the options out there have me second guessing which brand to choose. Every one loves Radions but it's a tough price to swallow!! Would I be diss appointed if I went with AI sol's with the 70* optic swap??
New tank is 96"Lx30"Hx40"D
To get proper coverage for a sps dominant tank 6-8 radions has been recommended but as stated that price tags a big one!!!

 

[gbru316]

How handy are you? You can build an LED system for a fraction of the price of commercial models

 

[CUZ]

I could DIY one for sure but as of lately work is eating to much of my time. I'd rather spend the cash and plug it in. Lol

 

[RtReef]

Forget the Radions. Why would you pay $350/unit more for red and green colors when an AI SOL has proven number and years of research backing them? I absolutely love the SOL led and it grows coral perfectly (just like the Radion to I suspect but for almost half price) DIY cost just as much of a SOL unit and you still have to build it. Only people not happy with SOL are the ones that don't know how to use them or acclimate corals. I swapped to all 70* optics and the spread coverage is perfect.

 

[CUZ]

That's what I'm trying to figure out?? I can't see a problem with the AI's, but everyone keeps saying I'll be happier with the radions!!

 

[Mark Bianco]

I have seen both the AI and the Radium over one half of a 4' 75gl tank. IMO there was no difference in color, shimmer, or appearence. You can buy almost two AI's for the price of one Radium. I decided on AI's and have not been happier, My wallet included, but of course that did not last long with the money I saved, I bought a couple of Tunze powerheads... It never stops. LOL

 

[jschottenfeld]

Fwiw.....I was going through the same thought process for my 125g with my current setup of 3x250 mh. I ended up keeping my mh's and adding 6 strips of blue Ecoxotic pro modules. Couldn't be happier wih my choice at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Littlejon]

I love my AI sol setup, have two over my 210, and at 65% puts my mh (2x175 ) setup to shame, and also cut my electric bill by 35-40$ a month

 

[kellerexpress]

Whatever you choose, make sure and see them in person if at all possible, then make a choice based upon what looks good to you. I saw the radion and AI sol in person first, and that's why I bought radions. The AI seemed cold to me and I thought the radions looked more natural. Just my experience though.

 

[CUZ]

right now I'm running 6 250w halides and 10 4ft T5's, my power bill desperately needs me to switch to a better set up.

What am i losing by going the AI route vs the radions??
-red/green light
-controller flexibility??

 

[windyridge]

I recently swapped out my middle 4 optics for the 70 degree optics and am lighting a 92G corner tank with one unit and it looks great. I am very happy with the programability and endless bulb intensity combinations, and the lunar cycle and lightening storms are fun.

 

[CUZ]

Can you order the AI's with the 70* or do you have to buy them seperate??

 

[windyridge]

If you live in Europe I believe you can order them that way. In the US you have to order them separately. They are $25 for a set of 4. 4 is all you need to replace the middle 4, 45 degree optics.