Lighting Question for 120g

[Hitch08]

Moving along very slowly with my build, but I need to make a decision on lighting. In light of another thread, I'm a bit apprehensive to even ask this question. But I will.

I think that I will go with EcoTech Radion Pro's. It seems as though I need two of them - at least. I'd like to avoid getting three because of the cost.

The tank is 48x24x24. It's the basement where my son and friends often play. As a result, I built a canopy. One of the things I was considering was adding a couple of T5's to the canopy. My own (hopefully cheaper) hybrid LED/T5.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the wisdom - or lack thereof - of adding T5's. How many would I add? Any suggestions on brand or where to puchase?

Also, if anyone knows of a good place to buy the Radions, I would appreciate hearing either here or via PM.

Thanks!

 

[Johnseye]

I have the same tank. I bought two Radion 30W pros and mounted them to the underside of the canopy top. I think the bolts were sized M5. I had an 8 bulb ATI T5 light mounted there but thought it got too hot even after adding fans and drilling several large vent holes in the canopy itself. At some point I may look into adding 2 T5 lights, one in front and one in back. I'm going to give just the Radions a good long time to see if the T5s are even needed.

 

[jdraider75]

I run a 48 inch 8 bulb ATI sun power over my 120. Mine is not in a canopy so no heat issues here.

 

[Hitch08]

Thanks for the responses!

It makes most sense for me to go with the Radion Pros for now and consider the T5's later. Heck, there's nothing in the tank right now.

 

[Hitch08]

This is confusing.

 

[Dino]

This is confusing.

I cleaned up the thread. I'm guessing it was a Chinese LED spammer. At minimum it was using multiple usernames to talk to itself in engrish :lol:.

 

[Perth_reefer]

Depending on what coral you'd like to keep I think you may need 3 Radions on a tank that size. I had 3 Hydra52s on a 60" tank and needed more for SPS, if you wanted to stick with two because of cost then adding 4 T5 tubes would definitely help a lot, however there are then heat issues because of your canopy, you could end up spending the money you would have spent on another Radion on a chiller!
Best thing to do is to start with two and see how you progress, you can always add more fixtures if required.

 

[Johnseye]

Depending on what coral you'd like to keep I think you may need 3 Radions on a tank that size. I had 3 Hydra52s on a 60" tank and needed more for SPS, if you wanted to stick with two because of cost then adding 4 T5 tubes would definitely help a lot, however there are then heat issues because of your canopy, you could end up spending the money you would have spent on another Radion on a chiller!
Best thing to do is to start with two and see how you progress, you can always add more fixtures if required.

I'm currently running 2 Radions at 35% on a tank that size. No issues. 45% started bleaching one piece of coral I had so I backed it down with no ill effect on all other corals. I'll start ramping it up when they get acclimated. I'm also using the wide angle lenses.

 

[Hitch08]

Thanks all!

I went ahead and purchased two Radion Pro's. Luckily, the seller was close so they should be delivered today. So excited!

There was a listing in the forum for a used Radion Pro, which got me thinking about a used unit for a third. Then, I started to think maybe the third could be a non-pro version. Then I realized that my wife will kill me.

Since I don't even have anything in it yet, I really should wait and see how things go.

Thanks again!

 

[Johnseye]

Enjoy

 

[Perth_reefer]

I'm currently running 2 Radions at 35% on a tank that size. No issues. 45% started bleaching one piece of coral I had so I backed it down with no ill effect on all other corals. I'll start ramping it up when they get acclimated. I'm also using the wide angle lenses.

Those wide angle lenses are probably the difference, I had no issues with PAR whatsoever but I wasn't getting the light spread throughout the tank. Hopefully the wide angle lenses solve any shadowing issues for you too.

 

[Perth_reefer]

I'm currently running 2 Radions at 35% on a tank that size. No issues. 45% started bleaching one piece of coral I had so I backed it down with no ill effect on all other corals. I'll start ramping it up when they get acclimated. I'm also using the wide angle lenses.

Those wide angle lenses are probably the difference, I had no issues with PAR whatsoever but I wasn't getting the light spread throughout the tank. Hopefully the wide angle lenses solve any potential shadowing issues for you too.

 

[Hitch08]

Wide angle? Another Radion? You guys are killing me!



Is there a cure for this disease?

 

[Johnseye]

Wide angle? Another Radion? You guys are killing me!



Is there a cure for this disease?

They are replacement lenses. Not expensive. Easy to install.