radions or fiftytwo?
- Thread starter TimLikesFish
- Start date
My take on LEDs now has changed from where it was a few years ago. Back then I felt optics were necessary to get any decent penetration. But the output of LEDs has increased over the last 4 years where I now believe optics aren't necessary for any but the deepest tanks that want high light corals at the bottom.
My problem with most of the "full spectrum" fixtures is that they throw in a couple reds or purple or cyan etc. but with optics so the spread of those colours will be limited and good blending will not occur.
I really don't understand the Hydra52 other than bragging rights about how much power/emitters you pack into the fixture. I feel it's a marketing move rather than a real functional improvement. It's a lot of LEDs in a small space so you would have to hang it up quite high unless you want a real hot spot with rapid drop off in intensity as you move away from the fixture. So why bother vs. using a couple fixtures with fewer emitters to cover your tank?
I've really warmed to the Vertex Illumina. No secondary optics so really good spread of light and colour blending. Fixtures like the Vertex put out enough light to keep SPS 24" deep and they run more efficiently than many competing fixtures that drive their LEDs at higher currents.
If I were buying a new fixture or building a DIY I would not bother with optics as I don't feel they are necessary anymore. How many people run their Radion Pros etc. at full power anyhow? Most are running their whites at 50% or less and their blues at less than 80%
And if you want to have a mixed reef you want to have lower light areas lower down for less demanding or more sensitive LPS or softies etc.
My problem with most of the "full spectrum" fixtures is that they throw in a couple reds or purple or cyan etc. but with optics so the spread of those colours will be limited and good blending will not occur.
I really don't understand the Hydra52 other than bragging rights about how much power/emitters you pack into the fixture. I feel it's a marketing move rather than a real functional improvement. It's a lot of LEDs in a small space so you would have to hang it up quite high unless you want a real hot spot with rapid drop off in intensity as you move away from the fixture. So why bother vs. using a couple fixtures with fewer emitters to cover your tank?
I've really warmed to the Vertex Illumina. No secondary optics so really good spread of light and colour blending. Fixtures like the Vertex put out enough light to keep SPS 24" deep and they run more efficiently than many competing fixtures that drive their LEDs at higher currents.
If I were buying a new fixture or building a DIY I would not bother with optics as I don't feel they are necessary anymore. How many people run their Radion Pros etc. at full power anyhow? Most are running their whites at 50% or less and their blues at less than 80%
And if you want to have a mixed reef you want to have lower light areas lower down for less demanding or more sensitive LPS or softies etc.
erndog1001
Premium Member
Been reading up on as much as I can find about AI LEDS I currently have 4- radions. 2- Gen 2s & 2- Pros.
I have to admit I absolutely love the lights!! My corals look great and once programmed they are nice.
But IMHO that's only half of what you pay for. the other half is the ability to program them in any way you choose.
On that EcoTech falls flat on its face!!!
They're software and website are completely geared towards Apple products.
And even then It is sometimes a complete pia to program. When you call they'll tell you to use Safari or Chrome. But they can't even make up their mind on this bc the last time I called the guy said "Oh now you need to use Firefox bc we're working out some isssues"!! And these "issues" Have been going on for over 2 yrs!!!
Even changing the time from DST back was a hassle.
Now they are finally coming out with their version of director called "reeflink" But theirs is $200!!! And I have seen from the beta tester forums that it to has problems.
Bottom line is this If you already have AI and are comfortable. Stay with them bc from what I'm reading. They are a good light and I just think the extra money for Radions is justified.
I'm even thinking of switching myself. But I agree with the guy who said that you really need to see the lights before you buy.
tmc1313
Active member
I agree with this statement. so much so that I bought 4 of the regular Hydra units instead of waiting and buying 2 of the hydra 52's. I felt I could have them closer to the surface (9" actual). I think I get very good / excellent color blending. 4 units practically spans the entire length of my 120 gallon and with my tank only being 18" from front to back I felt the 52's would be overkill. So far I'm very happy with the hydra's. There is so much control over the spectrum I don't see how someone couldn't find a color combination they would be happy with (for the individual and the coral). Long term results remain to be seen, but my tank is 95% SPS so we will see.
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Radion Pro is a fine fixture. You can put them over a tank and see your corals almost respond immediately. They look good too.
I would not buy another AI fixture either. Something about their LED choices or their frosted lenses, just did not work at all for my corals.
The Mitras is on par with the Radion in some ways, but I still have to give the Radion the nod.
Kessil A360W is what I use and my growth and corals have done fantastic. Everything from SPS, LPS, to clams have done great.
I say again, it is the only true UV output light (LED) on the market. And yes, UV and the UV spectrum of LED's are a must in any fixture.
Go with the Kessil, I do agree you should go see them in person to make sure you like the unique shimmer look. I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't, but that is just my opinion.
I would not buy another AI fixture either. Something about their LED choices or their frosted lenses, just did not work at all for my corals.
The Mitras is on par with the Radion in some ways, but I still have to give the Radion the nod.
Kessil A360W is what I use and my growth and corals have done fantastic. Everything from SPS, LPS, to clams have done great.
I say again, it is the only true UV output light (LED) on the market. And yes, UV and the UV spectrum of LED's are a must in any fixture.
Go with the Kessil, I do agree you should go see them in person to make sure you like the unique shimmer look. I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't, but that is just my opinion.
Sorry, there is no "true" UV light on the market. While technically, 390 nm is in the UV spectrum it is just barely there. UV A is the spectrum between 315nm and 400nm. Dipping its toes into UV if you like but calling it "true" UV is a stretch in my opinion. Violet LEDs can certainly enhance the look of your corals and increase fluorescence but I don't think they are a "must". Nice to have though.
Oh, also, the Vertex Illumina fixture auxilliary modules have 390nm emitters too.
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