Wait on Aqua Illumination Vega or get Ecotech Radion

coopj

coopj

New member

I have been waiting for the AI Vega to be released so I can get 2 units for my 57 gallon sps (to be) tank. I have filled my stand with as much equipment as I possibly can, and now the wait is starting to really get to me. Do you guys think that 2 Ecotech Radions will work for an SPS tank? The dimensions are 36" by 18".

Here is an underneath and a FTS.

img3112lq.jpg

Getting crowded under here

Lighting
img2877kms.jpg
 
i had the same dilemma a few weeks ago; wait for ia vega or radion; skipped both and went with pacific sun led on my new setup..your system looks well done, but maybe hard to work on?
 
i had the same dilemma a few weeks ago; wait for ia vega or radion; skipped both and went with pacific sun led on my new setup..your system looks well done, but maybe hard to work on?
Click to expand...

Thanks, I do a weekly water change where I change the Kalk topp off water in the 2.5 gallon container. That allows me to change the filter sock and clean the protein skimmer. The reactors and ball valves off the main are pretty easy to access. The UV sterilizer in the back is mounted to allow a fairly simple bulb change. I went with a 24" sump to allow room for the rest of the equipment.

How is the Pacific Sun fixture working out? Any pics?
 
coopj said:

I have been waiting for the AI Vega to be released so I can get 2 units for my 57 gallon sps (to be) tank. I have filled my stand with as much equipment as I possibly can, and now the wait is starting to really get to me. Do you guys think that 2 Ecotech Radions will work for an SPS tank? The dimensions are 36" by 18".

Here is an underneath and a FTS.

img3112lq.jpg

Getting crowded under here

Lighting
img2877kms.jpg
Click to expand...


Nice equipment ...
WOW .. No room is right ..

I say wait it out.
I can take a guess as most would say Ecotech's since u have the Mp's on hand already . I do see the pickle here . 1500 for two lights on a 57 gallon tank would make it hard fo me to part with my cash ...
I 'll throw a monkey wrench in the mix. Aquatics Elite ? has a clearance on some nice SFILIGOI t5/ led units .
It's at least worth a look

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2114598
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There is no way to answer that question until we have ANY indication of what the Vega specs will be. That being said I do really like the radions. I ran a pair of them over my 75g for a couple months and my coral (and my eyes) was very very happy.
 
Here is a real wrench thrown into the mix --- a 6x24w ATI Sunpower.

It will be WAY cheaper up front, cheaper in electricity and you can replace bulbs for the next 5 years will all your savings.

2 Radions - 280 watts @ 100% and ~$1600 after you buy hanging kits. (For $750 a hanging kit should be standard equipment.)

2 Vega's - We don't have any specs but I would assume they will be close to the current AI Sol. So look at 150w for 2 units @ 100%. They will probably run you over $1000 for 2 of them.

1 ATI Sunpower - ~150w when all bulbs are on. Price: $510 with bulbs of your choice. Add in about $120/year in bulb replacements.

It will take 4 years before the AIs save you any money and you will NEVER save money with the Radions. To be honest, their will be all new stuff out in 4 years and the numbers show this tank won't even be around.

The average hobbyist stays active for ~3 years. Reef Central is slightly different but I see hundreds of people come and go on this site. I would look for a used ATI Sunpower and call it a day.

Of course, if you don't like T5s then my whole break down doesn't matter. I HIGHLY suggest you go see some LED tanks in person though. My LEDs just hit the 10 month mark and they are coming off when the new tank shows up! I can't stand them anymore!
 
Well to answer one of your questions...I have one radion over over my 30" long 37 gallon and I have a birdsnest and a red monticap growing very well at each end (I know they need less light)...my higher light demanding sps are growing very well towards the middle. Two would be fine for an sps tank, but look into your options the price tag is steep
 
That's some good info.

I 'll throw a monkey wrench in the mix. Aquatics Elite ? has a clearance on some nice SFILIGOI t5/ led units .
It's at least worth a look
Click to expand...

That is some nice stuff!

Well to answer one of your questions...I have one radion over over my 30" long 37 gallon and I have a birdsnest and a red monticap growing very well at each end (I know they need less light)...my higher light demanding sps are growing very well towards the middle. Two would be fine for an sps tank, but look into your options the price tag is steep
Click to expand...

Good to know.

2 radions would work for a sps tank. I would choose radion over AI due to the radions having full spectrum
Click to expand...

I agree, Keller
 
Price is steep with radions but let me tell you that if you get them you won't regret it. You see a ton of people selling off their AI and you don't see anyone selling off their Radions. Think there is something there. I have 2 over my 75, but only keep LPS and softies. Corals couldn't be happier. I know you want to do SPS with obviously you will have to give them more light, but I'm maxed out at 60%. My fixtures are 6 inches off the water. If I go any higher my corals don't fully open. If you can afford it get the Radions. Nothing against anyone here as a lot of people have money issues, but most people that talk bad about Radions are people that can't afford them. I couldn't be happier with my Radions. Have colors in corals that I've never see before with MH or t-5. Good luck with your decision!
 
jfingers8 said:
You see a ton of people selling off their AI and you don't see anyone selling off their Radions. Think there is something there.!
Click to expand...

Yeah, it is because the Radions have been out now for 3 whole months. AIs have been out for a couple years.

(Just playing devils advocate here. The Radion is way better than an AI LED system but neither are worth their price IMO. I can afford a Radion but they are up in the night with their price and what you get. Ecotech is a GREAT marketing company and nothing more.)
 
AI has not made an announcement about the Vega release date. The owner of the LFS here in Atlanta, Mike, told me it would be February. He told me this back in November, and I think he is going to be right.
AI is saying soon via there faceb
 
Chiming here Coop. I have the same dilemma. My tank is cycling and I'm waiting for the new AI Vega. If it doesn't come by February I'll be buying something else. I am looking at the Radion and the Vertex Illumina. Both very pricey but nice fixtures, especially the Illumina. I have the money to spend on those 2 but like the other posters have said, I don't think either unit is worth the money they're asking. Good thing for me is I only have to buy one unit for my 60G cube.
 
I sold my ai's, and if I had to do it again, I would choose radions. They have more spectrum and better coverage. I ultimately went back to t5 ati, and I won't be switching again any time soon. My Sps didn't like ai's one bit.....
 
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