[Phatboi228]

Ecotech radion review

Can I get some peoples input on the Ecotech radions bag has actually dealt with them? Like how's it working for them? Is it capable of supporting any clams and sps? Thinking of upgrading from 4 t5s and I'm not too familiar with the leds out nowadays. Hoping to also hear of any troubles that some people ran into as well with it. I'm also up for suggestions with other leds. 😃

 

[saltman]

Lighting is very subjective. Everybody is going to prefer something different but all the upper end lights (like radions) are good to go. I had the old ones and was pleased with them but prefer the lighting color and spread of another light. There is a legion that prefer the Ecotech lights. They will absolutely grow clams, sps, and everything else in the hobby without a problem.

 

[poolshark8961]

Long story cut very short is that the Radions will grow anything you could want in pretty much any tank. Just make sure the optics have the right spread for your tank size.

 

[Blackbeltmom]

The Radions are upgradeable and there are TIR lense kits available.

 

[Phatboi228]

Thanks for the input. It's a $600 dollar investment that I'm tactically trying to get my wife to approve of �� so far.. A losing battle... Sigh

 

[tindall311]

Not a losing battle!

Your $600 is a one time deal for at least a few years vs. buying 4 new T5 bulbs every 6 months. That's how much per year that you're spending on bulbs? Also, you won't have that bit of algae or color loss when your bulbs get old before you change them either.

Granted, you don't have MH bulbs, but the radions make up for those in no time. Between bulb replacement costs, less heat (no chiller needed now!), and the electricity costs, a good LED is a no-brainer to me.

 

[hypnoj]

there is good and bad with all lighting scenario's including LED's. My advice, pick one and join the financial misery of finding out if it's right for you.

 

[Spikehyzer]

Just put one on my 29 gallon reef and am blown away. Been about 2 months but noticeable growth on acro and monti. Duncan has sprouted 3 Ned heads. Just be careful because they are intense. Running preset color schedule at 60% Had to back off didn't realize the intensity over my 2 t5 fixture. Shrooms and zoas receded a bit but are back and more beautiful than before!!!

 

[TimS]

What size is your tank? The comment above about personal preference is spot on. Radions are nice, no doubt about it and you'd be happy with them. I have several friends who absolutely love them. That said, I'm a fan of the Kessil LEDs, the A360 and A150. If you're intent on clams and sps, you'd need the A360 unless you have a small tank. I like its manual adjustment, though it can be hooked up to a controller. If you figure price per LED, the Kessils are among the best values out there. A360 runs $400 plus the gooseneck. They are a snap to install, look nice, and are virtually silent. Plus, I like to keep things simple, so being able to dial in color and intensity or just not worry about it (with the A150 Ocean Blue on my 27) means there's less to trigger an OCD attack. And you don't need an Oxford tutorial (as with anything built by Digital Aquatics) to learn how use the Kessils. One person's opinion, but I think the shimmer on the Kessils is more natural than anything I've seen, metal halides included.

 

[Blackbeltmom]

I started my Radions at 20% intensity and increased them at 5% per week until I reached 50%. I stopped there.

 

[Phatboi228]

I have a 36 bow front. But will be moving up to a 75-125 some time next year. It's almost time to buy new t5 bulbs so I was thinking why bother and just get the radions due to the inevitable upgrading of lights later on when I get the new tank

 

[TimS]

With a 36 bowfront, you could use one Kessil 360WE. You'd need to add one when you move up--same is likely true with the ecotech. I get away with one 360 on a 58, but will need to add another if/when I go to sps, etc.