How many Radion's for 36X24?

[hatfielj]

I'm planning a new build of a 36X24X18 rimless tank. I'm considering going all LED with the new Ecotech Radions. I can't find any info on light spread with these fixtures though.

Do you think one will be enough over this size tank or will I need 2? Any pics/examples would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[jfingers8]

Light spread is 24x24. I would recommend 2. You could get away with one with the right coral placement. I have a buddy who has one over a 55. His corners are a little shaded but not a whole heck of a lot. If your just doing softies and lps one would do. If you plan on a dominate sps tank I would definitely do 2. If you want to do a mixed of everything I would keep the sps directly under the radion where the most par would be. I'm sure others will chime in.

[SkullV]

I would go with 2 for an SPS tank.

[tandldel]

Definitely 2

[96p993]

My tank is 39x24x22 and Im running a pair...I just dont think a single will be enough, then again you dont mention what you plan on keeping in the tank

[tkeracer619]

I think one would be fine if you aquascape the tank to match the lighting. You can always go with one and get the second if you feel its not enough.

[hatfielj]

I'm definitely planning SPS dominate, so I was leaning towards 2. I would like to set up my aquascaping as 2 seperate islands, so I guess 2 fixtures would make the most sense. Its a pricey route to go, but I think the savings in energy and bulbs will make it worthwhile. Plus the heat issues won't be there.

[jfingers8]

For a SPS dominate, definitely 2 regardless of your aquascape. One would never cut it for SPS dominate. Good Luck!

[Essencereef]

3, at least 3 IF you are going sps and keeping sps on the bottom

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/1/aafeature

These lights will only function in sps system given enough light overlap.
But if you are planning on the 12k look then 2 blasted at 100% on all channels will suffice. I've had these over my 180 and honestly believe i either need 5, or need some t5 to enhance par.

[njudson]

3, at least 3 IF you are going sps and keeping sps on the bottom

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/1/aafeature

These lights will only function in sps system given enough light overlap.
But if you are planning on the 12k look then 2 blasted at 100% on all channels will suffice. I've had these over my 180 and honestly believe i either need 5, or need some t5 to enhance par.


One thing to keep in mind when looking at these Par results is that they are taken at 24" and 30" inches and they compare LED fixtures with optics to those without optics. It's no real surprise to me that 30" from a Radion with no optics you see a low par.

I think 2 should be fine on this tank to keep anything.

[Essencereef]

One thing to keep in mind when looking at these Par results is that they are taken at 24" and 30" inches and they compare LED fixtures with optics to those without optics. It's no real surprise to me that 30" from a Radion with no optics you see a low par.

I think 2 should be fine on this tank to keep anything.

Agreed!

However, keep in mind the results are at 24 inches of air and not underwater. An 18 inch deep tank much like that of hatfielj plus 8 inches of air above water and minus 3 inch sanded+fill would put him right at 23 inches of distance part of which is water. Par numbers between 70-170 umol would be observable in these conditions on sandbed. That being said, if 3 fixtures were used, these numbers would perhaps bounce up to 150-300 range which would facilitate photo saturation for most SPS.

I am trying to do nothing more than help, as I had great expectations for the fixture as well, only to learn that I would need quite a few of these to beat my three 250W radium bulbs.

Just saying...