Radion light question

[aries426]

I'm setting up a 40g breeder reef tank. I'm planning on doing SPS and LPS. I was looking at the various leds and I'm leaning towards the Radion series. My question is which one would be the best for me? I saw the XR30W and XR30W Pro. Also I know they come in Gen 2 and 3. I have never owned EcoTech lights before, only their MP10's which I am planning on having 2 wireless ones. Can anyone give me some thoughts? This is a list of my proposed items-

40g RR breeder
30g sump
Tunze 3155 ATO
Reef Octopus DCS-150 skimmer
(2) MP10Wes
(2) Phosban 150 Reactor(Calc/GFO)
Sicce 568gph pump

Any other thoughts or ideas would be helpful.

Thanks everyone!

[Reefmedic79]

The standards XR30W will be plenty for the depth of a 40B, that being said, I personally like to get things that can easily be carried over should I choose to upgrade, So I would personally go with the Pro.

As for Gen 2 or 3, I'm not 100% certain what the difference is, but I believe its more of a software difference in the Radion.

Is the Sicce going to be your return pump?
I know you didn't ask about it, but you may want to consider getting a more powerful pump for your return.

[reefer roman]

The gen 2 or 3 would be enough lighting. Might find a used one for sale with the latest one hitting the market and guys willing to upgrade.

[aries426]

Reefmedic79- yes I was planning on using the Sicce. I read they are good and quite. Would you go to a higher gph? My head height will be no more than 3 ft

[bmullikin1]

I would go w standard gen 3 as it has the uv standard, pro would be too much.

[Dmoody]

Yea might as well go with a gen 3 or buy a gen 1 or 2 and buy the upgrade kit later

[mfinn]

One of the problems some Radions have is the fans.
On the new gen 3's, Ecotech changed up the fans.
Since it's too early to tell if it was a improvement, I'd be willing to bet it is.

[raybyrne67]

From what I've read Gen 2 & 3 Pros are virtually the same light. The only difference is the fan and buttons. I would like to see the par reading for the XR30w Gen 3 and how much of an improvement it is from the XR30w Gen 2.

[jlobes]

From what I've read Gen 2 & 3 Pros are virtually the same light. The only difference is the fan and buttons. I would like to see the par reading for the XR30w Gen 3 and how much of an improvement it is from the XR30w Gen 2.

not true, and it takes a simple visit to the EM website to verify the differences. Different combos of leds, different wattage, etc. heres a spec comparison of the gen3 vs gen3 pro:

http://www.marinedepot.com/EcoTech_Marine_Radion_XR30w_Gen3_LED_Light_Fixtures_20_Inch_LED_Light_Fixtures-EcoTech_Marine-EM58600-FILTFILDTN-vi.html

[ingtar_shinowa]

I dislike the switch they made on the indigo lights. I own a g1 set as well as a set of pros and can attest the difference in LPS coloration. With g1s I have experienced the same complaints as most LPS keepers with LED lights, the added low wavelength violet spectrum I bevel increased coloration of my LPS like acans, chalice, and other rainbow-type LPS. It took a week or two after the switch, but I would recommend the Radion XR30w Pro.

[raybyrne67]

Maybe you miss understood what I have written, I should have been more clear, XR30W Pro & Gen 3 Pros are virtually the same light. The Par comparison I would like to see is between the Gen 2 XR30w & Gen 3 XR30w.

[raybyrne67]

A quick comparison: Could not find the PAR for the Gen 2 Pro

LED CLUSTERS Gen 3 Pro
MAX PAR:*1100
• Cool White: 8 Cree XP-G2 (40W)
• Deep Blue: 8 Osram Oslon Square (40W )
• Blue: 8 Cree XP-E (24W)
•*Green: 4 Cree XP-E (14W)
•*Hyper Red: 4 Osram Oslon SSL (12W)
•*Yellow: 2 Osram Oslon SSL (6W)
•*Indigo: 4 SemiLEDs (10W)
• UV: 4 SemiLEDs (10W)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
Width: 7 inches (18 cm)
Thickness: 1.5 inches (3.9 cm)
WATTAGE
Variable Usage: 170W


LEDs: Gen 2 Pro
• White: 8 Cree XT-E Cool White (5w each)
• Red: 4 Osram Oslon SSL Hyper Red, 660nm (3w each)
• Yellow: 2 Osram Oslon SSL Yellow, 590nm (3w each)
• Green: 4 Cree XP-E Green, 520nm (3w each)
• Blue: 8 Cree XP-E Blue, 468nm (3w each)
• Royal Blue: 8 Cree XT-E Royal Blue, 442nm (5w each)
• Indigo: 4 SemiLEDs UV, 415nm (2.5w each)
• "Ultraviolet": 4 SemiLEDs UV, 405nm (2.5w each)
*All wavelengths are the peak emitted wavelength of the LED.
Dimensions:
Length: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
Width: 7 inches (18 cm)
Thickness: 1.5 inches (3.9 cm)
*
Max Wattage of Radion Fixture: 170 Watts
Max Wattage of LED Channels: 155 Watts

[Dmoody]

No need for a pro unit on the depth of a 40 breeder. I run both the gen 2 and the gen 3 standard. You lose a deep blue led but gain 4 indigo and 4 uv LEDs. My corals look the same under the gen 2 as the gen 3 but it's only been 4 days

[aries426]

One of the reasons I was thinking of getting the Pro was if I do eventually use it on a larger tank. Not to go off this topic somewhat but do you think I would see enough of a difference between the Radion and the AI Vega or the new AI? I know they are cheaper and price and have a controller option.