AI Hydra 52 or Radion XR30W Pro?

[djnelson00]

I am in the planning stages for a 270 gallon tank (72x36x24). I am wondering what you guys are thinking on each of these lights. Pros and cons are welcomed. I am wanting to hear others feedback before making the dive. Also how many of these units do you think would be needed to cover the tank. I am looking at doing a mix of SPS and LPS.

Thanks in advance

[Mark Bianco]

Either are great lights and good companies. My frag tank 48 x 24 x 11 I am using two Radions old style gen 1. My display 72 x 24 x 31 I use 4 AI Hydras 52's (I like a lot of light.) Recommend for the Hydras was 3 units and for most tanks our size its plenty. I do prefer the Hydras over the Radions but its not really a fair comparison being as the Hydras are a more up to date fixture.

BTW AI and Echotech have merged and basically the same company.

Mark

[djnelson00]

Thanks Mark. I am leaning toward the Hydras as well. The thing that I like about them is the 36" spread. I know there is low PAR ratings towards the sides, but being this is going to be a bit of a mixed tank, I can always place lower light stuff out there.

[Fade2White12]

I'm in a similar dilemma myself, but I think I'm likely to go with the Radion. But just FYI, Radions also have a 36" spread (when using the wide-angle lenses).

[toky916]

I would I have the hydra 52 and the extra LEDs over the Radion sold me. Love it no negatives yet.

[vpaul79]

Do you want a BMW or a Mercedes? Your going to get a ton of mixed answers and will confuse you even more

[djnelson00]

I'm fine with mixed reviews. I realize both are very good fixtures. I was just wondering what experiences and feedback people have about each. I appreciate any and all criticism. That is why I am here, to learn and share. That is what makes this forum so great. Learning from your peers to make a better environment for our inhabitants.

[chercm]

i would lean towards AI then rather Radion. after the bad experience with the ecosmartlive.com

[reelredfish]

I am tagging along cause i have old models of both brands and need to buy three new ones for my in wall build.

[djnelson00]

chercm: Please elaborate on the "bad experience with the ecosmartlive.com". I would love to hear about it and i'm sure others are interested as well.

reelredfish: Do you currently have a build thread? I would be interested to check it out as I am also debating on doing and in wall with one viewable side or an in wall with three viewable sides.

[djnelson00]

Does anybody know of any other LED fixtures that may be equal or better quality than the two listed? Just wanting to get all options out there.

[vpaul79]

ATI Sirius X

[Matthias7]

The kessil a360we's are pretty amazing - not as much controllability as the fixtures you listed. The have a new controller coming as well at the end of the month I believe.

[djnelson00]

I did like the kessils when I saw them at a local lfs, but the controllability is really what I like about the other fixtures. I really like how they can partner with an apex really easily.

[vpaul79]

Kessils are awesome too, they going to release a fixture based model sometime this year. I'm guessing towards November, just in time for the holidays. It's a dense matrix array with more spectrum and LEDs for higher output. If you can wait, see what the Christmas holidays will bring. I have a feeling there will be another radion available too, they seem to release a fixture annually.

[jamie1981]

Radion XR30W G3 Pro I'm getting awesome colors out of SPS under them. After a few months they seem to have gotten even more color than what I got with reeflux 12Ks.