Ecotech Radion ~vs~ AquaIllumination SOL ~vs~ Vertex Illumina

Jeremy B. · 10/28/2011, 09:27 AM

I've been wanting to do this comparison for some time now, and now that the Ecotech Radion has arrived today I will get the chance to. I wanted to do a helpful comparison of the three flagship LED fixtures / models available on the market.

This thread will be a work in progress, and will update as I get time to do so. I will eventually include PAR numbers, power consumption, spread, penetration, color rendition, etc.

Ecotech Radion XR30w $749
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s.../ET-XR30W.html

AquaIllumination SOL Blue $399 (Add $74 for the controller)
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...umination.html

Vertex Illumina 12" 260 $999
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...ertex-led.html

Jeremy B. · 10/28/2011, 09:48 AM

The first thing here I want to point out is that you will most likely need two of the SOL modules to equal the light output coverage you would get of the Radion or Illumina. That makes the price much more close in comparison than what it seems here.

The second item to point out is that the Illumina comes with the hanging kit, which makes this fixture ready to go out of the box. Both the Radion and AI SOL need additional items for mounting or hanging. The hanging kit for the Radion is $45, and the rail kit and hanging kit together for the AI SOL is $74.

Ready to go prices for the fixtures, including all controllers (if needed), hanging kits, mounting rails, etc., are as follows:

Radion $794
AI SOL $547 ($946 assuming two modules)
Illumina $999

socalmonty · 10/28/2011, 10:28 AM

Yes!! This is exactly what many of us have been waiting for. Thanks for taking on the project. It should be interesting.

SPotter · 10/28/2011, 11:39 AM

hopping on for the ride Jeremy. Lighting is the final piece to my monster order I'll be placing!!!!

pnavarro170 · 10/28/2011, 12:02 PM

sweet put them over the same tank. par measurements and pics, lots of pics !!!

cllrmar · 10/28/2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy B.

The first thing here I want to point out is that you will most likely need two of the SOL modules to equal the light output coverage you would get of the Radion or Illumina. That makes the price much more close in comparison than what it seems here.

The second item to point out is that the Illumina comes with the hanging kit, which makes this fixture ready to go out of the box. Both the Radion and AI SOL need additional items for mounting or hanging. The hanging kit for the Radion is $45, and the rail kit and hanging kit together for the AI SOL is $74.

Ready to go prices for the fixtures, including all controllers (if needed), hanging kits, mounting rails, etc., are as follows:

Radion $794
AI SOL $547 ($946 assuming two modules)
Illumina $999

Hi Jeremy,

I just left a message for you prior to seeing this thread. I was also debating between the Radion and Vertex 260. Looking forward to seeing these results so I can place order as well.

marrstarr · 10/28/2011, 03:44 PM

Cant wait for the results!

asylumdown · 10/28/2011, 04:36 PM

ooooh, thank you. I'm about a month and a half from needing to order lights. This is exactly what I was looking for.

pmrossetti · 10/28/2011, 08:21 PM

Maybe some words about the new Phoenix and Panorama Pro fixtures, too?

chadfarmer · 10/28/2011, 09:53 PM

lets get this done dont play around

pmrossetti · 10/28/2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadfarmer

lets get this done dont play around

ok

Yogre · 10/29/2011, 05:23 AM

Thanks for this thread, Jeremy! I'm in the market for LED, this will be very helpful!

Jeremy B. · 10/29/2011, 07:35 AM

The Phoenix hasn't been released yet, so I can't do anything with that. To my knowledge Ike hasn't started shipping the new Panorama Pro fixture yet either, although it should be any day now.

It looks like I'll have some time tomorrow afternoon to get the Radio and Illumina hanging up on the same bracket as some existing AI SOL's that I have running now. I'll post pictures as I get a chance to work on this.

heckeng · 10/29/2011, 10:19 AM

I am sure those are all going to be great fixtures, but the big difference is price per square foot in my opinion. I actually just ordered some AIs from Premium Aq and did look at the Vertex, but they are so much more expensive for a given tank size, it is hard to say that they really compete with the AI. I am sure their quality is better, and they may have more features, but I don't really feel like compete evenly. It will be interesting to see what the Radion does since people have been talking about it for so long.

Addiction2SPS · 10/29/2011, 12:03 PM

Great idea! Just want to note that I do get at least 24x24 coverage with standard optics on my Sol blue.

Kreeger1 · 10/29/2011, 02:43 PM

Tagging along

SmokedOut · 10/29/2011, 03:36 PM

Defenitly following Along...Been waiting for this one for;-)

googoomas · 10/29/2011, 06:59 PM

In the market for a new fixture(s), this will be very helpful..

x19 · 10/29/2011, 08:20 PM

Tagging along.

kellerexpress · 10/29/2011, 11:18 PM

Looking forward to the results!

jameshongth · 10/31/2011, 12:35 AM

Can't wait to see the result too...LOL!

Dustin1300 · 10/31/2011, 08:31 AM

Jeremy,

Thanks for the research on this one

I'm looking to light a 140 gallon frag/grow out tank and 96"X36"X30" tank and really leaning towards the Radion at this point. Looking forward to the results and subscribed.

Are you going to have the three fixtures up and running on tanks soon so I can come by PA a Saturday really soon to play around with the fixtures and compare/contrast them? (I've already been in close contact with Luke on getting the 96" DT quotes and wanting to make a trip to PA soon!)

neoreef · 10/31/2011, 01:01 PM

following

Jeremy B. · 10/31/2011, 01:14 PM

I'm still waiting on the Ecotech Radion hanging kits to show up so I can have the proper hardware to get all of these up and running. I will have the hardware here tomorrow. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything over the weekend to use in place for the Radion to get it hung - hardware wise.

Dustin1300 · 10/31/2011, 02:14 PM

Are you going to have these setup at the store/office?

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

10/28/2011, 09:27 AM	#1
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Ecotech Radion ~vs~ AquaIllumination SOL ~vs~ Vertex Illumina I've been wanting to do this comparison for some time now, and now that the Ecotech Radion has arrived today I will get the chance to. I wanted to do a helpful comparison of the three flagship LED fixtures / models available on the market. This thread will be a work in progress, and will update as I get time to do so. I will eventually include PAR numbers, power consumption, spread, penetration, color rendition, etc. Ecotech Radion XR30w $749 http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s.../ET-XR30W.html AquaIllumination SOL Blue $399 (Add $74 for the controller) http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...umination.html Vertex Illumina 12" 260 $999 http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...ertex-led.html

10/28/2011, 10:28 AM	#3
socalmonty Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Agoura Hills, CA Posts: 536	Yes!! This is exactly what many of us have been waiting for. Thanks for taking on the project. It should be interesting. __________________ Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -- Abraham Lincoln Current Tank Info: 233g mixed reef (60Lx30Dx30T)

10/28/2011, 11:39 AM	#4
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	hopping on for the ride Jeremy. Lighting is the final piece to my monster order I'll be placing!!!! __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux

10/28/2011, 12:02 PM	#5
pnavarro170 S.T.A.R.S PRESIDENT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: El Paso TX Posts: 3,963	sweet put them over the same tank. par measurements and pics, lots of pics !!! __________________ 150G

10/28/2011, 08:21 PM	#9
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	Maybe some words about the new Phoenix and Panorama Pro fixtures, too? Last edited by pmrossetti; 10/28/2011 at 08:38 PM.

10/28/2011, 09:48 AM	#2
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	The first thing here I want to point out is that you will most likely need two of the SOL modules to equal the light output coverage you would get of the Radion or Illumina. That makes the price much more close in comparison than what it seems here. The second item to point out is that the Illumina comes with the hanging kit, which makes this fixture ready to go out of the box. Both the Radion and AI SOL need additional items for mounting or hanging. The hanging kit for the Radion is $45, and the rail kit and hanging kit together for the AI SOL is $74. Ready to go prices for the fixtures, including all controllers (if needed), hanging kits, mounting rails, etc., are as follows: Radion $794 AI SOL $547 ($946 assuming two modules) Illumina $999

10/28/2011, 03:44 PM	#7
marrstarr Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 69	Cant wait for the results!

10/28/2011, 04:36 PM	#8
asylumdown Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 437 Blog Entries: 5	ooooh, thank you. I'm about a month and a half from needing to order lights. This is exactly what I was looking for.

10/28/2011, 09:53 PM	#10
chadfarmer Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ST Charles, MO far from nanook Posts: 11,045 Blog Entries: 1	lets get this done dont play around __________________ If you think you know the answer than ask 3 more people the question Current Tank Info: 200 Gal RR,ATB medium, 4 AI blue sol,230 LBS LIVE ROCK, no sand , 40 GAL sump, airstar1800, 3 tunze 6105 1- 6205 1-6305, Geo 818, profilux3ex with toys

10/29/2011, 05:23 AM	#12
Yogre Cheesehead Reefer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,351	Thanks for this thread, Jeremy! I'm in the market for LED, this will be very helpful! __________________ "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." ~ Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: 215 gal TBS Reef

10/29/2011, 07:35 AM	#13
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	The Phoenix hasn't been released yet, so I can't do anything with that. To my knowledge Ike hasn't started shipping the new Panorama Pro fixture yet either, although it should be any day now. It looks like I'll have some time tomorrow afternoon to get the Radio and Illumina hanging up on the same bracket as some existing AI SOL's that I have running now. I'll post pictures as I get a chance to work on this.

10/29/2011, 10:19 AM	#14
heckeng Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 260	I am sure those are all going to be great fixtures, but the big difference is price per square foot in my opinion. I actually just ordered some AIs from Premium Aq and did look at the Vertex, but they are so much more expensive for a given tank size, it is hard to say that they really compete with the AI. I am sure their quality is better, and they may have more features, but I don't really feel like compete evenly. It will be interesting to see what the Radion does since people have been talking about it for so long. __________________ 90 gallon Zoa/Ricordia tank, 6x54w ATI dimmable Sunpower, SRO 1000int

10/29/2011, 12:03 PM	#15
Addiction2SPS Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 91	Great idea! Just want to note that I do get at least 24x24 coverage with standard optics on my Sol blue.

10/29/2011, 02:43 PM	#16
Kreeger1 KING LEAR Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Cleveland Ohio area Posts: 7,428	Tagging along __________________ Coming up on 25 years in this hobby...That's a lot of skimmate Current Tank Info: Dsa 135

10/29/2011, 03:36 PM	#17
SmokedOut Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Schoharie ,NY Posts: 71	Defenitly following Along...Been waiting for this one for;-)

10/29/2011, 06:59 PM	#18
googoomas Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Redlands, Ca Posts: 1	In the market for a new fixture(s), this will be very helpful..

10/29/2011, 08:20 PM	#19
x19 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 68	Tagging along. __________________ 90 gallon custom rimless since Dec 2011 In hobby since June 2010

10/29/2011, 11:18 PM	#20
kellerexpress Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 504	Looking forward to the results!

10/31/2011, 12:35 AM	#21
jameshongth Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: ASIA Posts: 461	Can't wait to see the result too...LOL!

10/31/2011, 08:31 AM	#22
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	Jeremy, Thanks for the research on this one I'm looking to light a 140 gallon frag/grow out tank and 96"X36"X30" tank and really leaning towards the Radion at this point. Looking forward to the results and subscribed. Are you going to have the three fixtures up and running on tanks soon so I can come by PA a Saturday really soon to play around with the fixtures and compare/contrast them? (I've already been in close contact with Luke on getting the 96" DT quotes and wanting to make a trip to PA soon!) __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

10/31/2011, 01:01 PM	#23
neoreef Premium Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 35	following

10/31/2011, 01:14 PM	#24
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	I'm still waiting on the Ecotech Radion hanging kits to show up so I can have the proper hardware to get all of these up and running. I will have the hardware here tomorrow. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything over the weekend to use in place for the Radion to get it hung - hardware wise.

10/31/2011, 02:14 PM	#25
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	Are you going to have these setup at the store/office? Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

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