Lighting options

[Madreefer]

I have yet to see any proof that you need 2 AI's to 1 Radion. I was set on getting the Radions but the price was way higher than my budget of $2k. So in my case it made total sense to buy 4 of the AI's complete with hanging kit and controller for the price of 2 Radions. I contacted Ecotech with a question on how many I needed for my system and they could'nt give me a good answer as to the required amount. Was really confused when they rate 1 fixture is equal to 1 250W MH. I'm choosing the Radions on your poll only cause I would like some reds as I think thats the only thing the AI Sols are lacking. You did'nt put prices up there so I set costs aside. But it is a known fact that all Ecotech products are overpriced but it's the consumers fault for paying them.

[MarkoD]

Yeah have no idea how anyone got 2 radions to 1 ai.

I'm gonna be running 3 ai on my 6 foot tank and it'll cover all my rocks and corals. There's no way I could do that with 1.5 or even 2 radions

[unclesalty]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

Yeah have no idea how anyone got 2 radions to 1 ai.

I'm gonna be running 3 ai on my 6 foot tank and it'll cover all my rocks and corals. There's no way I could do that with 1.5 or even 2 radions

Compare them side by side and you will see. IMO and lots of other peoples opinion is that 6 AI's are reguired for a 6 ft tank. The AI's even with 70 degree optics installed do not have the coverage spread the Radions do. I have researched this for months but its also my opinion and everyone has a different opinion. I was originally going to go with a Vertex or 6 AI's but changed my mind and will have 4 Radions on my 6ft.

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by unclesalty

Compare them side by side and you will see. IMO and lots of other peoples opinion is that 6 AI's are reguired for a 6 ft tank. The AI's even with 70 degree optics installed do not have the coverage spread the Radions do. I have researched this for months but its also my opinion and everyone has a different opinion. I was originally going to go with a Vertex or 6 AI's but changed my mind and will have 4 Radions on my 6ft.

Well I see no reason for intensely lighting my sand, overflow box and the glass. So 3 ai fixtures perfectly cover all possible places where I can put corals

[unclesalty]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

Well I see no reason for intensely lighting my sand, overflow box and the glass. So 3 ai fixtures perfectly cover all possible places where I can put corals

I still think you will need 4 AI's at a very bare minimum on a 6ft tank. But if 3 work for you all the better. Also the more fixtures you have the less spotlighting you will have. Also less intensity(watts) needed which they say prolongs the life of the fixture! The soon to be released AI Phoenix might compare to the Radion but right now the Sol isn't in the same league.

[d33ps3a]

Originally Posted by unclesalty

Compare them side by side and you will see. IMO and lots of other peoples opinion is that 6 AI's are reguired for a 6 ft tank. The AI's even with 70 degree optics installed do not have the coverage spread the Radions do. I have researched this for months but its also my opinion and everyone has a different opinion. I was originally going to go with a Vertex or 6 AI's but changed my mind and will have 4 Radions on my 6ft.

I think this link will change your mind.
http://www.h2oplusomething.com/index...ment&Itemid=64

And they say 6 AI's are needed if you mount them perpindicular side by side. If mounted length wise 3 or 4 should be good.

[MarkoD]

honestly. you just spent 3 grand lighting your tank i spent less than a 1000.

even if i got an additional AI (which i might) i'd still be at less than half of what you paid

and if i wanted to spend 3 grand and get 8 AI sol fixtures. i'd have more power, and less spotlight than you'd have with 4 radions.

[unclesalty]

Originally Posted by d33ps3a

I think this link will change your mind.
http://www.h2oplusomething.com/index...ment&Itemid=64

And they say 6 AI's are needed if you mount them perpindicular side by side. If mounted length wise 3 or 4 should be good.

I did read that article a couple months back! The AI has better par but "spotlights" and has less coverage as seen in the pics. Lots of people on RC are also not happy with the AI's and there coloring.

[Borderjumper]

I'm REALLY impressed with the Radion!

[d33ps3a]

Originally Posted by unclesalty

I did read that article a couple months back! The AI has better par but "spotlights" and has less coverage as seen in the pics. Lots of people on RC are also not happy with the AI's and there coloring.

That review was done with the 40 degree optics. There would probably be significantly less spotlighting if it had the 70 degree optics.