NEW Radion Video

[Delphinus]

Everything I've read said these pack an equivalent intensity to a 250w. I guess my question is if you're using 400w's, how will they stack up to replacing those? On a 72" long, 30" deep, 30" tall tank, I guess one could replace 3 halides with 4 of these and run them perpendicular but then 4*825 versus 3*825 becomes a consideration. Which then begs the question to me, and I know maybe this is too early to be wondering about this, but do you know if Ecotech plans on any larger units in the coming months in the domain space of a 400w halide replacement? Or are people already replacing their 400w's with these and finding that it's enough?

[Aqua-Digital]

On the Video from Mr saltwater tank TV if I recall right he mentions something about the fact he believes they are stonger than 250w in equivelant.

In my own experience with various LED brands the wattage equivelant goes out the window on various fronts.

Personally if I was running 400w MH I would have not issue switching to 130w LED

[Funky_Fish14]

Many people are running LED's now that are said to be 'comparable to a 250w halide', this I hear every time... yet very often they are not running them at full strength. This makes me think they actually are stronger than 'quoted'? Am I off track in this thinking?

[Aqua-Digital]

Yep pretty much exactly that, when you get a new LED fixture always start at about 40% white and 60% blue, then allow the tank to adjust for a few days, each day adjust up until you find your tanks balance

[Delphinus]

Well that's the thing. I have faith it's "probably good enough" but the issue is exactly what Funky_Fish14 said, "Everyone" seems to use the comparison to a 250w halide. Thing is if I was using 250w's, that would be an awesome verbal incentive to try it. But being that I use Radiums on 400w hqi, if I knew I'd be happy going from that to a "250w equivalent" then I could just as easily already be on 250w's. Don't get me wrong, I have zero doubt that these are excellent topnotch units, but given the price tag of, say, 3 or 4 of these over my existing tank, it would be disappointing to learn if, say for example, 6 months from now Ecotech announced an even brighter unit or a unit with more LED's (or whatever along those lines) specifically aimed at those with taller-than-average tanks, sort of like the difference between a Vertex 200 and a 260. So that's why I was wondering if anyone knew if they had any such plans.

[jorjef]

If they were, I'm sure no one in the "know" would say with sales of the present model at stake. They need to plow through the bazillion of this model they have scheduled for production. THEN go woo hoo we have a bigger better model.

[Aqua-Digital]

To get more watts from an LED fixture you add LED's so based on that and the fact radion is modular............

I am not seeing good feedback as yet on the XM units out there, the intensity is too much so I will put my hat in my mouth and say it would not surprise me if we see the XM not really taking off, so that leaves us back with the ever popular XPG.

Manufacturers do try and match an LED to an MH fixture, I am not sure this stands ground with all fixtures due to PAR and spectrum variations.

Based on my own experience this is what i advise, and this is generic not related to any fixture ---

up to 120w without optics I advise a tank depth keeping SPS of 24" IF optics are applied this is stretched to 30+"

Ai is 75w with optics and very good (although spotty) at 24" above that it struggles from experience

tank dimension is different LxW as this is fixture design specific.

Based on this I would happily say that the Radion at 24" will easily compete with a 400w MH.

Cot analysis - Long term the LED will pay for itself if you ook at the cost of 400w MH bulbs, most tanks have two? A decent bulb will cost you around $60-$70 twice a year, In one year your can save yourself $280, and thats before taking electricity into account.

[Delphinus]

Originally Posted by jorjef

If they were, I'm sure no one in the "know" would say with sales of the present model at stake. They need to plow through the bazillion of this model they have scheduled for production. THEN go woo hoo we have a bigger better model.

Ok sorry for asking then.. I was just curious. With the difference between 200 and 260 being there in a different brand thought maybe there was something going on here eventually too, but you're right, who knows. And given Michael's explanation maybe it's not necessary.

@Michael - Thanks for your explanation. Unfortunately my tank sits at 30" depth so I'm just outside that comfort zone of 24". Plus my current lights sit around 10"-12" off the water surface although if mounting a LED panel I'm not sure where it's overall height above the water would sit given the infrastructure I have in place for sliding the light rack in and out. What's the recommended height above the water for the Radions?