Ecotech Radion

[doch]

Originally Posted by Brandon5555

The hype on the radions is being able to adjust your spectrum on the computer. Can you do that with the one youre talking about?

OK, but is that feature worth double the price of the Sols? If so, and it's that important to you, you can A) wait for the AI pheonix to come out at an MSRP of $499, or you can buy the wireless module for the Sols for $49. Both options allow full wireless control through your computer. Actually, through any computer that is hooked up to the internet. IMO, this is a novelty. How often do you need to adjust the spectrum of your light? Would the AI controller suffice to do this? To me it will. There is also the option of running the AI's through any of the big 3 controllers (not sure if you have one). As for the lightning... novelty as well, although I am super excited to see the lightning on my tank.

Originally Posted by Brandon5555

To be honest, all i want is high power leds that can support my range of coral, has moonlight effects, and changeable spectrum wouldnt be terrible either?

This is of course just my opinion... but I think that the Sol is the way to go. Tried, tested, dirt cheap (almost), and it has the changeable spectrum... AND LIGHTNING!!!!! HAHAHA!

I did a fair amount of research on this topic before I chose the Sols... like I said before, I don't get the Radion Hype. Maybe there's something that I don't see...?

[Brandon5555]

I think you hit the nail on the head there, i'll look into the Sols and AI pheonix, i just want to make the right decision

[mike31154]

The LED business is getting ever more tricky. New players entering the game all the time, each with some new or different features. Basically most of the latest will use 3 watt LEDs of some sort in varying colour combos and then add the bells & whistles or not. If you can wait it out a little longer, you might be better off. Do a little more searching, don't just rely on what you see on this forum. Some other very nice looking fixtures that are worth looking at are from Orphek & Kessil (for nanos). Price is up there on those too, but again, check it out, wait a bit & eventually you'll find something that suits your needs & may not break the bank. Then there's always the DIY scene or simply using some of the LED PAR38 bulbs that screw directly into a conventional lighting socket.

[lastlight]

The Phoenix will blow the sol out of the water but will of course cost more. What's the Canadian msrp on the sol here? I see 399 but looks to be the US price since I've seen sig higher figures from vendors here?

[martinmcnally]

Originally Posted by lastlight

The Phoenix will blow the sol out of the water but will of course cost more. What's the Canadian msrp on the sol here? I see 399 but looks to be the US price since I've seen sig higher figures from vendors here?

MSRP is $545.50

However they do not have minimum price requirements like EcoTech so you will find them less than that price as they are often on various specials.

[martinmcnally]

When it comes to comparing AI Sol and Radion here are the big factors in my opinion from testing both of the units here.

Color Choice:
Radion has complete control over the color output with full RGB spectrium. That means for instance when its sunrise the radion can put out a nice early morning yellowish color and slowly bring that up to mid day as you would experience on an actual reef. AI Sol can do some manipulation of the color but only with the limitations of which units you purchased (White and Super Blue). Radion definitely has more control on the light effects however their first version of their software is pretty poor however should improve soon.

Light Coverage:
Here I think the AI Sol wins, its LEDs are more spread out giving better spread throughout the tank. Radions light output is concentrated mostly underneath the relatively small LED pods.

Added Extras:
Radion can put your EcoTech pumps into night mode and feedling mode etc. For people that do that. Also compatible with the EcoTech battery backup.

Wireless Control:
Contrary to popular believe NEITHER of these units can currently be controlled wirelessly from your computer. The wireless control in the Radion is between the Radion and other EcoTech products such as the pumps. Not to a computer. AI Sol is working on a wireless control module for the AI Sol but its not available yet. Some Info On that Here. AI Sol does have an optional wireless controller. As for wireless between Radions and AI Sols. The Radion wins. It can talk to its neighbours where as the AI Sols are wired together (however hardly a major disadvantage)

Looks:
Radion is following the Apple look with their polished black glass. AI Sol is just a little further behind but still looking pretty stylish. AI Sol is about twice as thick as a radion. AI Sol is coming out with a new black model right away.

Mounting:
Radion is only a hanging style, where as AI Sol is hanging and also available with some pretty inexpensive rails and legs.

LEDs:
While they are both CREE, the Radion has 11 more than AI Sol. Plus the Radion has Cool White, Blue, Royal Blue, Red and Green where as AI Sol is just Cool White and Blue.

Well thats about all I can think of right now They are both excellent LED fixtures.

[Aqua-Digital]

just add my comment as a hobbyist who has tried both

On my 24 inch cube I needed 2 Ai Sols and even then there was no light overspill. If you want to see back up of this please look at my tank build thread

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...t=60988&page=8

Things move on fast in lighting in 18 months!

On the same tank I am running 1 Radion with slight light overspill.

When you take into account the need for 2 Ai for one Radion the price no longer becomes a bargaining factor between the two

Yes i have seen one SOL on a 24 inch cube but the lamp was high and there was no real value at sand level.

Just my 2 cents.

[fishytime]

are the Sols 5 channels?