Lighting options

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by d33ps3a

That fan on the radion is kind of concerning. Being on the bottom of the fixture, you are going to be sucking moisture head on. Would you not also get some salt in there also? If it was on the top it wouldn't be so bad cause you aren't facing the water. Any radio owners wanna chime in?

I dont think it'll be a problem. You wont be mounting them close to the water anyways. As to the people having problems with the AI's well they've been out alot longer so of course there will be some reviews. There will be some negative feedback from the Radions as well just as soon as people start bleaching and frying all their corals. IME I started to have a little bit of algae show up on my sandbed due to a little impatience.The biggest mistake people make is turning the intensity up too high from the start. I grow corals not sand, who cares, I got a sandsifter problem solved. If one can get their hands on a par meter or have a little patience all should go well. No need to be a couple of kids arguing over who's got the better bike. Both lights are good. The AI Sols work good for me and theres good reviews on the Radions. Buy what you can afford.

[unclesalty]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

I dont think it'll be a problem. You wont be mounting them close to the water anyways. As to the people having problems with the AI's well they've been out alot longer so of course there will be some reviews. There will be some negative feedback from the Radions as well just as soon as people start bleaching and frying all their corals. IME I started to have a little bit of algae show up on my sandbed due to a little impatience.The biggest mistake people make is turning the intensity up too high from the start. I grow corals not sand, who cares, I got a sandsifter problem solved. If one can get their hands on a par meter or have a little patience all should go well. No need to be a couple of kids arguing over who's got the better bike. Both lights are good. The AI Sols work good for me and theres good reviews on the Radions. Buy what you can afford.

Exactly-buy what you can afford! I do have a par meter and I did own both an AI and Radion at the same time. Was an easy decision for me which to sell and which to keep!

[cale262]

Originally Posted by unclesalty

Exactly-buy what you can afford! I do have a par meter and I did own both an AI and Radion at the same time. Was an easy decision for me which to sell and which to keep!

This is a common statement from those who have owned both the AI and the Radions...the Radions always win out with the ability to dial in your colour spectrum to your liking, something which the current version of the AI's aren't able to accomplish. If price point is the real issue then I think the DIY would be the best option if you have the time to spare.


On a side note, I just ordered two more Radions for my frag tank build

[MarkoD]

I just can't understand why someone would pay so much more money for something that can be achieved for less money.

Red and green LEDs are not going to increase coral growth.

[cale262]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

I just can't understand why someone would pay so much more money for something that can be achieved for less money.

Red and green LEDs are not going to increase coral growth.

I guess you would would be the expert there

I have more than enough par to burn up everything in my tank and grow any coral I wish...I also like to look at my coral, the ability to adjust colours is more than worth the little bit of money involved...I think it's already been said here, buy what you can afford... if it's a car to get you from A to B and you can only afford the ford focus, then buy the focus...if you want to drive in style with every possible creature comfort and you have the means to do so, buy a nice Mercedes...both cars are going to get you there, ones just much nicer than the other...IMHO.

Or...maybe you'd understand this statement better...

I have a nice point and shoot camera, it takes nice pictures and only cost me $500. My father takes some nice pictures with his camera too, he doesn't think twice about spending $10,000 on one lense...that doesn't make sense to me but it does to him.

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by cale262

I guess you would would be the expert there

I have more than enough par to burn up everything in my tank and grow any coral I wish...I also like to look at my coral, the ability to adjust colours is more than worth the little bit of money involved...I think it's already been said here, buy what you can afford... if it's a car to get you from A to B and you can only afford the ford focus, then buy the focus...if you want to drive in style with every possible creature comfort and you have the means to do so, buy a nice Mercedes...both cars are going to get you there, ones just much nicer than the other...IMHO.

What do you mean adjust the color? The only LEDs in the radions that have any real sigificants are the whites and blues.

First thing in the morning, turn up only the red or green to the highest power and see if the corals even respond to the light.

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

What do you mean adjust the color? The only LEDs in the radions that have any real sigificants are the whites and blues.

First thing in the morning, turn up only the red or green to the highest power and see if the corals even respond to the light.

A buddy has the Vertex, did'nt even think about them when I was in the market for LEDs. IMO way overpriced and like having seperate units shall something go wrong and you have to send away. But the option to adjust the reds is so wicked. It really is cool to be able to get that perfect color by adjusting the reds which can be done on the Radions. I forgot to mention that next summer I plan on replacing 2 of my AI's with 2 Radions just so I can do some reds. I just hope the price goes down and that they will be able to fit on the light rails for the AI's.

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

What do you mean adjust the color? The only LEDs in the radions that have any real sigificants are the whites and blues.

Proof plz... Green probably no but red certainly does provide light energy for photosynthesis.

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

Red and green LEDs are not going to increase coral growth.

the red spectrum actually does directly affect growth....both coral and algae (so nutrient rich systems beware)

Originally Posted by cale262

I also like to look at my coral, the ability to adjust colours is more than worth the little bit of money involved

can get the same effect with a string of Christmas lights.....in fact they are probably on sale right now

Originally Posted by cale262

...I think it's already been said here, buy what you can afford... if it's a car to get you from A to B and you can only afford the ford focus, then buy the focus...if you want to drive in style with every possible creature comfort and you have the means to do so, buy a nice Mercedes...both cars are going to get you there, ones just much nicer than the other...IMHO.

but see.....some posters here are saying that you need two Focuses to one Mercedes, to get you where you are going.......thats more what the debate is about.....