Radion vs. AI Sol

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by marie

You probably can but I'm not even going to try and attempt anything DIY........ I am the plug in play queen if it requires me to read an instruction book to put it together then I don't want it. That's why I like my BK skimmer it didn't even come with an instruction book

I'm not gonna DIY. I'll pay Garreth at ProReef

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Marie, I had thought about the reds earlier, and I think I can supplement red very easily for less money. I think. Ok, I made it up, but it seems sound

Yep, ModularLed has a red/green supplemental combo kit for cheap.

[subman]

Originally Posted by marie

After reading all the numerous threads on the subject, I think I will buy the Radions when I can save up the money.
I have been searching for a light that won't make all the reds in my tank look like dried blood for the last 10 yrs (ever since I switched from vho to MH's) and have spent 100's of dollars trying different metal halide bulbs without success.
I think with the addition of the red and green bulbs, radions will finally achieve that

That was the deciding factor for me the green and red leds made all the colors pop. Im going with radions.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by subman

That was the deciding factor for me the green and red leds made all the colors pop. Im going with radions.

Makes sense. Although, when I saw a AI tank, I didn't notice colors lacking..might have to look again.

[marie]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Makes sense. Although, when I saw a AI tank, I didn't notice colors lacking..might have to look again.

When you do go look check the red coralline algae, that's what tends to look the worst under the wrong lights it looks like dried blood.

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Makes sense. Although, when I saw a AI tank, I didn't notice colors lacking..might have to look again.

Lots of videos on Youtube with tanks running Ai's and Radions. None of them look any less or more colorful than the other. Seeing them in person is the only way to really decide, as what is aesthetically pleasing to one may not be to another. I've seen both set up in person and I can't really see much of a difference, they both make the tanks look great. Radion have more programming possibilities if that's your thing, the AI's are good if you just want the basics such as dusk/dawn ramping, intensity control and lunar simulation. I guess they both have lightening storms as well but that just gimmicky to me.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by subman

so my big question is if they were the same price would you all have still picked sols?

I may pick the Radions over the SOLs if they were the same price, based solely on physical appearance. I do think the Radion is a nicer looking unit. I haven't seen an AI in person (well, I did but didn't know what I was looking at back then), but I have seen a Radion and I like the slick appearance.

However, I can't pay an extra $1000 for aesthetics

Sanjay's article gives value to the red for illuminating fish, so it may have some purpose afterall, but again, not $400/unit worth.