2x Radion G5 XR15's enough for 48" long tank?

[Zoajohn]

Thinking about upgrading the lighting over my Red Sea Reefer 350 to radions. I have 2 Hydra 26HDs in a 4 bulb t5 hybrid fixture over it, and while everything is doing well, I think some radion G5's will give me a little more punch for the SPS. Would I get enough coverage/spread from two of the G5 XR15's with the footprint of my tank? The dimensions are 48"Lx20"Wx21"H

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

If u want punch xr30,

 

[PeterC99]

I have 2 XR30s G5 over my 48” long tank. Recommended if you are looking to grow SPS!

 

[Derrick0580]

I run 3x XR15’s g5 blues over a 48” 120 gallon

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

i run only 2 xr30s over my 8 foot softie tank , they are about 24 inches up and get surprising par numbers.
the tank is only 14 inches deep so that probably helps.

 

[herozero]

I'm counting on it, but I'm also in a 15" shallow tank.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

do you have a par meter, thats really the best way to tell

 

[Zoajohn]

I have 2 XR30s G5 over my 48” long tank. Recommended if you are looking to grow SPS!

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I'd still have my t5 hybrid fixture as well. Seems like the new design of the G5/G6's help achieve better spread than the old pucks

 

[PeterC99]

I'd still have my t5 hybrid fixture as well. Seems like the new design of the G5/G6's help achieve better spread than the old pucks

You might be able to get away with 2 xr15s with the t5 hybrid fixture!

 

[Zero_Cool]

For SPS you might get away with 3 XR15s if you still plan to use the t5s.

While the XR15 touts a 24x24 coverage for corals that coverage really shrinks down to 18x18 for SPS (especially as they start to grow out and shade themselves and others).

You could start with 2 and good coral placement until you run out of real estate in the prime spots. Then add a third or possibly an XR30 at that time.

 

[mfinn]

3 of the XR15's or 2 of the XR30's

 

[flashsmith]

For a mixed reef absolutely you can use two. You don't need to burn 500 par to grow sticks.

 

[Zoajohn]

For SPS you might get away with 3 XR15s if you still plan to use the t5s.

While the XR15 touts a 24x24 coverage for corals that coverage really shrinks down to 18x18 for SPS (especially as they start to grow out and shade themselves and others).

You could start with 2 and good coral placement until you run out of real estate in the prime spots. Then add a third or possibly an XR30 at that time.

Maybe I’ll go this route. My tank is 95% SPS, with some LPS and zoas on or close to the sand bed. It’ll be easier to stomach the cost over time lol

 

[nereefpat]

I wouldn't expect a big difference in punch between the XR15s and Hydra 26. The new Hydras are about 90 watts vs about 100 in the XR15s. Now, the 26s may have had a little less power and they have aged...but I wouldn't expect miracles.

 

[salty150]

I wouldn't expect a big difference in punch between the XR15s and Hydra 26. The new Hydras are about 90 watts vs about 100 in the XR15s. Now, the 26s may have had a little less power and they have aged...but I wouldn't expect miracles.

The Hydra is 90 watts - the XR15 is 105 watts.

The Hydra 26HD has a maximum coverage of 24" x 24"; with a recommended coverage of 18" x 18" - the new XR15 (G6) has a maximum coverage of 36" x 36" (according to BRS)

 

[Spare time]

I would consider adding two reefbrite bars on the side and use 2 xr15's

 

[trmiv]

I run 4 Radion xR15 g5 pros over my reefer 350. I could maybe get away with 3, but the short time I ran 2 it was not enough.

 

[Zoajohn]

I run 4 Radion xR15 g5 pros over my reefer 350. I could maybe get away with 3, but the short time I ran 2 it was not enough.

Were you running any T5's / supplemental light with the two?

 

[nereefpat]

The Hydra is 90 watts - the XR15 is 105 watts.

The Hydra 26HD has a maximum coverage of 24" x 24"; with a recommended coverage of 18" x 18" - the new XR15 (G6) has a maximum coverage of 36" x 36" (according to BRS)

There's no friggen' way an XR15 covers a 36" x 36" area unless you put it on the ceiling and get no PAR. BRS claiming 4 times the square footage for an XR15 over a Hydra is nonsense. 4 times the area while having only 16% more power (watts) and giving more punch?

 

[trmiv]

Were you running any T5's / supplemental light with the two?

No just the xr15s.