I recently switched from a Kessil a360x + Reef Brite combo to a Ecotech Radion XR15G6. I wanted a more streamlined fixture and the Kessil shimmer was irritating my migraines. I debated about getting the XR30, but I want a mixed reef and told myself the 15 would be adequate if I kept the SPS at the top of the aquascape. Boy was that a mistake! The PAR rapidly falls off with any significant depth. I ordered an Apogee MQ-510 Par meter that came today and took some preliminary readings. I was barely getting 100 par anywhere on my scape in the tank. I lowered the light down to 4.5” above the water line and still the highest im getting is around 160 par at the very top of my aqua scape.
I will say the evenness of the XR15G6 is crazy. There are no hot spots whatsoever. The 12” from sandbed to the top of my scape is only about 65-75 par difference and there is hardly any difference at all left to right of light center throughout the various levels of my scape.
I’m sort of regretting buying a cube tank because it takes so but live and learn! Always go more than what you think is adequate for lighting. It looks like I’m going to be rapidly upgrading to the XR30 +/- ReefBrite supplements.
I think the G6 would really shine on a wider flatter tank, but for a cube it leaves a lot to be desired PAR-wise.
Perhaps I was expecting too much of this light but I feel like BRS over represents the PAR readings of the XR15s by recording just below the surface of the water.
Hopefully this will help someone else save some money down the line. The XR15 G6 would be ideal for a 60 cube softy/LPS tank, but for any SPS— go XR30.
I will say the evenness of the XR15G6 is crazy. There are no hot spots whatsoever. The 12” from sandbed to the top of my scape is only about 65-75 par difference and there is hardly any difference at all left to right of light center throughout the various levels of my scape.
I’m sort of regretting buying a cube tank because it takes so but live and learn! Always go more than what you think is adequate for lighting. It looks like I’m going to be rapidly upgrading to the XR30 +/- ReefBrite supplements.
I think the G6 would really shine on a wider flatter tank, but for a cube it leaves a lot to be desired PAR-wise.
Perhaps I was expecting too much of this light but I feel like BRS over represents the PAR readings of the XR15s by recording just below the surface of the water.
Hopefully this will help someone else save some money down the line. The XR15 G6 would be ideal for a 60 cube softy/LPS tank, but for any SPS— go XR30.