AI Blades, Radion G6, or AI 32 on a 120G

[mike550]

Okay. I’m thinking of changing lights on my 120 mixed reef (2’x4’x2’) and have come down to three options.

• Three AI Blades (2 GROW and 1 GLOW)
• Two XR15G6 Pro
• Two AI Hydra 32

The lights would be around 8” from the water surface because I have a hood. I like the blades because they are low profile and I think I can get pretty even coverage in the tank. The G6 and 32s are just great lights but I’m not sure how even the lighting will be given the height above the water. Also considered 8 AI Primes but I don’t want to deal with 8 power blocks.

Thanks in advance!

 

[nereefpat]

3 decent options, in my opinion. I have a few thoughts:

The options aren't quite equal, in terms of cost and power and spread. The 3 Blades would cost the most at $1370, but also would have the best spread (obvious, maybe?) and the most power at 300 watts compared to 210 watts for XR15s and 180 watts for the 2x Hydra 32s. 2 x Hydra 64s would probably be a better comparison to the 3 Blades. Hydra 32s and XR15s would be pretty darn similar in performance.

Is there a center brace to deal with? If not, and you like the Hydra 32s, you could do 3 of those.

I would add 2 x Reefi Unos to my list. Similar price to 2x XR15s, but more power than 2x XR30s and a 3 year warranty.

 

[mike550]

3 decent options, in my opinion. I have a few thoughts:

The options aren't quite equal, in terms of cost and power and spread. The 3 Blades would cost the most at $1370, but also would have the best spread (obvious, maybe?) and the most power at 300 watts compared to 210 watts for XR15s and 180 watts for the 2x Hydra 32s. 2 x Hydra 64s would probably be a better comparison to the 3 Blades. Hydra 32s and XR15s would be pretty darn similar in performance.

Is there a center brace to deal with? If not, and you like the Hydra 32s, you could do 3 of those.

I would add 2 x Reefi Unos to my list. Similar price to 2x XR15s, but more power than 2x XR30s and a 3 year warranty.

Thanks @nereefpat I really appreciate your thoughts. There is a center brace to deal with that’s why I’m thinking only two lights if I don’t go with blades. Also never looked at the Reefi

 

[Hooz]

If the mounting height is limited to 8", then Blades or Radions are the only real options. You couldn't get the spread you'd need from a Hydra at that height, but the "optimal" height for Radions is 8" and for Blades is around 6"

Of those 2 options, Radions would give you most of the coverage with all of the spectrum, and Blades would give you all of the coverage and most of the spectrum. It just boils down to what you value more.

 

[Poochaku]

I am a broken record. There are no reasons to buy radions over reefi. Please do some research comparing them.

 

[mike550]

I am a broken record. There are no reasons to buy radions over reefi. Please do some research comparing them.

@Poochaku Thanks for your note. I’m starting to look at the Reefis but two questions where you might be able to help. I would be mounting these lights about 8” from the water surface inside a canopy. The tank is a 120G so roughly 24x48x24 with a center brace.

• Im assuming I would use two Uni 2.0 Pro or would you do something else?
• The lights have a fairly big cooling system. Do you think it will be okay inside of a canopy?

 

[nereefpat]

@Poochaku Thanks for your note. I’m starting to look at the Reefis but two questions where you might be able to help. I would be mounting these lights about 8” from the water surface inside a canopy. The tank is a 120G so roughly 24x48x24 with a center brace.

• Im assuming I would use two Uni 2.0 Pro or would you do something else?
• The lights have a fairly big cooling system. Do you think it will be okay inside of a canopy?

Just looking at it from a pure math (really, trig) standpoint:

The Uno 2.0 comes with 90 degree and 120 degree reflectors. At 8" above, with a 90 degree angle (45 degree out each way), the coverage would be 8" each direction or 16" total spread. With the 120 degree reflector, at 8" height, the spread would be over 27".

I was playing around with this calculator: https://www.calculator.net/right-tr...aunit=d&cv=&hv=&areav=&perimeterv=&x=103&y=21

The Reefi's cooling system seems to be better than anything I've seen before from an aquarium light. PID controlled fan, gas filled copper tubes, big heatsink that's in contact with the LEDs. I don't know what the manufacturer says about canopies.

 

[DanyL]

+1 on the ReeFis.
It’s better than the Radions both in terms of quality and performance, and cost half as much.

With 8” and a canopy you might even consider removing the reflectors completely to get a wide 160 degree spread.

As far a cooling inside a canopy goes, you’ll most likely just need to provide an inhale and exhale holes, but it’s something worth asking Daniel Lu, the owner of ReeFi.

 

[minus9]

Reefi's and Quanta Pro bars gets my vote. I wouldn't spend money on Radions when Reefi's are an option. It's not a knock on Radions, it's just Reefi's are better across the board. This is just personal preference, but I never really liked the look of a tank with Radions over it. Maybe it's just my eyes see something different about them? Again, I'm not knocking Radions, as there are so many successful tanks using them, it's just personal preference.
I have a friend who just flipped out two xr15's for two Reefi Uno Pro's and he was blown away at the difference. It's nice that Daniel includes the 90 and 120 lenses from the start. Plus, a better warranty and $50 cheaper than Radion.

 

[shakacuz]

I currently run two hydra32hd's with supplemental reefbrite kho kits on each on my 40g breeder.

If money was no issue/concern for me, i'd go with two reefi uno 2.0 and two quanta bars.

 

[jmichaelh7]

I would do t5 or metal halides

But to answer your question , XR30 G6! Spend the $ and do it right

 

[mike550]

Just looking at it from a pure math (really, trig) standpoint:

The Uno 2.0 comes with 90 degree and 120 degree reflectors. At 8" above, with a 90 degree angle (45 degree out each way), the coverage would be 8" each direction or 16" total spread. With the 120 degree reflector, at 8" height, the spread would be over 27".

I was playing around with this calculator: https://www.calculator.net/right-tr...aunit=d&cv=&hv=&areav=&perimeterv=&x=103&y=21

The Reefi's cooling system seems to be better than anything I've seen before from an aquarium light. PID controlled fan, gas filled copper tubes, big heatsink that's in contact with the LEDs. I don't know what the manufacturer says about canopies.

Thanks. I also heard back from Reefi who has very helpful. Definitely considering this as an option.

 

[nereefpat]

Thanks. I also heard back from Reefi who has very helpful. Definitely considering this as an option.

What did he say about mounting height, spread, # of fixtures, being in a canopy, etc?

 

[mike550]

What did he say about mounting height, spread, # of fixtures, being in a canopy, etc?

He suggested using the 120 degree bezels. I think my only concern is the heat generated under the canopy. Daniel said I could add a small fan to help with air circulation and cooling.

 

[minus9]

He suggested using the 120 degree bezels. I think my only concern is the heat generated under the canopy. Daniel said I could add a small fan to help with air circulation and cooling.

You’ll need circulation no matter what you choose. Heat is the enemy of all LEDs.