Ecotech XR-15 on Red Sea 200 G2+

[Sdoutreefer]

I am getting ready to start up a new tank and have crossed my first debacle... What light should I use?

On my last tank, I had a Gen 1 Radion (I know, it's been a while since I had a tank, being as my last light was a Gen1 Radion...) and I loved that fixture. So, I am wanting to go with another Radion, but debating on whether or not the XR-15 will be substantial for the Red Sea 200 G2+? Or should I go with the XR-30? I plan on this tank being SPS dominant. Will the spread/par on the XR-15 be substantial?

 

[Pod_01]

I would go with 2 XR-15, to get better spread.

For reference I have Red Sea 250 and use 2 XR-15 and one GHL Mitras LX 7206.

Good luck,

 

[Sdoutreefer]

I would go with 2 XR-15, to get better spread.

For reference I have Red Sea 250 and use 2 XR-15 and one GHL Mitras LX 7206.

Good luck,

That's kind of what I was thinking... At that point, wouldn't I just go with the XR-30? My LFS is trying to sell me on just using one.

 

[RoanokeReef]

Id go with the XR30, would be cheaper, have more par and look better.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Id go with the XR30, would be cheaper, have more par and look better.

Thanks for the reply! I am leaning towards the xr-30.

 

[Pod_01]

That's kind of what I was thinking... At that point, wouldn't I just go with the XR-30? My LFS is trying to sell me on just using one.

I would go for 2 XR-15.

Here is this morning picture of the lights setup I have on my 250.

The XR-30 is good for deep tanks, the 200 is not deep.

I started with the Mitras but it didn’t provide enough coverage.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

I would go for 2 XR-15.

Here is this morning picture of the lights setup I have on my 250.

The XR-30 is good for deep tanks, the 200 is not deep.

I started with the Mitras but it didn’t provide enough coverage.

dang, that looks clean! what's the fixture in the middel?

Ok, good to know on the XR-30 being overkill/too deep.

 

[Pod_01]

dang, that looks clean! what's the fixture in the middel?

Ok, good to know on the XR-30 being overkill/too deep.

The middle one is GHL Mitras LX 7206.

My preferred choice, only drawback is they don’t have clean mounting options. If they did I would have used 2 Mitra LX 7204 on the sides.

Good luck,

 

[Sdoutreefer]

The middle one is GHL Mitras LX 7206.

My preferred choice, only drawback is they don’t have clean mounting options. If they did I would have used 2 Mitra LX 7204 on the sides.

Good luck,

You like the Mitras better than the Radions?? That fixture looks to be a bit more budget friendly.

What kind of tank do you have? SPS?

 

[Pod_01]

You like the Mitras better than the Radions?? That fixture looks to be a bit more budget friendly.

What kind of tank do you have? SPS?

Everything LOL, I have not decided, I put the corals in and let them sort it out.

Yes I actually do like the Mitras a lot. But from mounting point of view not so much. The brackets they sell you need to attach them to your cabinet so it is pita once the tank is set up.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Everything LOL, I have not decided, I put the corals in and let them sort it out.

Yes I actually do like the Mitras a lot. But from mounting point of view not so much. The brackets they sell you need to attach them to your cabinet so it is pita once the tank is set up.

Nice Shots! What's that montipora in the last picture?

 

[Pod_01]

Nice Shots! What's that montipora in the last picture?

Just basic red plating Montipora with clear polyps. This one is very aggressive, so give it space or trim it a lot. Overall easy to grow coral, I have it growing on the bottom.

There are other types that have other colour polyps (yellow I think).

 

[Australian_Reef]

2x XR 15s will always beat 1 x XR30 for flexibility and achieving the best spread. Other brands are always worth looks at though. I also had the 1st gen radion and loved it. Had zero understanding of it at that time though

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Just basic red plating Montipora with clear polyps. This one is very aggressive, so give it space or trim it a lot. Overall easy to grow coral, I have it growing on the bottom.

There are other types that have other colour polyps (yellow I think).

Looks cool, i like the purple/clear polyps.

This question goes out to everyone here on R2R... Does anyone still run T5's ONLY on their systems? Or does LED have a monopoly on reef lighting now?

I always loved the look of T5s, but never did pull the trigger on nice fixture.

 

[Lavey29]

I have 2 XR15 lights on my red sea XL300 tank. They are very weak par lights. Mine run at 100% intensity on AB plus setting for SPS dominant mixed reef.

 

[RoanokeReef]

Looks cool, i like the purple/clear polyps.

This question goes out to everyone here on R2R... Does anyone still run T5's ONLY on their systems? Or does LED have a monopoly on reef lighting now?

I always loved the look of T5s, but never did pull the trigger on nice fixture.

IMHO Hybrid is the way to go. You get the best of both worlds. If you plan on going strictly XR15's and SPS dominate plan on running them at 100% and listening to the terrible fan they have.

 

[Australian_Reef]

IMHO Hybrid is the way to go. You get the best of both worlds. If you plan on going strictly XR15's and SPS dominate plan on running them at 100% and listening to the terrible fan they have.

T5s are massively under rated. I’d prefer them for fill light to an led strip.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

IMHO Hybrid is the way to go. You get the best of both worlds. If you plan on going strictly XR15's and SPS dominate plan on running them at 100% and listening to the terrible fan they have.

That's what i'm leaning towards, if i'm being honest. I see ATI makes a hybrid (LED/T5) fixture. Would the XR 15 + (4) T5 bulbs be sufficient?

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Reef Factory - Reef Flare Pro L?? It's on sale right now from BRS for almost 50% off...

 

[Pod_01]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Reef Factory - Reef Flare Pro L?? It's on sale right now from BRS for almost 50% off...

Just an opinion sometimes 50% off can be a red flag. I been doing this for 6 years so I like to get things that last and some support will be there in the future.

I have no experience with Reef Factory so hopefully someone will comment. If you planning to get out in few years, it may be great deal.