Radions - worst light fixtures in its class

[Cichlid Dad]

I personally think tank dimensions play an important roll on which lights to use also. Everyone here probably is aware of this to. If I had a large tank I would definitely be using T5 lights which are cheap and proven to work and mixing them with some LEDs also to get full spectrum control. I think hybrid systems work great on large tanks.

Can you be successful with cheaper lights versus big brand names? Sure, but lights are only one element for a successful reef tank. Technically you could run no lights right and just use direct sunlight? Talk about the cheapest pure option.

All I know is my BMW M850 rides a lot nicer then my 4runner but they both get me where I need to go.

I flirted with Radions for a while along with viparspectra. I couldn't tell the difference side by side in the same display. Then I got smart and went back to T5. Then proceeded to slowly stock pile for the next few years.

 

[SamsReef]

Spectrum is in your control. You have the power to do any spectrum you want with the lights. Don't want it so blue, change it. I think it's in bad taste to complain about the spectrum on something so customizable

I think you missed the whole point of the thread. At this price point, there are too many issues(listed in the first post) that everyone should be aware of. Regarding spectrum, you are paying for the LEDs in the fixture and yes you can lower the blues but then you are also losing the intensity. Complaining is not the tone of the thread. I am not expecting compensation from Ecotech. It is purely for awareness.

Sam

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I think you missed the whole point of the thread. At this price point, there are too many issues(listed in the first post) that everyone should be aware of. Regarding spectrum, you are paying for the LEDs in the fixture and yes you can lower the blues but then you are also losing the intensity. Complaining is not the tone of the thread. I am not expecting compensation from Ecotech. It is purely for awareness.

Sam

Radions - worst light fixtures in its class


You don't lower the blue you raise the white gaining intensity. I missed nothing. You stated your opinions as fact. Your entire first post is a compliment. Many new reefers and even older reefers want the blue. Don't ask me why, I don't get it myself but that's the way the hobby seems to be going and these lights in my opinion, are a manifestation of this reality.

 

[VintageReefer]

Seems like a seasoned radion owner from V3 to v6, and a particular fan of the v4.

His feedback is the current spectrum is too blue, affecting coral health compared to both prior radions, and other brands. When he corrects the spectrum by reducing blue, then his overall output is reduced.

You are saying to correct the spectrum, instead of reducing blue, he should increase white, resulting in an increase in output. Makes sense to me. I’m not a radion owner but maybe his white is maxed? I did notice the xr30 blue only has 8 / 101 leds that are white. xr30 pro has 16/101 that are white. Maybe increasing white isn’t enough to make the corrections he wants ? Just speculating

Percents:
xr30 blue g6 - 8/101 white = 7.9% white
xr30 pro g6 - 16/101 white = 15% white
Xr30 g4 - 8/34 = 23% white

Photon 48 (since I have it and am familiar)
20/88 white = 22% white
This is more in line with the g4 which he was a fan of. Maybe the newer models are not capable of providing the spectrum he feels is best due to a low percent of whites compared to other color leds?

 

[SamsReef]

Radions - worst light fixtures in its class


You don't lower the blue you raise the white gaining intensity. I missed nothing. You stated your opinions as fact. Your entire first post is a compliment. Many new reefers and even older reefers want the blue. Don't ask me why, I don't get it myself but that's the way the hobby seems to be going and these lights in my opinion, are a manifestation of this reality.

Seems like a seasoned radion owner from V3 to v6, and a particular fan of the v4.

His feedback is the current spectrum is too blue, affecting coral health compared to both prior radions, and other brands. When he corrects the spectrum by reducing blue, then his overall output is reduced.

You are saying to correct the spectrum, instead of reducing blue, he should increase white, resulting in an increase in output. Makes sense to me. I’m not a radion owner but maybe his white is maxed? I did notice the xr30 blue only has 8 / 101 leds that are white. xr30 pro has 16/101 that are white. Maybe increasing white isn’t enough to make the corrections he wants ? Just speculating

Percents:
xr30 blue g6 - 8/101 white = 7.9% white
xr30 pro g6 - 16/101 white = 15% white
Xr30 g4 - 8/34 = 23% white

Photon 48 (since I have it and am familiar)
20/88 white = 22% white
This is more in line with the g4 which he was a fan of. Maybe the newer models are not capable of providing the spectrum he feels is best due to a low percent of whites compared to other color leds?

You got it. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

Sam

 

[LiamPM]

Seems like a seasoned radion owner from V3 to v6, and a particular fan of the v4.

His feedback is the current spectrum is too blue, affecting coral health compared to both prior radions, and other brands. When he corrects the spectrum by reducing blue, then his overall output is reduced.

You are saying to correct the spectrum, instead of reducing blue, he should increase white, resulting in an increase in output. Makes sense to me. I’m not a radion owner but maybe his white is maxed? I did notice the xr30 blue only has 8 / 101 leds that are white. xr30 pro has 16/101 that are white. Maybe increasing white isn’t enough to make the corrections he wants ? Just speculating

Percents:
xr30 blue g6 - 8/101 white = 7.9% white
xr30 pro g6 - 16/101 white = 15% white
Xr30 g4 - 8/34 = 23% white

Photon 48 (since I have it and am familiar)
20/88 white = 22% white
This is more in line with the g4 which he was a fan of. Maybe the newer models are not capable of providing the spectrum he feels is best due to a low percent of whites compared to other color leds?

More than likely missed it within the blur but has it been mentioned what type of Radion is being used?

If one is using a BLUE and complaining of it being too BLUE then a purchasing mistake was made. If using a PRO and we think whites could be maxed so cannot make the spectrum any whiter then theres something really wrong with that unit in question. A PRO with whites maxed is literally as white as ive ever seen a reef LED.

Im also a long term Radion user - Very far from a "Fanboy" as is the default reply from most who disagree but ive had no real issues from any of mine since day one. No overly loud fans, no issue with spectrums being too blue and no failures across all generations owned on RMS brackets on open tanks.

This doesnt mean i dont understand that others dont have big issues with them or that results can be had via other routes - But my opinion of this fixture differs from the OP's and neither opinions are fact and the 100% rule.

 

[VintageReefer]

More than likely missed it within the blur but has it been mentioned what type of Radion is being used?

If one is using a BLUE and complaining of it being too BLUE then a purchasing mistake was made. If using a PRO and we think whites could be maxed so cannot make the spectrum any whiter then theres something really wrong with that unit in question. A PRO with whites maxed is literally as white as ive ever seen a reef LED.

Im also a long term Radion user - Very far from a "Fanboy" as is the default reply from most who disagree but ive had no real issues from any of mine since day one. No overly loud fans, no issue with spectrums being too blue and no failures across all generations owned on RMS brackets on open tanks.

This doesnt mean i dont understand that others dont have big issues with them or that results can be had via other routes - But my opinion of this fixture differs from the OP's and neither opinions are fact and the 100% rule.

Maybe his are defective. Have par readings been taken at a standard common setting ? Such as AB+ or something BRS tested with?

 

[DanyL]

If one is using a BLUE and complaining of it being too BLUE then a purchasing mistake was made. If using a PRO and we think whites could be maxed so cannot make the spectrum any whiter then theres something really wrong with that unit in question. A PRO with whites maxed is literally as white as ive ever seen a reef LED.

Well, there is an argument to be made here.
What if one wants to do both?

The Pro model is too white, and the Blue model is too blue - so is that really what you’d call customizable?

Also, why would someone even need to choose it before even purchasing the light?
How would you know what you personally prefer before setting up your first tank for example?

The thing is that the competition is able to provide both, at high intensities, while also keeping the price half as much as the Radions.

So for the price tag they are asking for, that’s the very least I would except to get in return.

At the end of the day, people that choose to use a certain product that fits their needs and they enjoy using it, is all that really matters, but I also wanted to show the reasons why some wouldn’t, and why they could be upset when they find out.

 

[LiamPM]

Just on this forum youll find a huge amount of Par readings from real users of the AB+ template.

If a PRO is being used and its too blue with whites at 100% then id defintiely be going the faulty route - I imagine this is a BLUE though, in which case, complaining its too blue seems kind of.............odd.

Well, there is an argument to be made here.
What if one wants to do both?

The Pro model is too white, and the Blue model is too blue - so is that really what you’d call customizable?

Also, why would someone even need to choose it before even purchasing the light?
How would you know what you personally prefer before setting up your first tank for example?

The thing is that the competition is able to provide both, at high intensities, while also keeping the price half as much as the Radions.

So for the price tag they are asking for, that’s the very least I would except to get in return.

At the end of the day, people that choose to use a certain product that fits their needs and they enjoy using it, is all that really matters, but I also wanted to show you the reasons why some wouldn’t, and why they could be upset when they find out.

I get the point being made.

But on the other hand i dont believe the PRO is too white and the BLUE is too blue. They are just being mis-purchased. Users can indeed get both from Radions - With the PRO ones. So for me i would call them fully customizable and on par with all others.

Having two models does confuse people - The BLUE is actually the bespoke, specific use case version and i wouldnt recommend to most. ITs strictly for those who ran AB+ in the past and want to do so again and set and forget.

The PRO is actually the standard version that can indeed give you both sides of the spectrum from too white to too blue and everything in between and should be used by most. Yes you dont set all channels to 100% and may lose some PAR in comparison to the BLUE, but the loss is negligable for the most part. I personally dont do the numbers game, i view how my tank goes and using PROS with whites up (For a whiter look) gives me the exact same results as my GEN 4 AB+ did years ago (Which is supposedly what the BLUE is meant to cater for), so i have no need for PAR numbers. Point being without numbers my PRO seems to give me the same result as the BLUE would with the added customisable feature if i want.

My PROS have whites at around 30% - I think these are extremely white and yet have another 70% i could play with hence i can only guess the original post is about BLUES, in which case, PROS should have been purchased.

 

[VintageReefer]

It really is poor marketing. Should have just made one model, the pro let’s say, and offer an 8 led replacement kit to convert to a “blue”

 

[jerl77]

I have tried just about every led out there over the last couple I did like the ai hydra 32hd but I always find my way back to T5 been running them for 15 years so I am sticking with them …….

 

[apb03]

I've been relatively happy with my Radion XR30 PROs, but I did find them to be a bit too white for my taste. I run them at 100% AB+, and my top acros get about 800 par, and I have very good growth.

I supplement the blue with AI blades to get some additional pop.

My main beef with the Radions is the dumb timing bug in Mobius.

 

[jackson6745]

I've been relatively happy with my Radion XR30 PROs, but I did find them to be a bit too white for my taste. I run them at 100% AB+, and my top acros get about 800 par, and I have very good growth.

I supplement the blue with AI blades to get some additional pop.

My main beef with the Radions is the dumb timing bug in Mobius.

Which generation are you using to get 800 par with xr-30s ab+? How high are they hung? I’m not seeing anything close to
Those numbers in that spectrum.

 

[DanyL]

Just on this forum youll find a huge amount of Par readings from real users of the AB+ template.

If a PRO is being used and its too blue with whites at 100% then id defintiely be going the faulty route - I imagine this is a BLUE though, in which case, complaining its too blue seems kind of.............odd.


I get the point being made.

But on the other hand i dont believe the PRO is too white and the BLUE is too blue. They are just being mis-purchased. Users can indeed get both from Radions - With the PRO ones. So for me i would call them fully customizable and on par with all others.

Having two models does confuse people - The BLUE is actually the bespoke, specific use case version and i wouldnt recommend to most. ITs strictly for those who ran AB+ in the past and want to do so again and set and forget.

The PRO is actually the standard version that can indeed give you both sides of the spectrum from too white to too blue and everything in between and should be used by most. Yes you dont set all channels to 100% and may lose some PAR in comparison to the BLUE, but the loss is negligable for the most part. I personally dont do the numbers game, i view how my tank goes and using PROS with whites up (For a whiter look) gives me the exact same results as my GEN 4 AB+ did years ago (Which is supposedly what the BLUE is meant to cater for), so i have no need for PAR numbers. Point being without numbers my PRO seems to give me the same result as the BLUE would with the added customisable feature if i want.

My PROS have whites at around 30% - I think these are extremely white and yet have another 70% i could play with hence i can only guess the original post is about BLUES, in which case, PROS should have been purchased.

I’ll quote a part of my my first comment on the matter, I think that it summed up the frustration around this quite well:

It’s a weird and unnecessary choice to make, and I’ve seen quite a few that regretted their original choice and had to sell and switch models.

It really is poor marketing. Should have just made one model, the pro let’s say, and offer an 8 led replacement kit to convert to a “blue”

Honestly, they have enough margins to do both, and they will likely not even notice the difference - there’s no reason not to.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I think Sam’s intent was to say to new reefers, do your homework and don’t believe the hype.

I also think like a lot of things in life, individual mileage may vary.
I have had 7 Gen 5’s for 4 years. Bought them all used. Still running strong.
Biggest problem I have in my tank is my corals growing too well resulting in coral warfare and having to constantly frag them. Have never had to do any type of maintenance on the fans. I check every few months and still relatively clean. Lights are in a canopy so while the fans can be heard when they turn on ((which isn’t often) mine aren’t loud.
Would I buy these again? Probably. But I’d also consider others that have come along in the lighting market.

I have 10 XR30s, all started as G5. All bought used, some almost NIB some had some time on the old girls. In all, I’m in well under on average $400 a light. I would NEVER buy these new for $1000k. But at $400 or less I am happy with them. I have had 2 fail. I sent them into Ecotech, knowing full well I am not the original owner. Both lights came back with new case, lens cover, fan and a bill for $200 for a new LED cluster. Both are now G6. On their site the LED cluster is $400, so I am happy with that. I almost went SKY, I am now glad I didn’t. I started with AI 32/64s.

 

[apb03]

Which generation are you using to get 800 par with xr-30s ab+? How high are they hung? I’m not seeing anything close to
Those numbers in that spectrum.

I'm running G6s buy they aren't mounted very high, about 6 inches or so.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I probably use the Cheapest LED’s you can buy, I overgrow Corals. Also I built my own Spot COB LED’s I call Coral Burners, put them on simple timers, to turn on and off during the day. No Blue Tooth, or WIFi needed.

 

[rtparty]

It really is poor marketing. Should have just made one model, the pro let’s say, and offer an 8 led replacement kit to convert to a “blue”

It’s poor research and purchasing, not marketing. A simple search on here will pull up dozens of threads saying you better love super blue if you buy the Blue version. It does NOT match the old AB+ of G4 Radions.

This has been well documented and discussed since the G5 release years ago.

 

[areefer01]

What if one wants to do both?

Then the hobbyist needs to find a kit that fits their requirement(s). It is as simple as that really.

 

[JGT]

Well, there is an argument to be made here.
What if one wants to do both?

The Pro model is too white, and the Blue model is too blue - so is that really what you’d call customizable?

Also, why would someone even need to choose it before even purchasing the light?
How would you know what you personally prefer before setting up your first tank for example?

The thing is that the competition is able to provide both, at high intensities, while also keeping the price half as much as the Radions.

So for the price tag they are asking for, that’s the very least I would except to get in return.

At the end of the day, people that choose to use a certain product that fits their needs and they enjoy using it, is all that really matters, but I also wanted to show the reasons why some wouldn’t, and why they could be upset when they find out.

I left this info out of my comment as I didn’t think it was necessary but I actually do exactly that. I run 4 Pros and 3 blues. Modified AB+ with more white as I don’t like my tank super blue. Thinking was I’d get higher par from the Blues and the whites would give me more of the white I needed and offset the blue.