Radion Gen3?

[MizTanks]

In your opinion would 1 Radion Gen3 be sufficient lighting for a 40B?

[ebushrow]

I think you would be better off with 2, that being said, it will depend on what you want to keep....theoretically the radions only cover a 24"x24" area, but depending on lenses, you might be able to push it a bit. I might be able to help you find one if you haven't already bought one too...

[ReefTech]

first of it all depends on what model radion. the XR15w is rated for 24"x24" the XR30w models are rated for 30"x30". you could probably push more coverge if you upgraded lenses to the 120 degree optics. The XR15w would be enough for your tank if you put it right over the middle of the tank but the closer you get to the sides the dimmer your tank will be. If your ok with that look than one will do the job, if not then you would need two or one XR30w. The XR15w retails at 399 and the two XR30w models range from 650 to 750 per unit. plus through in the costs of the hanging kits as well.

[MizTanks]

I wouldn't even consider the XR15. I'm thinking the XR30w hung at 11" with 120° optics should give me plenty coverage no?

[ReefTech]

In theory it should, I think the only problem you might run into is making a jump from your current fixture to a XR30 (which puts out just over 900 par) is the fact that you might not be able to get the same brightness that you currently have with your tank without frying your corals, even after acclimating them to the new light. I know people that have smaller tanks that go with multiple fixtures cause they can run the intensities lower yet still get a nice brightly lit tank cause of running more than one fixture. Call ecotech customer service and see which way they recommend going, either way they are truly nice fixtures.

[MizTanks]

Well I know for sure what Echo Tech is going to say-lol. I'm actually being given a deal from a reefer friend. He has a barely used Gen 1 with 120° optics for $200.00. Upgrading it to Gen 3 will cost me another $200.00. That's a new Gen 3 for $400.00. Not bad right?
He's willing to pre-program an acclimation schedule. Which would allow me to plug en play, while at my leisure tinker around with the on-line app. I also have a tank mount that would allow me to hang it as high as 16-18" if needed.

ATM I'm running a black box. Which has be going for almost 2yrs. It's starting to show its age.

[ReefTech]

That's a great deal. You won't be able to use the online app to control the lights without the reeflink. Without that you'll just be able to use the controls on the actual light. Or you can connect the light via USB to a computer to program the light. The app doesn't work without the reeflink, I know this because I thought the same thing when they said you could control your vortechs and the vectra return pump. So that's something to keep in mind. Again that is a great deal on the light though.

[MizTanks]

Oh I know about the Reef Link. Works similar to my Seneys's SWS [emoji2] Hopefully better though.
I'm so looking forward to this most positive upgrade. Thank you for your input [emoji2]

[ReefTech]

Just hooked up mine two days ago. So far no issues and has worked flawlessly. Just have some patience when setting it up due to lack of instructions oh and even though it's wi-fi capable you'll do yourself a world of good if you use the ether net cable that it comes with to hard line it. Once that's up the ecosmartlive app is fun and you have amazing control over your equipment. It's even got me thinking about switching from my AI hydras over to radions sometime in the future

[MizTanks]

It's running!! Radiant 2wk acclimation 55% intensity. 9am till 9pm. Beautiful! At just 11" from surface I've got full coverage, at least it looks like it-lol.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/900866df3da81621933dc60e87366801.jpg

[MizTanks]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160131/7871d9b04492c0ea4cdffcc0c39e35c2.jpg

[ReefTech]

Tank looks great with the new light

[MizTanks]

Thank You ReefTech. I had to lower the intensity from 55% to 45%. All my Acans pinched up tight.
Am truly wondering if I'll ever be satisfied with my tank.....

[MizTanks]

Spoke to soon...I had to unplug them tonight as they wouldn't turn off. Hopefully I can get Tech support tomorrow. <sigh>

[MizTanks]

Ok I think/hope I've got it fixed, without tech help. Couldn't bring myself to get on the phone-lol.
I'm using the Radiant option at 45% intensity. 2wk acclimation period. It's official, I like more blue and this program is not it. <sigh>

[MizTanks]

I got it going on now! Figured out the ESL. Tomorrow I'll be adding a bit more blue look to the mix.

[MizTanks]

Looks like I'm basically keeping a tank journal here.
Bought a new skimmer today. Icecap K2 120. Also bought a new BRS 4 stage RO/DI unit.
Tank's doing ok. Things still acclimating to the new light, as am I. My Christmas Favia is most unhappy, Birdsnest skin totally brown. Looks like I may lose my purple Stylo as it's been STNing for months.

[Sir Patrick]

Nice skimmer upgrade!!

[MizTanks]

I think so too. Looked at plenty but this one has the perfect footprint for my small sump without compromising performance.

[MizTanks]

Well Radion's back from being upgraded. Awesome! Reef Links working flawlessly, calibrated lights last night. Couldn't be happier!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160321/a4256090f73722298e6f71c5e604f992.jpg

[Poseidon]

That looks great! I've been thinking about doing the same you did, buy an older gen and upgrade it.

[MizTanks]

Totally worth it IMO! My Gen3 cost me a total of $390.00! Can't beat that [emoji2]

[MizTanks]

Got some very happy corals in my tank [emoji7]
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