looking at LEDs for the Non-DIY types just some info

Here is a interesting read just to pass on some info to fellow reef keepers.

Ecotech Radion Vs. AquaIllumination SOL Vs. Vertex Illumina

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Nice. Interesting what optics can do to numbers.

For me, the deciding factor is the price. After owning AI Sol fixtures, I noticed I had to add color supplementation to get a "full" spectrum fixture. This addition then made the AI Sol route more expensive and less efficient (costs more over time).

When I switched to the Radion, the additional colors fixed my inefficiency problems. Due to the focused optics on the AI, I was forced to use 2 ($870+ supplements) to cover a 40 breeder. I use 1 Radion ($750) to achieve the same spread.

I have not tried, nor will I (unless donated) the Vertex. It looks like a solid fixture and the software looks great...but after $1000, having to add supplemental spectrums, although built in, which is nice, is just too much for me to justify.

Thanks to those involved in the comparisons, and thanks to Leighton for bring this to attention.

 

no problem bro anytime you want to get rid of you sps that are out growing your tank let me know

 

Just picked up a 6" diameter Jedi Mind Trick.

 

I agree, the Ecotech's are cheaper. To match spread, you really need two AI to one Ecotech (and imo you get better results with all 40 degree optics on the AI). But, in deeper tanks, the Ecotech just doesn't have the punch. AI are a GREAT choice for those of us with 30" tanks. Anyone with a 24" and a DSB would be crazy to choose AI over Ecotech IMO... but for punch, nothing competes with the AI.

AI do have a sterile look overall though. I'm getting amazing colors out of my corals, but the looks is just lacking IMO. I am experimenting with warm white and UV leds for a supplementation light. But overall I'm extremely happy with my AIs.

 

Dang you and having the awesome stuff lol

 

Hopefully the Lumina will come down in price soon. It really looks like a great fixture, just over priced. It would cost an additional $90/12" of fixture to add red LEDs to the Illumina (Vertex offers an expansion pack for about $90/module... but you also have to buy the "installation kit").

It's nice seeing articles that aren't afraid to put various products up head to head and declare a winner. It seems like most aquarium blogs are afraid to do that since they are afraid of losing sponsors. To clarify, I wouldn't count the Reef Builders LED show down as a head to head comparison, since Reef Builders themselves did not compare the fixtures.

 

When you buy the modules vertex sends you the install kit and video. i can tell you tomorrow how tough they are to install.

 

Im glad we have competent reefers on here with the 3 big names. It was tough for me to decide but i like having the easy of color-change. Super pumped to watch the gimp try to mod is vertex. Instead of shaky cam like in the Borne Trilogy we will get "Hobble Cam.: