[myram]

Originally Posted by slief

Then why bother asking what the best fixture is if your not going to buy the "hype"? More importantly, why even call it hype when in reality, the hype is for the most part based on proven success and overall quality backed by stellar support.

People choose the Radion's over the Maxspect's for a number of reasons. Aside from the quality of the LED's and the ability to choose color spectrums, acclimation cycles, their software and the fact that they can be controlled via software, Ecotech also has great support here in the US and you are not dependent on distribution for that support. I have a Maxspect Razor over my fuge and it's not even close to the Ecotech as far as functionality or quality in my humble opinion. If you want to compare it to a ReefBreeders fixture than so be it but at this stage comparing Maxspect to Ecotech is lunacy other than the fact that they both light your tank and can grow corals.. There is much more to Ecotech than just the hype..


As for what LED's are best, I will base my comments on what I have seen first hand and what is proven to grow corals of all types and also include functionality and the ability to be controlled by controllers. Given that I run an Apex, that controllability is important to me just as it is with others. Also factory support and quality is very high on my list when it comes to determining what the best LED is.

Ecotech Radion Pro G3, Kessil 360WE and AI Hydra are what I consider to be the best fixtures out there based on the above mentioned criteria.

Other fixtures I would rank high on the list would without the ability of external control include Pacific Sun, Vertex Illumina, Orphek, Maxspect, Reefbreeders. In that order although I'd probably put Reef Breeders ahead of Maxspect because you can choose your spectrum and they are supported here in the US.

That said, my priorities play a large role in what I deem as best. Best for my needs is key here and as I said, I'd only choose a proven fixture with the features and controllability I mentioned above and most importantly, US based factory support as lighting my tank requires a sizable investment in several fixtures. Features, quality and support trump cost for me. I don't cut corners when it comes to my tank as I have far too much invested in it.

Only you can decide what is best for your needs. Especially since you are clearly predispositioned when it comes to what you think is best and what you deem to be "hype"..

As far as usage taking a toll on LED's... Says who? That is utter non sense in my opinion. I back that with over 25 + years in the computer manufacturing and service industry and plenty of experience with diodes. I will also point out that my current Reeftech LED fixtures are about 4 years old now. They run 11 hours a day at up to 80% and after 4 years, my Par hasn't dropped a bit according to my Apogee Par meter and not a single LED failed either. The toll comes with cheap power supplies and cheap drivers. Maybe your statement holds true with the cheaper Chinese fixtures but it certainly doesn't hold true with the high end quality fixtures.. A quality fixture should last plenty long and quality LED's should not be compromised even over the course of several years.

That's the type of info I like to read, well thought out responses.

Thanks