GHL Mitras, Ecotech Radion, and the AI Vega

[trueblackpercula]

Ok I am almost ready to take the leap and get lED lighting well almost still up in the air with it. I would love for the reef keepers here post pictures of the above LED fixtures of there tanks. I am currently using old school lighting that works very well for me but from what I am told I can achieve better growth and color from led lighting. So please rate your light fixture if you have any of the three listed iGHL Mitras, Ecotech Radion, and the AI Vega.....please post your experience and which do you think I should buy,
My tank is 30 x 30 x 31 deep and it will be dominate sps and want to keep a clam on the sand bed. Current lighting is 150 watts VHO 03super actincs and a 400 watt aquaconnect on an icecap electronic ballast.
Many thanks for all your assistance.

[trueblackpercula]

Anyone?

[reeferlover]

i have seen the ai and radion in action. i really like the AI my fav and if i do get led it will be those and they are cheap too well for led anyway. i would just stick with t5 for now

[chadfarmer]

well 3000 down im back to t5

[twiddle]

Your tank is deep.
I have done a lot of research so this is my opinion...especially for an SPS dominated tank with clam
Because your tank is deep the Radion Pro ($950) or the Mitras $1100, also Pacific Sun Triton $1000.
The AI Vega won't penetrate that deep and I am not sure if a Radion 2nd gen will either.

[DaveG99]

You left out one of the best fixtures. Maxspect razor r420r.
On a 32"x24" tank

[twiddle]

Sorry I left the Maxspect out . I did not research those because I would need four Maxspects for my tank instead of 3 vegas or Radions and possibly get by with 2 of the Mitras or Tritons.

The Maxspect coverage (according to manufacturer) is not even close to the others I mentioned.

[DaveG99]

Originally Posted by twiddle

Sorry I left the Maxspect out . I did not research those because I would need four Maxspects for my tank instead of 3 vegas or Radions and possibly get by with 2 of the Mitras or Tritons.

The Maxspect coverage (according to manufacturer) is not even close to the others I mentioned.

Are you kidding? The maxspect razor blows away the radion and AI on coverage. You would have more than enough of light with two razor 160watt fixtures. And its the best looking fixture IMO. Plus it has simple yet functional program-ability without the BS. And its a full spectrum light that can be adjusted to your taste in colors. Its the most bang for your buck fixture available. I suggest you do a little more research because whatever you are reading isnt correct. There are a coupe threads on here you can look at.

[rtparty]

Dominant sps? I wouldn't touch LEDs. I've had mine for 18 months and enjoyed them but not for a full blown sps tank.

[nanoreefer1000]

I disagree, IMO the reason SPS usually don't do well under LED's because the most popular options are usually terrible. Go with either the Mitras, Hyperion, Razor, Or a customized rb
controllable fixture

[reeferlover]

t5 for now leds need time

[jefstathiou]

I upgraded from the AI to Triton and still can't believe the difference in my livestock. It takes awhile to get the hang of the Triton software, but I would rather deal with that instead of the AI controller which made me crazy.
I also recently had the opportunity to demo the Mitras over my tank. Another great light which interested me because I own a Profilux. I was really impressed with the Mitras as well.
My vote is Triton, or Mitras.

[reefSTC]

that maxspect looks pretty sexy.....

[rodneyri]

I cant comment from my own experience on the other lights mentioned, though ive had two friends come over and sell their Radion and PS Hyperion to get the Mitras after seeing my tank.

Im an early adopter of this light, about 3 months in...almost...and im happy with them still.

[twiddle]

I stand corrected..I was referring to the Maxspect Mazarra for coverage. I spoke to manufacturer and they said I needed 4 unites for my 6'x2'x2' tank where the other were 3 and possibly 2.

[ghostman]

Agree with much of the above. Since your tank is deep you need a powerful light. I've tried sols and radions and finally went back to T5s. The sols had the punch and light, but the color was off for my liking. I should have burned $4000 rather than deal with radions. While I'm trying the hyperions right now, my opinion is that there is no better lighting than MH with T5 supplements.

[kalgra]

For $650 the G2 Radion with the TIR lens IMO is far and away the best value. excellent spread and higher PAR than other units. The Radions will have no issues getting sufficient PAR at 30". From What I have seen nor the Vegas or the Mitra will have the penetration the Radion achieves with the TIR lenses. Three G2 Radions is the way I would go hands down.

[trueblackpercula]

Originally Posted by kalgra

Three G2 Radions is the way I would go hands down.

Are you saying I need 3 fixture for my tank?

[trueblackpercula]

Originally Posted by ghostman

my opinion is that there is no better lighting than MH with T5 supplements.

I am starting to think I already .....I have t12 should I change them over to T5?

[kalgra]

Originally Posted by trueblackpercula

Are you saying I need 3 fixture for my tank?

Oh sorry no! Typo. I personally would do 2 over a 30x30 sps dominated.

Sorry about that.

[Eastamherstbias]

I have seen All three lights. One Vega does not equal a Radion in my opinion. I have a mixed reef with a high amount of SPS in the upper third of my 4x2x2 120g and Anemones scattered in the lower part. Good growth of my birdsnest, Monti Caps, Montipora & Millepora. I am happy with the TIR lens.

[trueblackpercula]

Originally Posted by Eastamherstbias

I have seen All three lights. One Vega does not equal a Radion in my opinion. I have a mixed reef with a high amount of SPS in the upper third of my 4x2x2 120g and Anemones scattered in the lower part. Good growth of my birdsnest, Monti Caps, Montipora & Millepora. I am happy with the TIR lens.

Thank you for your time and efforts, did you do the PAR readings? I would really like to see it done with 400 watt bulb as that's what I have. Here is a picture of my tank right now I know it's not much to look at but the storm destroyed everything so I am in the process of rebuilding. This picture was taken with my Ipad and its a 400watt aquaconnect and 150watt VHO all on,

[Eastamherstbias]

Originally Posted by trueblackpercula

Thank you for your time and efforts, did you do the PAR readings? I would really like to see it done with 400 watt bulb as trebuilding. This picture was taken with my Ipad and its a 400watt aquaconnect and 150watt VHO all on,

Yes, I did all three par readings and that is my tank. One radion gen 1 equal 1 250 watt MH. I never had 400w mH.

[nanoreefer1000]

Originally Posted by kalgra

For $650 the G2 Radion with the TIR lens IMO is far and away the best value. excellent spread and higher PAR than other units. The Radions will have no issues getting sufficient PAR at 30". From What I have seen nor the Vegas or the Mitra will have the penetration the Radion achieves with the TIR lenses. Three G2 Radions is the way I would go hands down.

CW (unless sup. w/ NW or WW) and Green are basically useless.
Razor, DIY, Hyperion, Mitras, and a customized RB controllable fixture are probably the best options.

[trueblackpercula]

Originally Posted by Eastamherstbias

Yes, I did all three par readings and that is my tank. One radion gen 1 equal 1 250 watt MH. I never had 400w mH.

Thank you I really like your fixture and the price is not that bad for it. Can you possibly turn up the fixture to 100% and post a picture so I can see what it looks like?
Thanks my friend you are saving me lots of looking around.

I can't believe no one has posted pictures of the other two fixtures yet.