|
08/27/2013, 08:09 PM | #1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 258
|
In terms of Growth...putting ALL bells and whistles aside...
Looking purely at Quality Light output with NO other considerations....
On a scale of 1-10 rate these two fixtures http://ecotechmarine.com/products/radion/radion-xr30w/ And http://www.reefbreeders.com/bridgelux_value.html |
08/28/2013, 04:58 AM | #2 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cape Coral, FL
Posts: 10,431
|
I'd ask that you do two things before I'd offer ratings:
1) Define 'Quality Light Output'. Are we talking spectrum, lumens, PAR, sq ft coverage, depth coverage...? 2) What will be under them? Mostly corals is one thing, a tank with lots of macro algae is different, a FOWLR is different. I assume you mean for a mixed reef, but any time I assume... I think your question is very legitimate. Take away all the bells and whistles and just consider the light. However, some features are important (like dimming), and some are a bit of a luxury (like dimming every color separately) and some are just stupid ways to use up excess CPU memory, IMHO, (like lightning storms). But I think having a better understanding of what you are looking for in terms of 'Quality Light Output' is really important to a quality answer rather than just the standard, "I bought this one, so it's the best" answers that are all too common here. No disrespect intended, I know I do it myself.
__________________
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017 |
08/28/2013, 06:48 AM | #3 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 258
|
Ron, All valid points here.
I guess I'm trying to justify to myself that its okay to use a value fixture. I don't need the bells and whistles ....but at the same time I have to wonder if there is "something else" that makes coral grow better under a more expensive light. Just human nature I guess... I'm actually not looking at a specific setup. I have multiple systems running t5 and LED and prefer T5 all around except for night "mood" lighting |
08/28/2013, 07:29 AM | #4 | |
Unregistered Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,096
|
Quote:
__________________
Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro | ATI Sunpower | ATB 840 v2 | Apex | Wav |
|
08/28/2013, 07:41 AM | #5 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 1,629
|
I have to agree with Ron on all points. It doesn't stand to reason that corals grow better under a more expensive light fixture. DIY led fixtures have a distinct advantage as your make a fixture that meets your particular criteria of spectrum, par, and coverage. Off the shelf lighting comes in just a few flavors and its your choice as to what options you like best. I've been very impressed with the Reefbreeders I've seen (but have never owned them), and not so much with Radions (which I got rid of ASAP).
__________________
When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now. |
08/28/2013, 08:27 AM | #6 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cape Coral, FL
Posts: 10,431
|
240gallons, I'm not trying to hijack your thread, but I just have to ask...
Quote:
__________________
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017 |
|
08/28/2013, 09:41 AM | #7 |
Go Spurs Go!!!
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Meadowlakes Texas
Posts: 13,357
|
IMO Ron, food is the thing that helps corals more than anything and most people in an attempt to keep nutrients in check do not provide enough of the proper food for the animals we keep. Stable chemistry (alk, cal, mag) are also extremely important but food is often the missing ingredient.
__________________
Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon. |
08/28/2013, 09:50 AM | #8 | |
Unregistered Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,096
|
Quote:
As far as the OPs question about if the bells and whistles are worth it, that up to each individual. For some it is, for some it's not.
__________________
Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro | ATI Sunpower | ATB 840 v2 | Apex | Wav |
|
08/28/2013, 12:39 PM | #9 | ||
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cape Coral, FL
Posts: 10,431
|
Quote:
Quote:
I think the quality of light from an Eco Tech Radion G2 and a Reef Breeders 'Value Fixture' are very, very close to equal. If I had to pick one... too many other considerations get in the way... just on light quality I'd take the RB 'VF'.
__________________
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017 |
||
08/28/2013, 01:56 PM | #10 |
Go Spurs Go!!!
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Meadowlakes Texas
Posts: 13,357
|
240, you linked a Radion G2 and given the choice between it and the Value, I would do the Value any day over the G2.
__________________
Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon. |
08/28/2013, 05:55 PM | #11 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 238
|
I have found the most important function on an led fixture to be a dimmer. Other than that multi spectrum lights with 5 or 6 different LEDs look better with all the bells and whistles because they are so adjustable. Also clustered LEDs give better color than widely spaced strip fixtures with multiple spectrums, where you get a lot of spotty areas. If it's just blue and white your fine with the strips for good light spread.
Personally I would do cheap white and blue, maybe violet too in a widely spaced orientation for best coverage and no hot spots.
__________________
Aquatic systems supervisor, somewhere around 100k gal. Current Tank Info: 40g breeder sps |
|
|