Radion XR15w or AI Hydra 26?

Cleancoupe · 10/23/2015, 09:12 AM

I've been having my tank running for about 6 months now & im currently running a 4 bulb t5 fixture that came with the tank. I'm looking go back to leds like I had on a previous tank & wanted to get ya'll thoughts.
Mixed reef tank
Innovative marine sr60 36" long x 18" deep x 16" tall
I'm looking at either 2 radion xr15w pros or 2 ai hydra 26s. The AI's would be the cheaper route because they are now only $269 vs $399 for the radion. I might even break apart my current fixture & retrofit 2 of the t5 bulbs along with the leds.

Cleancoupe · 10/24/2015, 05:33 AM

Opinions?

trueperc · 10/24/2015, 07:57 AM

I am in the same boat as you, I am personally leaning toward AI. I am really liking the new HD versions coming out. They seem to have a better led colors and you can kind of overdrive or adjust the power for the colors you have turned down to move power to colors you want more power. Also the new HD versions are all wifi controllable so no need for a controller. IF you went with either the radion or older hydra you will need another controller. Now if you where going to go with the older style, I would still go AI over the other. The main reason for me would be more coverage with two pucks instead of one. Just my 2cents.

Cleancoupe · 10/24/2015, 08:35 AM

Yeah I looked at the HD version, but to me it doesn't make much sense because it seems like you never run any color over say 70% so what would be the point of having the ability to overdrive any one color? I have an apex controller so I'll be using that to control the lights.

Indymann99 · 10/24/2015, 10:38 AM

I am running 2x Hydra26s on my 48x24x24 120g. I am very happy with coverage.

You will need a AWM module to wirelessly connect them to your APEX.

I built a "shelf" for the lights (and pwr supplies) to sit on. The shelf sits on cleats on the sides. I can slide the whole shelf to the rear for access when cleaning the tank (but lights can stay on so I can see what I am doing in the tank).

Cleancoupe · 10/25/2015, 07:46 AM

They look like they cover your tank well. Yeah I know I will need the awm module to run the AI's

10/23/2015, 09:12 AM	#1
Cleancoupe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 126	Radion XR15w or AI Hydra 26? I've been having my tank running for about 6 months now & im currently running a 4 bulb t5 fixture that came with the tank. I'm looking go back to leds like I had on a previous tank & wanted to get ya'll thoughts. Mixed reef tank Innovative marine sr60 36" long x 18" deep x 16" tall I'm looking at either 2 radion xr15w pros or 2 ai hydra 26s. The AI's would be the cheaper route because they are now only $269 vs $399 for the radion. I might even break apart my current fixture & retrofit 2 of the t5 bulbs along with the leds.

10/24/2015, 10:38 AM	#5
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	I am running 2x Hydra26s on my 48x24x24 120g. I am very happy with coverage. You will need a AWM module to wirelessly connect them to your APEX. I built a "shelf" for the lights (and pwr supplies) to sit on. The shelf sits on cleats on the sides. I can slide the whole shelf to the rear for access when cleaning the tank (but lights can stay on so I can see what I am doing in the tank). __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

10/24/2015, 05:33 AM	#2
Cleancoupe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 126	Opinions?

10/24/2015, 07:57 AM	#3
trueperc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ottawa, On, Canada Posts: 788	I am in the same boat as you, I am personally leaning toward AI. I am really liking the new HD versions coming out. They seem to have a better led colors and you can kind of overdrive or adjust the power for the colors you have turned down to move power to colors you want more power. Also the new HD versions are all wifi controllable so no need for a controller. IF you went with either the radion or older hydra you will need another controller. Now if you where going to go with the older style, I would still go AI over the other. The main reason for me would be more coverage with two pucks instead of one. Just my 2cents.

10/24/2015, 08:35 AM	#4
Cleancoupe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 126	Yeah I looked at the HD version, but to me it doesn't make much sense because it seems like you never run any color over say 70% so what would be the point of having the ability to overdrive any one color? I have an apex controller so I'll be using that to control the lights.

10/25/2015, 07:46 AM	#6
Cleancoupe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 126	They look like they cover your tank well. Yeah I know I will need the awm module to run the AI's