Radion G3 pro vs radium 250w mh

Reel North · 12/09/2015, 05:38 PM

I am currently running 2 250 w radiums powered on old pfo magnetic ballasts in 22" reflectors. My tank is pretty much sps, and I'm getting good growth on my corals.

Tank is 72 long x 30" front to back x 24" tall.

I live in Ontario, which has the highest hydro rates in North America ($0.15 per kWh during the day and $0.08 at night)

I have a couple of tiny led to see in during the day, and my halides don't turn on until 5:30 pm. They got till 1 am.

I had 2 iwaki 55rlt (one return and one for lifereef skimmer) which I've changed to a vectra L1 and another pump for the skimmer. My hydro bill was through the roof. Now I run around .7 amps before the lights come on, and 7 amps with everything running.

I'm wondering if looking at G3 pro radio show makes any sense for growing sps, or if I'm better just sticking to what I have. I'm still on the fence. I know I would likely need 5 fixtures over this tank to get coverage.

gcarroll · 12/09/2015, 05:56 PM

You certainly won't seem to be saving much energy making that switch. 5 - Radion Pros are nearly the same wattage of 3 - 250w MH. Turning the LEDs down will save you some money though however, any energy saved in lighting is only saved during the photo period.

Also keep in mind that since you live in a cooler area, changing to LED may actually increase your electric bill as you may need to run the heaters harder since LED's don't heat the water like MH. Just weigh all the positives and negatives.

Reel North · 12/09/2015, 07:28 PM

Tank is in the basement, so thankfully it's pretty consistent temp. I may just add 1 more of my mh fixtures to even the light across the tank. Sometimes the devil you know.....

gcarroll · 12/09/2015, 07:51 PM

If you are going with 5 Radions you will be fine. No need to keep a halide. If temp won't be an issue you will be fine.

12/09/2015, 05:38 PM	#1
Reel North New King of Quarantine Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hammertown, Canada eh Posts: 1,175	Radion G3 pro vs radium 250w mh I am currently running 2 250 w radiums powered on old pfo magnetic ballasts in 22" reflectors. My tank is pretty much sps, and I'm getting good growth on my corals. Tank is 72 long x 30" front to back x 24" tall. I live in Ontario, which has the highest hydro rates in North America ($0.15 per kWh during the day and $0.08 at night) I have a couple of tiny led to see in during the day, and my halides don't turn on until 5:30 pm. They got till 1 am. I had 2 iwaki 55rlt (one return and one for lifereef skimmer) which I've changed to a vectra L1 and another pump for the skimmer. My hydro bill was through the roof. Now I run around .7 amps before the lights come on, and 7 amps with everything running. I'm wondering if looking at G3 pro radio show makes any sense for growing sps, or if I'm better just sticking to what I have. I'm still on the fence. I know I would likely need 5 fixtures over this tank to get coverage. __________________ It takes a very rich man to buy cheap things Current Tank Info: frag tank. Lame

12/09/2015, 05:56 PM	#2
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	You certainly won't seem to be saving much energy making that switch. 5 - Radion Pros are nearly the same wattage of 3 - 250w MH. Turning the LEDs down will save you some money though however, any energy saved in lighting is only saved during the photo period. Also keep in mind that since you live in a cooler area, changing to LED may actually increase your electric bill as you may need to run the heaters harder since LED's don't heat the water like MH. Just weigh all the positives and negatives. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

12/09/2015, 07:28 PM	#3
Reel North New King of Quarantine Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hammertown, Canada eh Posts: 1,175	Tank is in the basement, so thankfully it's pretty consistent temp. I may just add 1 more of my mh fixtures to even the light across the tank. Sometimes the devil you know..... __________________ It takes a very rich man to buy cheap things Current Tank Info: frag tank. Lame

12/09/2015, 07:51 PM	#4
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	If you are going with 5 Radions you will be fine. No need to keep a halide. If temp won't be an issue you will be fine. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...