Who's using the new Ecotech Radion LED's?

[stoneriff]

These lights intrigue me. They look very cool, but I'm not quite convinced. I spoke to them today on the phone, and they were very vague. I need the honest opinion of folks who've already set them up. They look great. They aren't cheap. They don't offer an aquarium mount. They are not Mac compatible. They are also not compatible with any controllers out there. Are they really worth it???
Your opinions are appreciated.

 

[prattreef]

Josh just received his last week, but I think he likes what he sees so far. I know he thinks the controller software is very well done.

 

[IXL]

Well I have saved up 500 so far for one of these but, I think I need 2 for my 150g. I'll keep reading this thread to see if it is actually good as advertised.

 

[stoneriff]

Josh just received his last week, but I think he likes what he sees so far. I know he thinks the controller software is very well done.

I'm at a crossroads. My tank is just about ready to go, and I don't want to use my metal halides from my previous tank. I want an LED setup. Is it me, or is waiting another year for LED's to advance, and hopefully drop in price???

 

[Josh]

I have two of them over my 120. Right now they are mounted too low so it is hard to say specifically how they are, but the software for managing them is really phenomenal for v1. Also since I turned off my MH I had to install a heater (never had one before) and my chiller has not kicked on in two days. I can't wait to see the electric bill.

 

[stoneriff]

I have two of them over my 120. Right now they are mounted too low so it is hard to say specifically how they are, but the software for managing them is really phenomenal for v1. Also since I turned off my MH I had to install a heater (never had one before) and my chiller has not kicked on in two days. I can't wait to see the electric bill.

That's great to hear Josh. I'm looking for the same results. I live in Las Vegas now. Electricity is expensive, and I sure don't need french fry lights over my tank out here. I have a 120 that is 48x24x24. What height do you think would be best, and how did you mount them? I have a 20 foot ceiling. I see all kinds of problems.
Thanks,
Jesse.

 

[DrAsTiC]

I am going to purchase 2 of them for my tank. I love the thunderstorm mode on it and just like Josh said the software is incredible.

 

[stoneriff]

Anyone have any mounting suggestions for the Radion LED's? My ceiling is 20' high. Hanging is not an option.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

post #2 excellent idea maybe it will help you out somehow. scroll down and you will see it...

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/105698-thirty-5s-deep-blue-rimless.html

 

[IXL]

that is awesome news.... , think the chiller will kick in the summer time?
I would love not to buy a chiller... that's a extra 500 or 600 i dont have to spend :/

 

[Josh]

Chris at Reefkoi can make you a nice mount for the Radions.

I also have a 4x2x2. It is an Oceanic Tech. Chris is making it custom for me out of 80/20 aluminum extrusions.

 

[Josh]

that is awesome news.... , think the chiller will kick in the summer time?
I would love not to buy a chiller... that's a extra 500 or 600 i dont have to spend :/

Not sure about the chiller yet, I have the lights on 60%, when I get them up higher we'll see how much heat they put into the tank.

 

[stoneriff]

Chris at Reefkoi can make you a nice mount for the Radions.

I also have a 4x2x2. It is an Oceanic Tech. Chris is making it custom for me out of 80/20 aluminum extrusions.

Thanks Josh. I have the same tank. It's an Oceanic Tech 120 that is 4x2x2, with the Oceanic stand that has glass doors on the front and sides. I'll send him a PM. I want these lights, but it just seems that these companies are rushing the products out without many options for the consumer. I think it would be logical to put your product out once you've designed and built a couple of different options for your consumers to choose from. I find it odd that we have to fend for ourselves, especially at those prices.

 

[Brando457]

I like it so far I have a thread on it

 

[stoneriff]

I like it so far I have a thread on it

Can you send me a link to it?

 

[Josh]

I'm sure someone will come up with a creative way to mount them. In the meantime you can get the mount system from Chris as it is pretty cheap I think.

I think the reason they are avoiding a hood/stand type system is that there are a lot of questions around intellectual property and patents related to that design. You'll notice that a lot of the other light manufacturers don't offer this solution either for the same reasons.

 

[stoneriff]

I'm sure someone will come up with a creative way to mount them. In the meantime you can get the mount system from Chris as it is pretty cheap I think.

I think the reason they are avoiding a hood/stand type system is that there are a lot of questions around intellectual property and patents related to that design. You'll notice that a lot of the other light manufacturers don't offer this solution either for the same reasons.

I sent Chris a PM. Hopefully I'll hear back. I have everything ready to start my tank up. I have a twin 250 MH fixture, but as I mentioned earlier, I don't want to use them. Too much heat, and my electric bill. You know the deal. There are so few reef people here in Vegas. It's tough. I found one cool store about 35 miles away, and they suggested I stay with MH bulbs. I'm trying to avoid that. I went all out this time with great equipment. I want to do everything right to avoid problems. I'm at the point where I'm almost ready offer to fly someone to Vegas from MR that can help me set everything up professionally. I was going to make that offer to Jim from Saltwater Critters, but I found out he's out of the biz. I spent about $10K with him, and he won't even answer my emails now that I'm out here. Interested in flying to Vegas for a few days on me???

 

[batt600]

I read that thay come with a standered hanging kit the the box . Do thay

 

[Brando457]

By standard hanging kit it means 4 little holes to create your own means of hanging.

The premium hanging kit is just 2 metal cables and a base plate that doesn't come with the screws. Ecotech hasn't even responded regarding this!

To see my thread just click my name and do find posts.

I have all my lights at a 20k look at 25% intensity max. Plan on upping it to a 30% max while I'm away in Cleveland.

My cousin brought over his AI sol blue and the ecotech wins hands down. The colors I can create and overall look seemed a lot better. Now the only main gripe is they're $750 compared to $400 and the hanging fiasco. Granted cost on the units is about $650, so either ecotech is making a pretty penny, or they're that quality of fixtures.

 

[ducati335i]

Ecotech is great, but I went w what is proved to work, the ai's... Plus, you can always add white specific LEDs on a simple dyi to improve color if needed.. It was posted on rc...
I don't think the led reds and greens do much, I could b wrong but.... Double per fixture for ecotech..... I really don't think there is anything "much Better" on them.....