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Ecotech Radion XR30 and XR15 G5 Review
Last updated on November 17th, 2023
Ecotech Radion XR30 and XR15 G5 Review
Now that the Ecotech Radion XR30 and XR15 G5 Reef Tank Lights have been out for some time, it makes sense to update the review. Though it is obvious that Ecotech Radions are a clear front-runner for reef tank lighting, it makes sense that we ask why that is the case. Then, for those looking at other reef tank lighting options, there is a fair comparison to decide what reef tank light is best for you!
Why are all Reef Tank Lights compared against the Ecotech Radion?
If you haven't noticed after the release of the Neptune SKY, all new reef tank lighting options are compared to the Ecotech Radion. The comparison is done in terms of price, PAR, spread, and features in general. Why is that? The easy answer is that Ecotech Radions are the "standard" for "success" in the saltwater aquarium hobby.
For multiple years, in terms of LED Reef Lighting, the Ecotech Radion line has been the best product on the market. It could grow some of the best looking SPS coral, and had more features than any other LED Reef Tank Lighting on the market. The hobby has progressed a long way since then, but now the Radion is the baseline to compare other saltwater aquarium lighting against. That helps the rest of us determine if a light is worth more or less depending on features and performance.
Ecotech Radion G5 PRO vs BLUE (Color Spectrum)
Ecotech Radion G5 offers 2 options for us to choose from, the Radion G5 PRO and the Radion G5 BLUE. As most of us reef keepers are trying to copy the Corallab AB+ color spectrum, Ecotech decided to make it simple. The Radion G5 BLUE has the exact LED colors to get as close to the AB+ spectrum as possible, without adjusting individual percentages. This way, all you need to do is set all of the color channels to the same percentage for a total intensity, and the spectrum is done for you!
Ecotech Radion Gen 5 Blue Color Spectrum
If the best coral growth spectrum is built into the Radion G5 BLUE, why is there a "PRO" model? The Radion G5 PRO has a more traditional array of LEDs, allowing a much more white color for anyone who prefers this. Perhaps for coral photography, algae growth, or any other reasons really. The G5 PRO offers more flexibility, but if you are going to use the AB+ spectrum, or close to it, you will get more power from the G5 BLUE.
Ecotech Radion Gen 5 Pro Color Spectrum
More About Ecotech Radion Gen 5 PRO vs BLUE from BRS
Ecotech Radion XR30 and XR15 PAR
I'm not going to re-invent the wheel here. Bulk Reef Supply does a very good job at testing PAR at given settings, and I think that there is no reason to use any other data... The image below shows the PAR of the Radion XR30 G5 PRO with the settings shown, and an intensity of 40%, hung 8 inches above the water.
As you can see, the PAR at 6 inches below the water is at 215-270 at the edges, and 400 at the center. For 12 inches under the water, we see roughly 250-300, and at 18 inches the PAR ranges from 180 to 330. Showing that not only is the Radion G5 more than capible of growing SPS coral, but the fact that this is at 40% intensity means there is plenty of room for increasing the intensity for deeper tanks or over time as the LEDs decrease in strength.
Radion XR15 and XR30 G5 Coverage
The Ecotech Radion G5 has great coverage, despite the small form factor. Though it may not have quite as good of coverage as the larger LED fixtures, for this size it is rather impressive and really isn't much of a hinderance. If you are looking for more even coverage, rather than buying the XR30 G5, purchase 2 XR15s for every 2 feet of tank. This lets you spread the light sources more evenly, and distributing PAR as a blanket instead of a couple strong points.
New LED Arrangement
The Ecotech Radion G5 no longer utilized the puck based approach used by th G3 and G4 Radions. Dispersing the LEDs evenly across the entire light fixture. This reduces the need for a diffuser to be placed on the light. This new arrangement of LEDs across the fixture adds one more, major benefit. The light is spread better, meaning more even PAR across the tank! Better light coverage and less "Hot Spots". Giving you better coverage!
More About Reef Tank Light Coverage / Spread
Available Sizes And Coverage
| Length | LPS/Soft PAR Coverage | SPS PAR Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| XR15 | 24"x24" | 18"x18" |
| XR30 | 24"x32" | 24"x24" |
Does the Ecotech Radion Gen 5 Work With Apex or ReefLink?
The short answer is no. The Ecotech Radion Gen 5 is now using bluetooth technology to connect directly to your phone and can be set up with the new app, mobius. This bluetooth connection allows for a more reliable connection and a better user experience.
Thoughts About Ecotech Mobius
I know the change brings some concern, it does for me too! The reality is that you likely aren't logging in EcoSmart Live frequently, so the change is likely not affecting you much. The benefit of the Reef Link, and Apex with WXM module for that matter, is that you can connect to the app from anywhere over the internet. The only times you are likely to use this feature when you're out of the house is if you travel often or are on vacation. Though you likely only need to turn it off or on, not change the schedule or color spectrum. If you have a Neptune Apex with a Power Bar, you can still turn the light fixture remotely.
Benefits of Mobius
In addition to reliability, and a better user experience, mobius is FREE! You heard that right! Instead of spending $100 for the ReefLink, the mobius app is free. Meaning the mobius app should be seen as an improvement. Remember, when it comes to light spectrum and schedule, set it and forget it!
Ecotech Radion G5 Mounting
It's important to note that the Radion G5 DOES NOT work with the G3/G4 mounting arms/mounting kits. There is a new pattern for mounting and you will need to get new mounting arms. Ideally, you will want to set the mounting height of the lights, meaning you will want to hang the Radions anyway. The ideal height mentioned by BRS is 8 inches above the water level.
More About the Ecotech Radion Gen 5 from BRS
Conclusion
I think it's obvious why the Ecotech Radion is the standard in reef tank lighting. Though it is one of the more expensive options, you get what you pay for in reef tanks. The Ecotech Radion G5 PRO and BLUE offer the best of most worlds in terms of features, spectrum, par, and support! There is rarely a case of disappointment with these amazing reef tank lights and as a high end option, I highly recommend the Ecotech Radion G5 Reef Tank Light Fixtures!
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About the Author
John Krenzer
John is a Software Engineer with a passion for saltwater aquariums, as well as the founder and president of Reef Stable. He started in the aquarium hobby as a child with a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. His interest in aquarium life grew and in 2008, John set up his first saltwater aquarium.
Today, John maintains an over 300 gallon reef tank system, consisting of a 120g reef and a 210g reef. These large tanks are contained within the same system, sharing a sump as a means to reduce total maintenance and increase total water volume.
John writes articles for the blog as a means to learn about more reef aquarium topics. These articles act as a reference for the readers as well as himself. John updates these articles frequently to provide additional information or make corrections as new information becomes available.
If you would like to request an article, tank tour article, or to collaborate, let me know via the Contact Me Page!
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