XR15FW G4 vs T5

[geektom]

Hey all, I can only read so many specs before my head just stops absorbing information, so I am interested in hearing from any of you that actually have the Radion XR15FW G4 lights.

Are you happy with them? How do they compare to High-end T5 fixtures like ATI?

I need to light a 60 x 30 x 18” tank


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[geektom]

No experience or opinions on this one?


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[adair jenkins]

I can't offer a comparison with T5s since I've only ever used LEDs, but after switching a month ago from Finnex planted+ to two XR15 over my 90 gallon I've been blown away by how much I'm enjoying the lights. I'm using the optional diffusers and have them suspended 12" above. The spread is even and easily covers the whole tank. I initially measured the substrate par at 35% and believe it was 55-60, but don't quote me on that since I mistakenly didn't write any of my measurements down. What I've loved about the lights most so far is their aesthetic appeal and programing feature. The shimmer is subtle but stunning and the colors of the plants and fish have a richness to them I did not see with the Finnex. The Ecosmart program has made it possible to customize my own color temps, sunrise, sunsets and intensity schedule and I've enjoyed the extra couple of viewing hours I get with a gradual sunrise and sunset. Having a graph to help visualize and program the schedule is a perk, too.

Do the plants prefer the Radions to the Finnex? No idea. They were growing well before and still are. I'm currently using medium par (40-50) so changes will be less noticeable than a high light tank.

 

[Tim Harrison]

Been using the first gen version for several years and I've been happy with it. The programmability is amazing, and the cooling fan, when it kicks in, is whisper quiet.
In terms of growth, I don't think plants are too fussy about light quality, anything around 5k to 7k is probably optimal. Ultimately what's more important is your preference for programmability and colour rendition etc.

The first gen Radion FW is too heavily weighted in the blue spectrum, testament to their marine heritage, which translates to a potential compromise between output and colour rendition.
I believe they've addressed this issue now and the colour rendition of the fourth gen is weighted more to the red end of the spectrum.

I also like T5 lights; I used Arcadia bulbs and loved the colour rendition. However, obviously T5 units eat up more energy, and produce more heat, not good for emergent growth.

 

[geektom]

I can't offer a comparison with T5s since I've only ever used LEDs, but after switching a month ago from Finnex planted+ to two XR15 over my 90 gallon I've been blown away by how much I'm enjoying the lights. I'm using the optional diffusers and have them suspended 12" above. The spread is even and easily covers the whole tank. I initially measured the substrate par at 35% and believe it was 55-60, but don't quote me on that since I mistakenly didn't write any of my measurements down. What I've loved about the lights most so far is their aesthetic appeal and programing feature. The shimmer is subtle but stunning and the colors of the plants and fish have a richness to them I did not see with the Finnex. The Ecosmart program has made it possible to customize my own color temps, sunrise, sunsets and intensity schedule and I've enjoyed the extra couple of viewing hours I get with a gradual sunrise and sunset. Having a graph to help visualize and program the schedule is a perk, too.

Do the plants prefer the Radions to the Finnex? No idea. They were growing well before and still are. I'm currently using medium par (40-50) so changes will be less noticeable than a high light tank.

Thanks so much. What are the measurements of your 90? Any pics that show how you have them suspended?

 

[adair jenkins]

Standard 90- 48l x 18w x 24h. Right now I have them suspended using Radion's LED hanging kit and two aluminum bars. I replaced the original mounting screws (M8 or M10 threads- don't recall which) with slightly longer ones to accommodate aluminum spacers so that the control buttons would still be accessible. Eventually I'd like to use two wall mounted brackets since that'd make it easier to conceal the cords, but for now this was easy to put together and lets me tweak the height.

The tank itself is going through a transition and in disrepair, but here are some pictures of them at during the sunrise at 5% to give you an idea.

 

[Tim Harrison]

Nice idea, saves on having to buy the official mounting system, which is a fairly large chunk of additional money.

 

[geektom]

Standard 90- 48l x 18w x 24h. Right now I have them suspended using Radion's LED hanging kit and two aluminum bars. I replaced the original mounting screws (M8 or M10 threads- don't recall which) with slightly longer ones to accommodate aluminum spacers so that the control buttons would still be accessible. Eventually I'd like to use two wall mounted brackets since that'd make it easier to conceal the cords, but for now this was easy to put together and lets me tweak the height.

The tank itself is going through a transition and in disrepair, but here are some pictures of them at during the sunrise at 5% to give you an idea.

View attachment 11785 View attachment 11786

This was great for me to see- thanks so much!