2 Radion xr15 or 2 Kessil a360x?

[KJones90s]

I’m looking at implementing new lighting on my 4x2 120 gallon mixed reef. I’m not sure which way to go. What do you guys think?
Does it come down to personal preference? I love the shimmer of the Kessil and have never seen a Radion in person. Any inputs appreciated. Thanks as always guys

 

[walloutlet]

I wrestled with this exact decision for quite awhile and then ended up with two Kessil's based on an local reefer selling his for a great price. One thing that was important to me was controllable via my APEX and the Kessil's have that via a VDM 0-10v connection. I know the Radions have Mobius and is fine for programming needs and both have community support for routines.

For me, based on the various different reviews out there Kessil's spectrum was just set and forget, all you need to do is figure out the intensity. However, in my own opinion, the Radion's I think have a little better coverage especially with the diffuser.

Overall all for me, I couldn't beat getting two Kessil a360we Tuna Blue lights for $250 versus having to give up my first born for the Radions.

Performance of the Kessil's have been exactly as everyone on the Internet has described them. They work as advertised, are quiet and easy to setup.

 

[Jekyl]

I use 2 of the 360 tuna blues on my 90 gallon. Love them. Don't bother with wifi, just get a controller.

 

[walloutlet]

And if you need a controller, I just happen to have one that came with mine. I use my Apex to control them.

 

[Mical]

Another vote for Kessil - I run 3 360wes via Apex over my 120

 

[Daniel92481]

I also vote for Kessil. Although I’m not sure I would go with 360X x2 for that size.

I would look into the Kessil AP9X. It’s not cheap, but cheaper than 360X x2 if you were to buy them new. The AP9X is also a lot brighter with built in WiFi. Check it out!

 

[KJones90s]

I also vote for Kessil. Although I’m not sure I would go with 360X x2 for that size.

I would look into the Kessil AP9X. It’s not cheap, but cheaper than 360X x2 if you were to buy them new. The AP9X is also a lot brighter with built in WiFi. Check it out!

You think a single ap9x?
I looked at those as well but on brs i believe I was the recommended coverage on them is 36x36...wouldn’t I still be looking at buying 2?

 

[Daniel92481]

You think a single ap9x?
I looked at those as well but on brs i believe I was the recommended coverage on them is 36x36...wouldn’t I still be looking at buying 2?

It has a 48” coverage rating. It also depends on what types of corals. It will do 48” of mixed reef all day long. If you want full SPS dominance, go for 2 of the new Kessil 500X.

 

[KJones90s]

Inter

It has a 48” coverage rating. It also depends on what types of corals. It will do 48” of mixed reef all day long. If you want full SPS dominance, go for 2 of the new Kessil 500X.

Interesting, I’ll definitely move to consider them as well. The built in WiFi has me intrigued.

 

[Daniel92481]

Inter

Interesting, I’ll definitely move to consider them as well. The built in WiFi has me intrigued.

Yea, for sure. Especially since the dongle is $100 extra. It works great! But still $100 that could be used elsewhere. The AP9X is newer tech. If it sounds like I’m excited about it it’s because I am! Just bought one for the new tank upgrade soon. Can’t wait to set it up. Currently running one A360X.

 

[MNFish]

Both will grow Coral, but I enjoy the shimmer that you can only get from Kessil.

 

[KJones90s]

Wow, lots of votes for Kessil! I was expecting a lot more people leaning toward the radion side.

 

[Bnutz]

I would do 2 360x. When your corals grow in you can always add a 3rd. I have a 4x2 tank with 3 hydra 32, it has way more par than needed and very little shadows. Only problem is that my wife complains it don't look like the kessiels on the frag tank.

 

[Kershaw]

I voted kessil but I am biased. I don’t even consider other brands unless it’s t5 or MH.

 

[Montiman]

I am a big kessil fan. For a mixed reef you could definitely do the 9x it is actually the same wattage as 2 360Xs. I have both on my tank and really like them.

 

[Jekyl]

Ideal for 90 or 120g tanks is 4 of the 360 series lights. If you plan on heavy SPS. Otherwise 2 is just fine. You would also need 2 of the ap9x either way.

 

[KJones90s]

The votes have actually turned out pretty even so far, but nobody is explaining why they’re picking radions...the kessil crowd seems more vocal for sure.

 

[coralfishreef]

The new Radion G5 Pro color using the templates isn’t as visually appealing as the color from the Kessil A360x or AP700. Kessil shimmer gives an alive feel to a tank, but it can be distracting to some people. My vote is for Hybrid T5 with either Radion, Kessil, or AI.

 

[Useful_Idiot]

I have both a 360x and a G5 blue. Kessil at max only draws about 60 watts not 90( per Dana Riddle's research) and the lower par difference from the G5 shows it. Kessil at full blue still has white in the mix so the pop is not as good as G5. The G5 is visually brighter.

 

[minus9]

360x all the way. As mentioned, you can always add more down the road of the sps bug bites you. The controller is worth it and it's only a one time purchase. It unlocks the other colors, violet being one of them. As far as controller via apex, Neptune Systems just announced control/integration with the dongle.

I prefer the hard wired controller. I don't need to mess around with the lights, just set my program and go. The only thing I change is intensity over time, slowly.