Question about Controllers for AI versus Radion

Fontana92117 · Jul 8, 2015

I am brand new to this whole reefing thing so I apologize if this is a naive question. I have been scouring this section to try to find the answer but I want to make sure before buying.

If i were to buy an AI Hydra 52 straight from an online retailer. Would it come with any sort of controller? Or would it come with the ability to be "on" and have all LEDs going at full strength? In other words, is the cost to buy an AI Hydra 52 the retail price + about $100 for the AI controller?

If i were to do the same for the Ecotech Radion and buy a brand new one from a retailer, would it come with a controller or some ability to adjust the strength and the color spectrum of the LEDs? I have not seen much mention of a specific mandatory Ecotech controller other than the ReefLink one that connects your Vortech with your Radion.

Any help / insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Reefing Madness · Jul 9, 2015

dbl · Jul 9, 2015

You can only control the AI at preset intervals/percentages right out of the box. So it's either off or on at the specified percentage. You could use a simple electric timer for simply on/off cycling. You would need the AI Director (which is what I use) or the AI Controller in order to program beyond that. Or use an aquarium controller (if you have one) along with the appropriate module, if applicable. No experience with the Radion's so I can't help there.