Radion gen 3 or gen 4

Roberto CRC · Apr 3, 2017

Hi there,

I think is time to change my fixtures, i like ecotech Radion. But i don´t know how many fixtures i need to obtain full coverage in my tank if they are Gen 3 pro, or how many if they are Gen 4 Pro? I do not want any dark areas, but I do not want to underuse them either.

My tank are 59"x 23.6" x 19.6"(Length x height x width).

Pd.: Mixed reef.

Thanks friends.

Klwheat · Apr 3, 2017

Ok, here's my first question. How is your tank braced at the top? I ask this because it made a difference for me. I had 1 gen1 radion on my 3'x2'x2' 90 and it worked great - but had no center brace. I'd planned for 2 gen4 radions on my new 180 (6'x2'x2'). This would probably have worked except that it had 2 braces front to back that cause enough shadowing to drive me nuts...so I'm adding a 3rd and will reposition to avoid this.
So, all of that to say that if you have only a center brace and can put on light on each side, I think 2 of either gen3 or gen4 will work great. If you have braces that will be under them, you may want a third...not for extra light, but to avoid shadows.
If you're not sure what I mean (ie my poor explanation) feel free to message me.

Roberto CRC · Apr 4, 2017

Klwheat said:
Ok, here's my first question. How is your tank braced at the top? I ask this because it made a difference for me. I had 1 gen1 radion on my 3'x2'x2' 90 and it worked great - but had no center brace. I'd planned for 2 gen4 radions on my new 180 (6'x2'x2'). This would probably have worked except that it had 2 braces front to back that cause enough shadowing to drive me nuts...so I'm adding a 3rd and will reposition to avoid this.
So, all of that to say that if you have only a center brace and can put on light on each side, I think 2 of either gen3 or gen4 will work great. If you have braces that will be under them, you may want a third...not for extra light, but to avoid shadows.
If you're not sure what I mean (ie my poor explanation) feel free to message me.

Thank you friend, not 100% understood. But I'll try to give you more details of my tank so you can get an idea of how it is.

The measures are those I mentioned earlier. From the upper limit of the water to the ceiling of the fish tank there are 27 ", the tank has 2 glass supports that go from the front to back and a distance of the sides of 7".

I do not have high rock structures or corals that shade those below, the rock structure is side to side in the tank and to the center.

Klwheat · Apr 4, 2017

Ok, so based on what you're saying, with 2 glass braces...for lighting for the coral, you'll be fine with two of either gen3 or gen4. However, you may end up wanting 3 just to eliminate shadowing under the braces.

Roberto CRC · Apr 4, 2017

Klwheat said:
Ok, so based on what you're saying, with 2 glass braces...for lighting for the coral, you'll be fine with two of either gen3 or gen4. However, you may end up wanting 3 just to eliminate shadowing under the braces.

Would it be the same if they are Gen 4 or Gen 3?

I thought Gen 4 has a larger range of surface coverage for the new lenses they use.

Klwheat · Apr 4, 2017

The new gen4 lenses are nice for blending and spread. However, the gen3s could cover the 5' tank with just 2. The only reason you'd need 3 (of either) is for aesthetics if you don't like the shadowing that the braces cause.

Roberto CRC · Apr 4, 2017

Klwheat said:
The new gen4 lenses are nice for blending and spread. However, the gen3s could cover the 5' tank with just 2. The only reason you'd need 3 (of either) is for aesthetics if you don't like the shadowing that the braces cause.

Ok, thanks friend.