To Pro or not to Pro?

[Coach63]

I am deciding on what lights to use for my tank (that I still need to get) but I am starting the process of gathering up all the goodies needed for a great tank. I am looking at Radions and wondering if I needed the Gen 3 pros or just the regular Gen 3's? I will have a mixed reef tank with quite a few SPS corals. Is it worth the extra $$$ for the extra LEDs and PAR? I will probably need 4 of them.

Any success on growing SPS corals on just the Gen 3's?

Thanks,

 

[shadow1013]

The Pro uses 8 Cree XP-G2 (40W) for white while the regular uses 8 Cree XT-E (40W). The Pro also uses 8 Osram Oslon Square (40W ) for Blues while the regular uses 6 Osram Oslon Square (24W) so that is 2 less and almost half the wattage. The last difference is that the Pro has 2 Osram Oslon SSL (6W) for Yellows and the regular does not.

Now here is the big question. Is it worth $100 to go with the Pro over the regular?

 

[apcoleman]

If you are going with a shallower tank I would probably stick with the regular Gen3. If you purchase a deeper tank I would go with the pros. I currently run 4 gen3 pros over a 250DD growing sps down low with success that is 27" deep.

 

[Coach63]

My tank will be 24 inches. Thanks for the input!!

 

[Rinks]

I do agree with shadow if you are looking for couple of extra color options go with the pro. In addition if your buying them used and find pros at a reasonable price buy them.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Save some cash and get gen 3s and buy 90° or even 80° lenses.

At 4 lights that would save you around 300 bucks.

 

[whatchamacallit]

Or wait for the next gen to come out