Radion XR15 G6 Blue Regret - Good Thing I Planned to go the Hybrid Route

[Tritie]

After watching BRS's lighting episodes, I had decided I wanted to go the hybrid route to even out par and reduce shadowing. I am a fan of a bit more white for the day time, so I purchased a XR15 G6 Blue and supplemented with 2 AB Plus and 2 Coral Plus bulbs. In hind sight, I feel like I should have just gone with the Pro.

*Disclaimer: I am using a Seneye for a par meter.*
System: 65 gallon lagoon (36"x24"x18") with a 4 x 24" T5 bulbs and a G6 XR 15 Blue. Mounting height is 8.25 inches above water. I have a Red Sea screen top lid.

I've been running the Radion at 25% with 2 Coral Plus and 2 AB plus bulbs. I was surprised when I finally tested the par (1st pic). Good thing the T5s are only on right now for 3 hours a day! Right now, I have a few LPS and mostly softies. I hope to eventually go the mixed reef route. I quickly slid the intensity percentage of the Radion up to 100% and was even more surprised to see minimal increase in par!!!

When the T5s were off, I tested the Radion. At 25%, the par levels (orange numbers) were tested and the results are in Pic 2. When I upped the Radion to 75% (red numbers), there was hardly any change to par.

Given I was at the upper range for SPS at the middle of the tank. I popped out one AB Plus and replaced it with an actinic (pic 3). Par didn't change much!

I have some LPS and zoas in a QT tank and the gonis are looking amazing at 200-250 par. So are the euphyllia and several of the weed-like zoas. So, I just decided to go with the original lighting (Radion at 25% with 2 AB Plus and 2 Coral Plus). In my display, I have a Starburst Paly sitting at 200 par, that is stretching terribly.

I do not feel like I got any bang for my buck with the Radion XR15 G6 Blue and definitely have buyers remorse. Maybe when I win the lottery, I'll add a second XR15 Blue or a couple Pros. I am really happy with the T5 bulbs though. What a difference they make!

 

[Mechano]

Looks pretty darn good for an LPS/Softie tank to be honest.

I had a T5 hybrid fixture with my XR30s and it looked unnatural to my taste and sold the T5.

I run 3 XR30 on the AB+ schedule at 35% and the spread is great. I have acros , several monti species but predominately LPS acanthos, cynarina , acans, Lobos, Trachys , euphyllia etc etc. they don’t love too much light.

I get the not loving too much blue though..especially when it comes to being able to see fish colours in the tank.

 

[Tritie]

Yes, but it wouldn't be with just the Radion. I was just surprised that the Radion is soo low, and the T5 are so strong. I really like the T5s

 

[Mechano]

If u like the T5s, run it. Nothing wrong with T5s.

 

[Hooz]

Covering a 36" long tank is a big lift for a single XR15, and running 24" T5s on a 36" tank is also not ideal. Those numbers don't really surprise me.

 

[Mwatts12]

I have the G6 XR30 pros on a hybrid fixture with 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus. I can’t say enough good things about it. I also added two XHO’s

However I have mine mounted 16 inches off the water. Real nice blend and spread.