Ecotech LED Fixture Debut

[seth the wine guy]

Just announced. It will be revealed at MACNA.
This sounds really promising. I would love a reason to ditch my AI's!


EcoTech Marine Introduces the Radion XR30w LED Light

September 1, 2011, Bethlehem PA – EcoTech Marine is proud to announce its latest product, the Radion XR30w LED light.

True to EcoTech Marine design standards, the functionality of Radion matches its sleek aesthetic. Created with the most discerning hobbyist in mind, the Radion includes top quality Cree and Osram LEDs and features fully adjustable color and intensity.

"The Radion represents what we believe will be the next step for aquarium lighting: a smarter, easier to use, and more energy efficient alternative to existing lighting products," said Tim Marks, president of EcoTech Marine. "Our hope is that our customers will enjoy the extensive thought and care put into the design of every feature, function, and the distinctive appearance of the Radion."

Radion was purpose-built to be upgradeable both through its modular driver and LED cluster design, modular optics, as well as its USB firmware.

"Our goal was to deliver a product with the ability to evolve and get better over time– and not become obsolete," said Marks. "As technology moves forward, the Radion will be upgraded with new functionality in addition to what it has right out of the box."

Radion is an innovative addition to the EcoTech Marine line of VorTech pumps and aquarium products. With advanced features packed into an efficient and stylish product, the Radion is an LED that looks every bit as good as it performs.

Radion will be available by the end of October through EcoTech Marine’s network of retail outlets around the country and will debut at the upcoming MACNA trade show in Des Moines, IA on September 9.

Product Specifications *
Radion XR30w dimensions
Length: 11.8 in (30m)
Width: 7 in (18cm)
Thickness: 1.5” (3.9cm)
Power Consumption: ~130watts

Premium Features
• 5-channel control of color and intensity, 6-channel capable
• 8x Cree XP-G Cool White LEDs run at 5w each
• 8x Cree XP-E Blue LEDs run at 3w each
• 10x Cree XP-E Royal Blue LEDs run at 3w each
• 4x Cree XP-E Green LEDs run at 3w each
• 4x Osram Oslon SSL Hyper Red LEDs run at 3w each
• RGB LED configuration allows infinite color possibilities
• Integrates wirelessly with VorTech pumps and other Radion fixtures
• USB Connectivity
• Computer configurable advanced settings
• Compatible with EcoTech Battery Backup

Radion Features
• 34 Energy-efficient LEDs
• Fully adjustable for intensity and color appeal
• Output engineered for wide dispersion of light
• Minimal color banding through optimized optics
• Modular LED cluster, lens, and driver assemblies
• Fully upgradeable with evolving software and firmware
• Capacitive touch exterior controls
• Revolutionary heat sink design allows the Radion to be sleek
• Switching power supply for 110-220v operation
• EcoSmart™ multi-light wireless functionality
• Easy import and export of saved modes for online sharing
• Extremely quiet fan operation
• Real-time clock

Note: Basic hanging kit supplied with light. Premium hanging kit sold separately.

Usage Guidelines
• One Radion fixture is comparable to one 250w metal halide
• Generally, one Radion fixture should be used per 40 gallons (150L) of water volume
• Approximate surface coverage is 24x24 inches (60x60cm)

Radion XR30w MSRP: $749

 

[jef4y]

This will be a VERY interesting fixture for sure...

 

[snowmansnow]

I'm sure it will be slick. I'm looking forward to seeing one.

 

[crewdawg1981]

I like that they have included green and red in their fixture, but wonder why we're still looking at fixtures with so few LEDs? Clearly, I dont know much about the technology, but I know Seth has been plenty unhappy with his AIs, and those have what... 24, 3W LEDs? I saw purpleGORILLA's setup the other day and he has four units that have 100 3W LEDs and is getting amazing color and growth. Seems like ... that would be the better way to go? No?

 

[jef4y]

I can see my wife being highly irritated by me buying this... LOL...

 

[acroholic]

That one unit per 40 gallons guideline is probably to account for deeper tanks. Per this rule a 120 gallon tank would use three units. I guess the 24" x 24" surface coverage is for shallow tanks that do no exceed the 40 gallon volume guideline.

Man, my 300 gallon would cost over $5000 to light with these. A 120 would cost $2250 to light.

 

[jef4y]

If you put 4 AI fixtures over a 120 you're going to be at the same cost if not a bit more...

I do wonder what the penetration of the lights will be though.

 

[acroholic]

You would not need more than 3 AI units for a 120, but maybe Reefer's tanks won't require as many Radion units as their guidelines suggest, like has been the experience of many AI users.

 

[seth the wine guy]

I find it interesting that both Ecotech and AI claim to cover a 24x24 area.
AI= 75w
Ecotech= 130w

Hmmm... Given Ecotech's history of posting conservative performance numbers I tend to believe they are right on this one.

As Dave said, depth is certainly a factor that could sway what area can be covered. AI claims a unit covering 24x24 area is good for a 24" deep tank.

But, given the huge wattage difference between the two units, I think this validates my review/findings on the AI units.

 

[db366]

How long will those overdriven Cool Whites last? I wonder what the warranty on something like that is?

 

[smallblock]

I've been waiting on Osram to get in on the mix, I posted some info a while back about some of their leds. They were the ones that had it where you could adjust color on it. Only responses I got back from everyone was oh they arent powerfull enough yada yada yada cree yada yada yada. I said just wait and see well now we see in color. Lol I'm just joking I have some osram leds over my fuge and they do great and have really been hoping that someone would realize the capability of this company.

 

[schwaggs]

The XP-G Cree's Max rating is just over 5W so I wouldn't call them over-driven, just maxi-driven. The Cree datasheet reccomends running them at 1000 ma (~3.3W) if you want to achieve Energy Star life span (~35,000 hours) so running them at 1500ma (~5W) will yield something less than that...

 

[ralph atl]

I'll still wait...I saw the email...

 

[db366]

Also why are the prices going up, they need to be going down. I have yet to see a LED unit worth what they are being sold for. I know supply and demand but dang, LED's arn't even close to new technology.

I see this fixture being high end and selling for low to mid 400's, AI's should not be over 250. I can't wait to see a aquatrader LED Unit lol.

 

[acroholic]

db366;683825 wrote: I can't wait to see a aquatrader LED Unit lol.

Hehehe, but then you'd have to replace the driver, the LEDs, and the optics to get it to a decent level, and keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case!

 

[jumplittlechloe]

Here is some more info on the light:

 

[acroholic]

jumplittlechloe;685874 wrote: Here is some more info on the light:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/the-definitive-ecotech-radion-preview">http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/the-definitive-ecotech-radion-preview</a>[/QUOTE]

I don't know about having the cooling fan located facing the water and pulling air from that side? Seems you could be asking for salt buildup inside the unit over an open top tank.

 

[smallblock]

Acroholic;685891 wrote: I don't know about having the cooling fan located facing the water and pulling air from that side? Seems you could be asking for salt buildup inside the unit over an open top tank.

me neither, seems heat really isnt a big issue with leds, I also don't like how the leds are grouped in the two circles on each side. I dunno about this one. Ecotech is great so I'm sure eventually they will perfect it.

 

[gmpolan]

cant believe their pricing them over 700 when the market has wayyyyyyy better options for less, good luck ecotech with those sales even tho they have great features, i highly doubt you ll get a good bite out the public....just my two cents

 

[rbredding]

seems like people who damaged their corals with the AI units wouldn't even think about these units (given the increased wattage over the same footprint)..

I was never under the impression that the AI units were underpowered..