How to Set Up and Program EcoTech Marine Radions Using Mobius
Choosing reef tank lighting can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fixture sizes, spectrum options, and mounting solutions available. The EcoTech Marine Radion lineup simplifies that process by offering proven lighting performance, easy wireless control through Mobius, and flexible options for nearly every type of reef aquarium. This guide breaks down the differences between models, mounting choices, programming tips, and common questions to help you confidently choose the right setup for your tank.
Picking the Right Radions for Your Setup
Choosing the right Radion setup starts with understanding the type of reef aquarium you want to build. Tank dimensions, coral selection, and even the visual style you prefer all play a role in determining which Radion fixture is best for your aquarium.
EcoTech Marine currently offers two primary fixture sizes, the XR15 and XR30, along with two spectrum options, the Blue and the Pro. While all Radion G6 fixtures share the same premium build quality, Mobius wireless control, and HEI2 optics, selecting the right combination will help ensure you get the ideal balance of spread, intensity, and overall appearance for your reef tank.
Choosing Between the XR15 and XR30
The biggest difference between the XR15 and XR30 isn't just coverage, it's intensity. The XR15 is an excellent option for smaller aquariums, shallow reef tanks, soft coral systems, and many mixed reefs. The XR30 delivers substantially more output and is often the better choice for SPS-dominant aquariums, deeper tanks, or hobbyists looking to maximize PAR throughout the entire aquarium.
The XR15 also gives hobbyists a flexible option for multi-light layouts over longer aquariums, while the XR30 can often achieve similar results with fewer fixtures overall.
Radion XR15
- Smaller aquariums and nano reefs
- Soft coral and LPS-dominant systems
- Shallow reef tanks
- Hybrid lighting setups with T5s or LED bars
- Flexible multi-light layouts
Radion XR30
- SPS-dominant reef aquariums
- Medium to large aquariums
- Higher PAR requirements
- Wider coverage with fewer fixtures
- Deeper aquariums requiring stronger light penetration
Choosing Between the Blue and Pro
Once you've selected your fixture size, the next step is choosing the spectrum that best matches the look you want from your aquarium.
The Radion Blue is designed around the extremely popular AB+ spectrum profile and produces the deep blue appearance many reef hobbyists prefer. This spectrum maximizes coral fluorescence and delivers the vibrant glow commonly associated with modern reef aquariums.
The Radion Pro provides a more balanced daylight appearance with additional white-spectrum output. While it can still achieve the AB+ look, it also offers more flexibility for hobbyists who prefer a brighter, more natural presentation with stronger daytime visibility of fish and coral coloration.
Radion Blue
- Blue-heavy spectrum appearance
- Maximum coral fluorescence
- Optimized around the AB+ profile
- Popular for modern SPS reef aesthetics
Radion Pro
- Brighter daylight appearance
- Balanced full-spectrum output
- Increased white-spectrum visibility
- Flexible tuning for multiple visual styles
Unboxing and Mounting Your Radions
What's in the Box?
Getting the Radion fixture out of the box is rather simple as it includes the light fixture itself, a power supply, and a power cord. You may be wondering: how do I put this light over my aquarium? The Radion fixtures don't come with a mount, which gives you ultimate flexibility on how you want to use it over your system. Let's cover the four most popular ways to mount Radion lights, plus some alternate hybrid options.
Choosing the Right Radion Mounting Solution
RMS Tank Mount
Easily mount a single Radion to the rim of your aquarium at the optimal mounting height
Radion Hanging Kit
The easiest way to hang a single Radion above your aquarium
RMS Track + RMS Hanging Kit
Hang a length of RMS track above your aquarium and mount one or more fixtures to it
RMS Track + RMS Arm Kit
Mount an RMS track on your aquarium rim and mount one or more fixtures to it
Other Third-Party & Hybrid Solutions
Blade Hybrid Mounting Kit
Easily add 2 AI Blade LED strips to your Radion XR15 or XR30 light fixture to further improve coverage and increase light intensity. Ideal for setups running a single Radion fixture.
Blade/Radion XR15/XR30 Hybrid Mount Bracket
Another option for pairing the AI Blade LED strips with your Radion XR15 or XR30. This is ideal when using multiple Radion fixtures.
Blade/Radion XR30 Perpendicular Hybrid Mount Bracket
Similar to the Blade/Radion Hybrid Mount Bracket mentioned above, but longer to accommodate an XR30 mounted from front to back. Ideal for wider aquariums.
ReefBrite X Series Hybrid Kit
Easily add on your Radion XR15 or XR30 to this LED strip fixture. Ideal for reducing shadowing and improving overall coverage in demanding SPS systems.
Programming Your Radions Using Mobius
When setting up a new LED light system, you need to not only provide the right spectrum of light but also ensure you are providing a sufficient intensity (PAR) and maintaining a natural daily schedule that mimics the sun. The EcoTech Marine Radion G6 makes this easy thanks to their easy-to-use app called Mobius. Mobius provides users with presets and global controls while also allowing for more advanced configuration over the spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod.
For a majority of Radion G6 users, the presets are going to be the most ideal route for setting up your LEDs. Not only can you be confident you are providing a safe spectrum for your corals to thrive, but you also get the convenience of a pre-programmed photoperiod that can be easily customized should you wish to do so.
Using Presets
When setting up your Radions for the first time, you'll notice a few different presets you can utilize to get up and running quickly. Each preset provides a slightly different spectrum blend, all of which have been tested and proven successful via EcoTech Marine's CoraLab.
- AB+
- PHX14
- LPS Soft
- Radiant Color
While you can choose whichever spectrum you prefer, we recommend the AB+ spectrum because it has the longest successful track record and is easily the most popular spectrum blend used over reef aquariums. Even LED lights without the AB+ blend are often tuned to mirror this spectrum blend.
This creates a relatively blue-heavy appearance that promotes fluorescence among your corals and fish. If this isn't your preferred look, choose any one of the other presets and understand the setup process will be no different as long as you use the presets. Your spectrum is set and you won't have to worry about it, ever again!
Intensity and PAR Readings
Once you activate the spectrum, you can adjust the overall intensity down at the bottom using the slider. It comes automatically set to 50% intensity but can be adjusted based on your tank's PAR requirements. This global intensity adjustment maintains the ratio between color channels so you won't stray outside of the proven AB+ spectrum while adjusting the overall output.
Using a PAR meter is the only way to know with certainty that your intensity is set correctly. The example above used the Radion XR15 G6 over a 40-gallon Innovative Marine aquarium using the RMS mounting arm. The added PAR readings will give you an idea of how the fixture performs. Over a tank measuring roughly 20" deep, the preset output of 50% is perfectly tuned for soft coral and LPS. For SPS corals, moving up to 100% gets you into the appropriate range.
Learn More: Keep Coral HAPPY & Dial in Your Reef Tank Lights With a PAR Meter!
Photoperiod
When we say photoperiod in the aquarium hobby, we're referring to when and how long the lighting is on.
While the AB+ preset will work in the way of spectrum and intensity for a majority of reef tank owners, the photoperiod attached to the presets will likely not be ideal simply based on the time of day. Most of us working a typical 9-5 workday prefer to shift the photoperiod so you're not missing out on viewing the aquarium when you're actually home. In order to adjust this pre-programmed light schedule, you simply need to adjust the setpoints.
Click on the "Lighting" tab from the Mobius dashboard. Using the circle slider, adjust the sun icon to your desired time for the lights to turn ON, and adjust the moon to the desired time for the light to turn off. Maintain at least 8 hours of operation time in between the two icons to ensure a sufficient total photoperiod (the length of time the lights are ON).
Customizing Photoperiod Using Setpoints
If you want to adjust the photoperiod to run longer than 8 hours but don't want to expose the corals to too much light, you can use the setpoint to ultimately reduce the amount of time the corals are exposed to maximum output. This essentially draws out the sunrise and sunset times over a much longer period creating a much longer photoperiod, while still retaining the recommended 6 hours of peak output time.
Adjusting the times of the ramp-up and ramp-down setpoints to accommodate the desired photoperiod will not modify the spectrum or intensity settings. It's very important to retain only 6 hours of peak output and you can see how these adjustments will shift in the graphs above.
As an aquarium lighting rule of thumb, we recommend following a 1-8-1 lighting schedule.
What is the 1-8-1 ratio, you might ask? 1-8-1 means 1 hour of ramp up at the beginning of the photoperiod, 8 hours of steady intensity throughout the day, then 1 hour of ramp down at the end of the day. This gives you a 10-hour lighting schedule, which is right in the middle of the typical 8-12 hours that most hobbyists recommend. Of course, you can set this 10-hour period to start when you're most typically home, so you can get the maximum amount of viewing time and enjoyment from your reef tank.
Using Kelvin (Color Temperature)
If you prefer to adjust the spectrum of your tank based on appearance, you can use the Kelvin adjustment instead. Keep in mind, adjusting the color temperature does change the spectrum which will have an effect on not only the appearance of your aquarium but also the color and growth of your corals. The AB+ spectrum is a safe and proven spectrum so proceed with caution when using this approach. If you're not confident in your ability to tune the spectrum, it's best to stick with one of the presets.
You'll start by setting up the light using the exact process described above then adjust using the Kelvin slider. You will need to go into each setpoint throughout your photoperiod and use the Kelvin slider to adjust to your desired spectrum. Most experienced hobbyists would not recommend anything outside of the 10,000K - 20,000K range with something in 15 to 20,000K range being the most popular.
Optional Accessories
The Radion LED light fixtures are powerhouses right out of the box, but for experienced reefkeepers looking for specific control or unique needs, these optional upgrades and accessories can be valuable tools.
High Intensity Lens Kit
Lens that narrows the output angle of your Radion, providing higher PAR (intensity) in a reduced total coverage area (spread)
Diffuser Upgrade
Diffuser that will decrease overall PAR (intensity) slightly, but further improve how evenly the light is distributed in the aquarium
MXM Module
Control your Radion LED light fixture with the Neptune Systems Apex
Power Supply Mount
Keep your setup neat, tidy, and safe with this easy to use power supply bracket
Frequently Asked Questions About the Radion
Should I Use the XR15 or the XR30?
The easiest way to decide between the XR15 and XR30 is to think about how much light intensity you need, not just how much coverage you need.
The XR30 is wider and will provide a few extra inches of side-to-side coverage, but because it draws roughly twice the power of the XR15, it is also the higher intensity fixture. If you plan to keep high-light corals like SPS in a reef aquarium with typical dimensions, the XR30 is likely the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are planning a soft coral or LPS-dominated tank, or if your reef aquarium is shallow, the XR15 can absolutely get the job done. If your tank is longer or wider, you can simply use multiple XR15 or XR30 fixtures to cover the extra space.
Radion XR15
- Soft coral, LPS-dominant systems
- Shallow aquariums
- SPS systems when using as a hybrid with other lighting
- Smaller aquariums where a single XR30 would be overkill
Radion XR30
- SPS dominant systems with high-light corals
- Medium to large aquariums
- When fewer light fixtures are preferred
Which is Best, the G6 Blue or G6 Pro?
Long story short, if you prefer a bluer tank that focuses on coral fluorescence and color pop, the Blue fixture is likely going to suit you best. If you prefer a brighter, more natural daylight look that balances fluorescence with the chromatic pigments of corals and fish, the Pro is likely what you are after.
- Radion Blue: Provides a heavy blue spectrum, optimized for coral fluorescence with all channels at 100%.
- Radion Pro: Produces a whiter or more natural daylight appearance in the aquarium with all channels at 100%.
The Blue fixture is designed to create the highly regarded AB+ spectral profile with all channels at 100%, allowing you to get maximum output from the fixture with that profile. The Pro can also utilize the AB+ spectrum, as it always could, but some channels need to be turned down in order to achieve it.
When Should You Use the High Intensity Lens Kit?
The short answer is, most reefers won't need the High Intensity Lens Kit.
But to answer this question properly, we need to look at how the lenses work. Getting more intensity from your light fixture without increasing power draw sounds great, but there is a tradeoff. While you get more intensity, you get less spread.
The fixture is not creating more photons with the new lenses. It is concentrating the available photons over a smaller surface area.
This can be helpful on taller aquariums, usually over 24" tall, where the light needs more “punch” to reach the bottom before it spreads out. It can also be useful when you want to intentionally create high and low PAR zones in a mixed reef, with SPS placed directly under the lights and LPS or soft corals placed off to the sides.
What is the Best Mounting Height for the Radion G6?
The Radion G6 LEDs have an optimal mounting height of about 9" from the water's surface. The RMS tank mount is designed to achieve this optimal mounting height.
How is the Radion G6 Different from the Radion G5?
The only differences between the Radion G5 and G6 are the optics and spectrum.
- G6 Spectrum - Both the G6 Pro and Blue fixtures include more Blue LEDs and an added near-UV 395nm LED, which widens the blue-purple spectrum that corals crave. This also improves the fluorescence you can achieve among your fish and corals.
- HEI2 Optics - All G6 generation Radion LEDs sport a brand new HEI2 optics system, which widens the native spread of light to further improve coverage and efficiency. The beam angle right out of the light measures 126°, creating the most even and widest spread of light from a Radion LED to date.
Is the Upgrade from a Radion G5 to G6 Worth It?
The G5 was and still is a very successful platform that brought a dramatic improvement over the Radion LEDs of days past. The improved spread and spectrum combined with wireless control via Mobius created one of the best performing reef tank LEDs we have ever seen. The G5 lights have grown hundreds of thousands of healthy corals in both private reef aquariums and aquaculture facilities across the world.
The G6 most certainly embraces all of the features that made the G5 so successful, and there are two distinct benefits to making the upgrade:
- Improved G6 Spectrum: Achieve better fluorescence among your fish and corals.
- Improved G6 Optics: More even spread for better light coverage.
The good news is that making the upgrade from a G5 to G6 is easier and more affordable than you think! Because the G5 and G6 are built using the same platform, EcoTech Marine offers upgrade kits that allow you to simply swap out the LED board without having to buy a whole new fixture.
Additionally, you can even go from a G5 Blue to a G6 Pro if you find yourself wanting a more natural daylight look, or from a G5 Pro to a G6 Blue if you're wanting to maximize coral fluorescence.
Watch Video: Radion G6 Upgrade Kit Instructions - From G5 to G6 or Pro to Blue
Does the G6 Fit G5 RMS Mounting Systems?
Yes! All RMS mounting hardware is compatible with both the G5 and G6 series Radion LEDs because they are built using the same housing and heatsink.
Is the Radion G6 Apex Compatible?
Yes, using an MXM module, the G6 Radion light fixtures are compatible with A2 and A3 Apex controllers.
How Does the MXM Module Work?
The MXM module acts as a link between the Mobius app that the Radion fixtures run on and your Neptune Systems Apex. This allows you to program and schedule your lighting through Apex Fusion.
Why Use MXM?
Aside from the benefit of all your devices on one control app, having Apex Fusion control your EcoTech or AquaIllumination gear means that you can include it in your Apex feed modes and other automation.
What Gear is Compatible with MXM?
EcoTech Marine
- Radion XR15 & XR30 LED Lights (G5 | G6)
- VorTech MQD Series (MP10 | MP40 | MP60)
- Vectra Series 2 (S2 | M2 | L2)
AquaIllumination
- Hydra Series (Edge 44HD | Edge 68HD | 32 HD | 64 HD)
- Prime 16HD (Reef | Freshwater | Sol | Fuge)
- Nero Series (Nero 3 | Nero 5 | Nero 7)
- Blade LED Strip (Grow | Glow | Freshwater | Refugium)
- Orbit Series (Orbit 2 | Orbit 4)
- Axis Series (Axis 20 | Axis 40 | Axis 90)
Learn More: Neptune Systems MXM - Mobius Wireless Control Module
Are Radions Actually Worth It?
Radions aren't just good; they're the gold standard of LED Aquarium lighting.
In a world of reef lighting where there are many great options from many different brands, plenty of fixtures are capable of growing big, healthy, colorful colonies of even the most light-demanding corals.
EcoTech Radions remain one of the most popular lighting options available, and not just within the reefing community.
Research and rescue centers, public aquariums, and coral farms trust Radions to simulate seasonal changes, trigger spawning events, provide energy to endangered and threatened coral species, and grow out thousands upon thousands of coral frags each year.
Many local aquarium shops also run Radions over display tanks and holding systems to keep corals healthy and looking their best until they are taken home.
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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