I like both the Radion Pros and the Chinese LEDs honestly. They target two different markets.

The "Audi vs a Kia" comparison isn't really valid, because the chinese fixtures can hit 300 PAR on the sandbed too, so they aren't far apart performance wise. The Radions have quite a few more features though, which many people would love to have. It's up to each buyer to decide what works best for them.

From gen1 to gen 2 is 150.00

Another vote for the radion. had them for about 6 months, and am buying a second for my new tank. Im running just Gen1's, but they do more then enough for me and they are good and cheap now at 599 new online.

For a light thats going to last 5 years, i wouldnt pick anything else. I trust that light to do its job day in and day out, and i saw alot more growth leaving the compacts and t5's

I think that is so cool! But I am waiting for the pro upgrade option, I think that will be in the 250.00 range.

From an earlier post, unless I've missed a recent upgrade, the ecosmart doesnt do much regarding the vortechs IMO (nothing worth paying extra for).

However, even though the software still seems to be somewhat goofy, the upgradability and control is always great with the radions. Once you get it right, it's a no-fuss, no-worry system with them. Is it a PIA at the start? For me -- HELL YES! Will I upgrade to Pros when available?? hell yes!!

If you go to anything else (not saying another great system like Mitras or exoexotic), just watch your library and see how it reacts. I seem to have found what thrives in my tank and what just doesnt make it.

As a weird sidenote - what if the corals we collect start to be determined by their survivability under LED lighting?