Radion upgrade: to, or not to? To G3, G3P, G4, G4P?

[Playapixie]

Hey all, question regarding coloration/“pop” improvement with Ecotech Radion upgrade options.

I’ve been running a G1 Radion for something like 6 years over my 34 gallon Solana. I’m pretty satisfied with output, and the spread is acceptable, corals grow fine, so no real “problems.” But I’ve never loved the coloration it gives my tanks, compared to what I’ve seen on other tanks with different LED’s or new Radions.

So I’m considering an upgrade. Obviously the most affordable option is to send in the one I already own for Ecotech to upgrade to the G3. And of course since I’m thinking about it, I’ve also been checking out the G4 and G4 pro. I don’t need the pro for the increased output, but I do like the idea of more color channels.

What I want to know is: is it worth the upgrade (any of them) in terms of visual appeal and making colors pop? Will I see a noticeable difference from G1 to G3? Is G4 way better than G3 (aesthetically)? Has anyone made any of these leaps and can talk to how the corals appear under the improved spectrum? Will the G3 upgrade be enough to see that new “pop”? Is the G4Pro way better than the regular G4 in terms of color/“pop”?

I’d love some first-hand experiences with this. Thanks!

 

[mfinn]

I went from gen 1's to gen 3's via the upgrade path.
But it's been so long since I did it, I don't remember how much change if any there was.
What I do remember is, that for only another $175, I basically had new light, and projected years more use out of it.
Beats the heck out of running the light into the ground and having to spend another $650 or $800.

While I didn't plan it, I do have gen4's now.

 

[Playapixie]

Hmmm...that’s a good point, the prolonging of useful life of the fixture...