1 AI prime on a JBJ 45

lukejohnson1022 · May 4, 2018

Hey guys, so I’m trying to upgrade to a JBJ 45 Gallon tank this summer ( if I can get a job cause I’m a typical broke unemployed high school reefer [emoji23]) and I’m trying to do it on a small, but not too small, budget. I know the AI prime can handle 24x24in of LPS and softies but the JBJ is 26in long. Will I be okay with one Prime HD until I can afford another? And also if anyone has a JBJ 45 I would appreciate any advice on where to save money. Thanks!

mahindra.dev · May 4, 2018

lukejohnson1022 said:
Hey guys, so I’m trying to upgrade to a JBJ 45 Gallon tank this summer ( if I can get a job cause I’m a typical broke unemployed high school reefer [emoji23]) and I’m trying to do it on a small, but not too small, budget. I know the AI prime can handle 24x24in of LPS and softies but the JBJ is 26in long. Will I be okay with one Prime HD until I can afford another? And also if anyone has a JBJ 45 I would appreciate any advice on where to save money. Thanks!

I use one Kessil 360WE on my JBJ 45. Mostly LPS and zoas!! Works great. I set mine @ 50% color and intensity, 8 inches of my water line.

It’s also on sale @ most retailers!! Worth trying it cos its plug and play. BRS has a video on PAR and how many you need.

@Bob Escher and @NY_Caveman your thoughts!!!

NY_Caveman · May 4, 2018

I have the JBJ 45, but it is setting up now. Long story, but I have a SB Reef Lights 16” WiFi I picked up on a Black Friday sale. It was originally for a JBJ 30. I have tested it and played with it a bit. I think it will work with the 45. I hope so.

Bob Escher · May 4, 2018

Hmm I ended up going with a Radion xr15 Gen4 Pro which works very well for me. My control problem won over everything else. I wanted it to work with my APEX so I gladly paid the extra price

lukejohnson1022 · May 4, 2018

If I had the money, I would absolutely go with a xr30 with a Radion.

Bob Escher · May 4, 2018

I thought that but my Radion xr15 Gen4 Pro does a damm fine job covering my JBJ 45 and it’s not even running close to 100% probably at 70%

lukejohnson1022 · May 5, 2018

Absolutely but I just can’t afford that especially with the reeflink for controls. Is there anything else I should look into? I’m looking for a good light about $200 with good controls.

Flexin · May 5, 2018

1 AI Prime HD is fine. Just raise the light to get your coverage. It’s bright enough.

Bob Escher · May 5, 2018

I would Agee get the ai

Richard Cross · Jun 23, 2018

the ai is nice but youll be running it kinda steep. i would almost consider a 2nd hand hydra 26 hd

SOCOM · Jul 12, 2018

hydra 26 without a doubt.

mahindra.dev · Jul 12, 2018

This is a JBJ45 at WORLDWIDE CORALS. I was there last week. They have 2 of those lights. No fancy schedule or anything. 2 pumps, one on each side. Just look at how packed it is. Has a lot of star fish. I saw 2-3 fish. But that’s the potential of those lights.

Livinlocal · Jul 12, 2018

I would go with a hydra 26. I had a prime HD over my 50 cube and it just wasn’t enough light.

I switched to a hydra 26 and couldn’t be happier.

SOCOM · Jul 13, 2018

I also switched and I had the prime over a jbj20 gallon and thought that wasn't enough.

Flexin · Jul 14, 2018

SOCOM said:
I also switched and I had the prime over a jbj20 gallon and thought that wasn't enough.

Depending on the mounting height, that can be said for any puck LED. I think it's more helpful if details are added to explain the mounting height etc. I personally don't find wide open comments helpful.

For a larger tank, like the 50 above depending on the shape, two lights may have been a better solution. I've done that on a 65 which eliminated shadowing. The hydras may be better since they have two lenses on one unit. But in regards to power, seeing settings from others, I've not seen anyone running lights at 100%. I also know I had to turn my way down because it was hurting the corals. So I struggle to agree there is not enough power.