24x24 cube lighting (AP9X...maybe)

hydroskillet · Feb 11, 2021

Hey there community!! So I see this discussion all over, and my question is a bit like all the others, but I had already thought of a light and wanted to reach out to the interwebs for other opinions.

Currently I'm running a 24'' Current-USA Orbit IC Pro Dual, which is ok for my softies but still not great at the bottom. I'm wanting to cover a bit more and even be able to hit those really high pars for SPS.

I've been really looking at the Kessil AP9X, which didn't look amazing for cubes which is my real hesitation, but a pro on that is that the coverage is a bit rectangular so this may be a bonus for a mixed reef cube in that I can his the lower PARs on the front and back. I'm also a bit of a tech nerd, so the built in wifi is a definet plus. This is one of the reasons why the Current Loop with the lights and wave pump controllers were originally appealing at the price. But you get what you pay for when it comes to PAR.

Any other ideas for lighting that will look amazing? I definitely wouldn't want to spend more than what an AP9X would cost, and as is I'm buying other wave pumps now for the reef (still undecided on those). Also, some people dislike the App / Smart controls on these, but I'm a fan and would want to keep that up.

lancesmith1 · Feb 11, 2021

Bulk Reef tested the AP9X on a 24 inch cube. That should be helpful.

nereefpat · Feb 11, 2021

Lots of options. Are you wanting LED, for sure?

The AP9x would be one of the expensive options. A couple other expensive options would be the Philips coral care or the Orphek Atlantik.

Another option would be a pair of AI hydra 32s, or a pair of Noopsyche K7s. I would be tempted to go that route, if I wanted LED.

A couple plug and play options would be a single MH pendant or a 6 bulb T5 fixture. But if you want to play with apps, these wouldn't be your jam.

Jekyl · Feb 11, 2021

For almost the same cost you could run 2 a360s. That would give you more than enough coverage

hydroskillet · Feb 11, 2021

Thanks! I like the LED just because they're so small and like it was said, definetly not controllable. I considered a pair of Hydra or 360s but from what I saw It wasnt too big a price gap when you fit in the wifi controller and mounts.

I've not seen the Noopsyche K7 but I'm going to check it out! Thanks!!

vetteguy53081 · Feb 11, 2021

Ai Hydra 26 or two Reefbrite XHO 24"

Hasted · Feb 11, 2021

I have the AP9x over my 3'x2' tank. I have a little light spill off each side at 3'. I would assume you would get even more. Not sure if that is an issue for you. Definitely seems to be more for rectangular tanks.

But, I LOVE my AP9x. I came from 3x AI Prime 16HDs (good lights. Just not enough). Primes were 100% BRS recommended (which made fans loud) My AP9x had the same PAR numbers when at 55% intensity. Dead silent and beautiful.

nereefpat · Feb 11, 2021

hydroskillet said:
I've not seen the Noopsyche K7 but I'm going to check it out! Thanks!!

They are very similar to the older Hydra 26s, just cheaper

hydroskillet · Feb 12, 2021

Just pulled the trigger on the 9x. We'll see how it goes, but it has to be better than the Orbit!

NY_Sea · Feb 12, 2021

Good choice In lighting!!

JGL · Feb 17, 2021

hydroskillet said:
Just pulled the trigger on the 9x. We'll see how it goes, but it has to be better than the Orbit!

Let me know how it goes. I have a 60 cube. Curious about the spill.

Kessil · Feb 18, 2021

JGL said:
Let me know how it goes. I have a 60 cube. Curious about the spill.

It's not too bad. This is the exact tank dimension we have our office tank running on. More details here.

Kessil Tank Tour - AP9X over our 60 gallon SPS Cube

We receive a variety of questions asking about the tanks at our office, so we decided to give you a quick tour of one of the many tanks that we keep at the office. The first is a lesson how quickly you can recover a tank that’s been neglected by dialing in the lighting for SPS growth and...

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