40Breeder lighting

[ChrisfromBrick]

Not new to the hobby but have been out for quite some time. I have a 40b 36x18x18 that im thinking id get 2x AI primes HD for a mixed reef. Zoas, GSP, some SPS, monti plates, and birds nest or even some acros later on.

Any ideas if 2 will be good for this plan?

 

[lapin]

Perfect

 

[lil sumpin]

Two of these would have you covered. The grows are much more versatile than the glows

 

[abc123]

Par readings on my 40 breeder before switching to 2 xr15

 

[EricR]

I run 2x AI Primes on 40 breeder soft coral tank and think they're fine for that.

This BRS video has pretty good testing of AI Primes on different tanks, including 40 breeder so may be worth checking out:
*I think they actually recommend 3x Primes for SPS in 40B

BRStv AI Primes

 

[JoJosReef]

I run 3 Noopsyche K7 Minis on mine with good results on a mixed reef. Each Mini is 5W more than an AI Prime and better spectrum + zero risk of the lense melting. And half the price for 3 vs 2 AI Primes.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I run 3 Noopsyche K7 Minis on mine with good results on a mixed reef. Each Mini is 5W more than an AI Prime and better spectrum + zero risk of the lense melting. And half the price for 3 vs 2 AI Primes.

thank you so much! Your tank is awesome!

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I run 3 Noopsyche K7 Minis on mine with good results on a mixed reef. Each Mini is 5W more than an AI Prime and better spectrum + zero risk of the lense melting. And half the price for 3 vs 2 AI Primes.

Does the Noopsyche K7 auto dim up and back down like other lights like sunlight simulation?

 

[JoJosReef]

Does the Noopsyche K7 auto dim up and back down like other lights like sunlight simulation?

It has hourly programmability. Not the easiest of apps, but totally serviceable. The trade-off with Noops is the App is less sophisticated, and the wifi connections are a bit messy in some cases--I connect directly to the lights (AP mode), though, and use saved settings that I can move easily between them, so I don't really care about wifi.

 

[Spare time]

I run 3 Noopsyche K7 Minis on mine with good results on a mixed reef. Each Mini is 5W more than an AI Prime and better spectrum + zero risk of the lense melting. And half the price for 3 vs 2 AI Primes.

My only complaint about them is that I prefer mich more of a natural daylight look and the noopsyche minis can't do that. I have a 48g tank where I run 100% and something like 20% on the blue/violet channels and it barely isn't completely blue looking.

 

[JoJosReef]

My only complaint about them is that I prefer mich more of a natural daylight look and the noopsyche minis can't do that. I have a 48g tank where I run 100% and something like 20% on the blue/violet channels and it barely isn't completely blue looking.

The blue is very strong. I like the look of mine when it's peaking at 50% blue, 60% violet, 25% whites. I tried to estimate it as close as possible to an AB+ spectrum, although I've been meaning to increase the whites. I also like more daylight look for better fish colors.

 

[Hooz]

Two Primes on a 40B is plenty for a mixed reef. Three will get you wall-to-wall SPS PAR levels.

 

[mdpitts]

I run 3 Noopsyche K7 Minis on mine with good results on a mixed reef. Each Mini is 5W more than an AI Prime and better spectrum + zero risk of the lense melting. And half the price for 3 vs 2 AI Primes.

I followed along on your build thread. I just found out the lights I purchased weren't cutting it for my corals and now I have to buy something else. I'm going to follow your lead.

 

[danimal1211]

Two Smatfarm G5s and some aliled strips would be “Magic” over a 40b. According to Telegram

 

[VintageReefer]

I will say thee have been some great suggestions and I’ll throw in another based on my experience.

A reef breeders photon 32 will give excellent spectrum, controllability, and provide even wall to wall coverage that blends well and allows any coral you like at any place in the tank.

Photon 32 is perfect for a 36” tank

I don’t have pics as I sold the setup but I do have a photon 48 over a 48” tank and the results would be basically the same. This is my afternoon settings. I have more whites closer to noon and as the evening / night approaches the whites reduce and the light shifts more and more to a blue spectrum

 

[shakacuz]

althoguh two AI primes would do just fine to grow those corals, i would suggest upgrading to two hydra 32HD's, or better yet: two reefi uno pro 2.0. the reefi's are much more than enough for the tank and will allow you room for upgrading tank size later down the road to avoid having to buy new lights.

 

[areefer01]

althoguh two AI primes would do just fine to grow those corals, i would suggest upgrading to two hydra 32HD's, or better yet: two reefi uno pro 2.0. the reefi's are much more than enough for the tank and will allow you room for upgrading tank size later down the road to avoid having to buy new lights.

Two of the Reefi's would be overkill unless you run them low power. However the part about carrying forward with an upgrade is spot on. Balance though, for budget, is the challenge.