AI nano - lighting input

[Jcearl]

My sister currently has a 20 gallon high tank 24 x 12 x 16. she currently has an AI nano for lighting, the tank has all LPS so nothing too difficult to keep. her lights are currently only turned up to whites are at 10% and blues are at 25% and everything is growing very well.

she wants to get a 60 gallon cube 24x24x24 now she wants to know if she can keep the AI nano over the 60 cube and turn the lights up a little. she knows its not ideal but wants to know if she can get away with it.

any input would be nice.

 

[Addict]

I would say yes, it could work for now as long as she would be upgrading at some point. Also remember that coral placement will be crucial do to par fall off in areas and others will be higher because she turn the intensity up.

 

[Jcearl]

thanks for the input - anyone else like to chime in?

 

[Reefing Madness]

I'd say no, not a good idea. 1- its only 35 watts, in the larger tank you'd want at least 65w and up, thats equal to a 250w halide lamp.
2nd, bigger tank is 24" deep, the other is much shallower. Just my thoughts though.

 

[Addict]

First, it is 6 inches difference in hight, not really a big deal. Second, she currently is using the nano at minimal power. Of corse it is not ideal situtation, but it can work. The amount of power really doesnt matter,power is adjustable, and she is using the light less than 25% of its potential. What does matter is the coverage that it provides. The coverage is going to drop rapidly, which could make coral placement difficult. I do own an ai nano, so from my experience using the fixture and planing to upgrade near future, I was considering doing the same thing.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I do own an AI Hydra, and have mine on full blast in a 24" deep tank @ 95 watts with LPS. From using 250w halides. Just saying. 35w wont cut it imo. But I guess its worth a shot. And coverage wise, there woukd definately need to be 2 of them used if thats the route taken.

 

[Jcearl]

thanks everyone for the advice