AI Prime 16 HD Strong enough?

[OceansinAZ]

I am a new reefer (only in it for a few months) and thought I would run a lighting question by you guys. I have a 30 gal tank that is 15" wide x 23" long x 17" deep. I am wanting to start putting some Zoa's and GSP in the tank, over the next few months. Eventually I want to put some LPS (something like a hammer) and down the road (maybe in a year or so) some SPS. For a tank my size, would an AI Prime 16 HD be strong enough? I ask because it looks like both Kessil and Echotech put out a product that for sure would work, but they are around $400 to $450. The AI Prime is only $200. I don't want to spend money unnecessarily, but also don't want to by the AI prime to just replace it within 18 months. Any thoughts or advice for this newbie would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dempsey941]

Prime 16 should be just fine. Maybe a little shadow on the edges but it won’t be too bad.

 

[EricHop]

I think it would work. Better yet you could get a hydra 32 for around 365 bucks and still be cheaper then the other two you mentioned.

 

[Nick Steele]

Or get one 16hd now run it for zoas etc and in a year or so when you want something that needs higher light you can just get a second 16hd.

I’m doing this on my tank. I might never need the second light but it’s an option I like having.

 

[OceansinAZ]

Or get one 16hd now run it for zoas etc and in a year or so when you want something that needs higher light you can just get a second 16hd.

I’m doing this on my tank. I might never need the second light but it’s an option I like having.

I like that idea. I hadn't thought of that

 

[reef3reef]

For a tank of that size, the Prime HD will work. Just use the right setting/schedule. It will even grow clams and SPS, provided they are directly under the light.