Ai prime HD Or marine orbit duel pro!?

[nightmarepl]

So currently i have a 10 gallon nano reef tank with a basic 18w marine orbit on it getting really slow growth about 8 months in very little growth everything is thriving just hasn’t been growth all my perimeters are decent
Alk 10
Calc 480
Ph8.0
Nitrates 10ish
Temp 76-78

Figured I’d try upgrading the light for more power got myself an ai prime HD “ died the first 10 hours “ blinking red light getting a replacement now.

Don’t know if i should risk it again get the prime hd or upgrade to a 36 inch marine orbit duel pro alittle more expensive but 70+ watts of power was planning to make alittle wrack over my tank since it’s way bigger than my tank until i have a suitable upgrade any ideas?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I think the AI prime is a more suitable light and will give you much more flexibility.

 

[Reefrookie220]

Prime hands down. While current has stepped up the game, IMO for a tank like that the prime is the beat choice.

 

[Noobreefer22]

What I learn is that the some high end stuff does justice towards what we try to achieve
The lights are one of those

 

[Reefrookie220]

What I learn is that the some high end stuff does justice towards what we try to achieve
The lights are one of those

When I worked the sales floor at a local lfs I always said the same thing to customers buying new setups. Your three big ticket items are lights , skimmer, and rock. They’re pricey but it’s unavoidable

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

Depending on which marine orbit pro your going with is the main question. If you have the ordinal orbit any light is stronger than that one lol. Now if you have the marine orbit pro with the 60 degree lens, then that light is twice the power of the prime. If your going with the new ic loop version, it will depend on your tank dimensions. Two would work fine, but if your using two of those, you should be using two of the primes as well.

Remember that your comparing a strip light to a puck light. The marine pro will have less shading, and better coverage than the prime. If your not using the 60 degree marine pro, the direct point and shoot from a puck will be higher because of the angle of lens.

An example is I use two marine pro 72 inch 60 degree lens on my 240 that is 34 inches tall. Using an ly-cor 1500 meter I was a consistent 200 par on the sand bed with these lights. I attempted to run three for (me being stupid) and it was extreme overkill and I decreased my light production or level by 33% per light and was still two much. Make no mistake the 60 degree marine pros are very very powerful, the orginal marine orbit not so much. The ic loop version are okay for a smaller tank but not a large one. Speaking with them directly, these ic loops will grow sps, but you would have to place them higher. If I read your post correctly the size of your tank is fairly small. These ic version will give you more light than you need.

In terms of your coral growth, remember it’s not just light that makes coral grow. It’s the right combination of everything together that makes it grow faster. Swapping lights may or may not change this if the tank is lacking on anything else. Pics of your tank and light and setup would be good to see. We can also see what else you could try to enhance the tank as well (other than light) or it may be perfect the way it is now. But hard to say with out more info and pics.

Sincerely
Sarah

 

[nightmarepl]

Hello,

Depending on which marine orbit pro your going with is the main question. If you have the ordinal orbit any light is stronger than that one lol. Now if you have the marine orbit pro with the 60 degree lens, then that light is twice the power of the prime. If your going with the new ic loop version, it will depend on your tank dimensions. Two would work fine, but if your using two of those, you should be using two of the primes as well.

Remember that your comparing a strip light to a puck light. The marine pro will have less shading, and better coverage than the prime. If your not using the 60 degree marine pro, the direct point and shoot from a puck will be higher because of the angle of lens.

An example is I use two marine pro 72 inch 60 degree lens on my 240 that is 34 inches tall. Using an ly-cor 1500 meter I was a consistent 200 par on the sand bed with these lights. I attempted to run three for (me being stupid) and it was extreme overkill and I decreased my light production or level by 33% per light and was still two much. Make no mistake the 60 degree marine pros are very very powerful, the orginal marine orbit not so much. The ic loop version are okay for a smaller tank but not a large one. Speaking with them directly, these ic loops will grow sps, but you would have to place them higher. If I read your post correctly the size of your tank is fairly small. These ic version will give you more light than you need.

In terms of your coral growth, remember it’s not just light that makes coral grow. It’s the right combination of everything together that makes it grow faster. Swapping lights may or may not change this if the tank is lacking on anything else. Pics of your tank and light and setup would be good to see. We can also see what else you could try to enhance the tank as well (other than light) or it may be perfect the way it is now. But hard to say with out more info and pics.

Sincerely
Sarah

I’ll load up some stuff up now
Currently i have a 10gallon in the future meaning like 10 months from now i have a 32 biocube that I’ll be making rimless and removing the lid it’s 22x22x22 issue i had was i got the prime hd and it broke in the first hour read a lot of negative reviews after it looked at getting the duel marine orbit pro loops but they cost slot more

 

[Reefrookie220]

Ai is usually very good with customer service on everything short of dropping the fixture in the tank. Give them a call after submitting a ticket

 

[Reefrookie220]

That anemone looks killer in that second photo!

 

[nightmarepl]

That anemone looks killer in that second photo!

Thank you he’s a floater never likes his spots haha i contacted ai prime last week they just shipped today 4 days later with only one state away from coming from pa to nj 8 day ground completely fed up with them atm

 

[Reefrookie220]

Gotta add a few days for paperwork with them, and most places for that matter.

Glad they resolved your issue. You’ll really like the light when you upgrade. The depth of the bc32 is on the edge of the lights range. But that will allow you to keep everything in its proper place and have some great low light corals on the sand/bottom while more light demanding stuff will thrive as well.

Plus when you hit the 40breeder stage(let’s be honest, it’s inevitable) simply adding another prime instead of $$$$$ on a completely new set of current fixtures will be more cost effective.

 

[nightmarepl]

Gotta add a few days for paperwork with them, and most places for that matter.

Glad they resolved your issue. You’ll really like the light when you upgrade. The depth of the bc32 is on the edge of the lights range. But that will allow you to keep everything in its proper place and have some great low light corals on the sand/bottom while more light demanding stuff will thrive as well.

Plus when you hit the 40breeder stage(let’s be honest, it’s inevitable) simply adding another prime instead of $$$$$ on a completely new set of current fixtures will be more cost effective.

Think i should stay with the prime HD bite the bullet hopefully won’t run into another issue? Worst comes to worst I’ll buy something else in the future if it dies

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I would highly suggest the current ic loops in your case then. Reasons for this is:
1.) the marine pros I have or for what you need or twice the cost of the ic loops.
2.) when I had issues with my 72 inch light which is an 809 dollar light, I called current and first phone call they had one ready to ship. Within two hours I had a tracking number for over night shipping. When I called to send the other one back, then told me no big deal, I can keep it if I want to. I did send it back but they didn’t even force me to or require it lol. Plus they know their stuff and have the best warranty ever.
3.) they are sleeker and sit right on top of the tank. So when it’s in the living room like mine, your not blinded. With that being said, and you going rimless I’d have to say they make a rimless hanger specially for that light.
4.) I have had one issue with any products from current. Come to find out my light wasn’t actually broken, lol but the dual ramp timer had an issue. They thought it was sent in for repair, and told me the light was fine but the timer was bad and it’s a separate piece. They also tried to send it to me lol which I told them I had already received a new one. But they are well built and work great, and cost much less.

When I beta tested the ai I had quite a few problems with them and at the time I didn’t have a smart phone, making it harder. Plus if you drop your light in the water or it gets salt Crete in them they actually will warranty it and not charge you. Also cool thing is for example they are about to release a new orbit marine pro, if your light ever fails and they don’t have any or make them, they upgrade you with no extra cost. This was told to me directly by two members of their staff when I called in for other reasons. (I was beta testing one of their pumps).

 

[Reefrookie220]

While the current is a good light. At some point cost comes into play with a smaller system.

@Sarah24! Is a huge fan of the loop system. And rightly so.

My point is this- if you buy the 18in dual system from current then your stick with a high dollar rig that won’t grow with your system.

From a salesperson stand point, I’d shy you away from them for that reason alone. The room for growth with the prime is exponentially better in this situation. Adding another unit when the time comes is super easy with the slave/master setup on the prime. Control all additional fixtures from your initial one.

I’m not downing the current lights period, but each situation is unique. In a hobby where cost is increasing constantly with new and improved products, it’s smart to shop smart instead of having a garage full of 600$ lights that you can’t use on anything but the largest of nano systems.

 

[Sarah24!]

While the current is a good light. At some point cost comes into play with a smaller system.

@Sarah24! Is a huge fan of the loop system. And rightly so.

My point is this- if you buy the 18in dual system from current then your stick with a high dollar rig that won’t grow with your system.

From a salesperson stand point, I’d shy you away from them for that reason alone. The room for growth with the prime is exponentially better in this situation. Adding another unit when the time comes is super easy with the slave/master setup on the prime. Control all additional fixtures from your initial one.

I’m not downing the current lights period, but each situation is unique. In a hobby where cost is increasing constantly with new and improved products, it’s smart to shop smart instead of having a garage full of 600$ lights that you can’t use on anything but the largest of nano systems.

Hello,

Aww thanks but some of that is true and not true. I don’t use the current ic loop lights they are definitely not strong enough for my system. I use the prior version of marine pros which are the same level as hydra and Radion and cost per say, 809 for each light is the same level.

My information comes from when I volunteered for certain programs and aquariums through out college. Based on my experience using different products etc is how I have posted. You can absolutely grow with the current lights, I can not see how that is not viable. Even if you move to a larger tank, then even the primes you have to upgrade.

The debate on lights and products will never end its always what it is. The simple fact is, both are good lights, they each have pros and cons. What the op must understand is, what appeals to him the most. What light actually looks better on his tank, what does he prefer? People lol constantly even at my lfs bash me (not saying anyone has here to be clear), for using current lights and systems. Until they see my coral, or my tank. My tank is almost 11 months old and has grown like crazy including sps with marine pros and my tank is 34 inches tall and 240 gallons. Yet, I like they are simple, I don’t need internet, I don’t need a smart phone. To me the color is fabulous but that’s me. The op needs a light he will be happy with, in all aspects. I can’t complain about the currents because so far they have been amazing. Now with that said yes there are faulty ones, people has problems. But if I can grow high end sps and have nice colors, why can’t they?

If the op went with some no name brand that we have never heard of I’m glad because hopefully he could see them in action etc. I didn’t even know current existed until, I was asked to beta test one. No clue they existed, to be honest, and that’s how I found out how good they were.

As a hobbyist, we all know, equipment wise, we always think back a year or two gosh maybe I should have. I do that now the big what if question, but when I do that, I don’t regret what I have done. It turned out really good for me, and I was very fortunate. Also when a company offers to beta test their equipment for free, who can pass that up lol.

In the final end, what he chooses i would always support, because that’s what the op wants. It would be fun to see both views of this to be honest, or lol two of them. One with current lights one with primes and really compare. Do the same tank set up, same corals and have fun with it.

So the op can see, this is my tank at almost 11 months

 

[Reefrookie220]

Hello,

Aww thanks but some of that is true and not true. I don’t use the current ic loop lights they are definitely not strong enough for my system. I use the prior version of marine pros which are the same level as hydra and Radion and cost per say, 809 for each light is the same level.

My information comes from when I volunteered for certain programs and aquariums through out college. Based on my experience using different products etc is how I have posted. You can absolutely grow with the current lights, I can not see how that is not viable. Even if you move to a larger tank, then even the primes you have to upgrade.

The debate on lights and products will never end its always what it is. The simple fact is, both are good lights, they each have pros and cons. What the op must understand is, what appeals to him the most. What light actually looks better on his tank, what does he prefer? People lol constantly even at my lfs bash me (not saying anyone has here to be clear), for using current lights and systems. Until they see my coral, or my tank. My tank is almost 11 months old and has grown like crazy including sps with marine pros and my tank is 34 inches tall and 240 gallons. Yet, I like they are simple, I don’t need internet, I don’t need a smart phone. To me the color is fabulous but that’s me. The op needs a light he will be happy with, in all aspects. I can’t complain about the currents because so far they have been amazing. Now with that said yes there are faulty ones, people has problems. But if I can grow high end sps and have nice colors, why can’t they?

If the op went with some no name brand that we have never heard of I’m glad because hopefully he could see them in action etc. I didn’t even know current existed until, I was asked to beta test one. No clue they existed, to be honest, and that’s how I found out how good they were.

As a hobbyist, we all know, equipment wise, we always think back a year or two gosh maybe I should have. I do that now the big what if question, but when I do that, I don’t regret what I have done. It turned out really good for me, and I was very fortunate. Also when a company offers to beta test their equipment for free, who can pass that up lol.

In the final end, what he chooses i would always support, because that’s what the op wants. It would be fun to see both views of this to be honest, or lol two of them. One with current lights one with primes and really compare. Do the same tank set up, same corals and have fun with it.

So the op can see, this is my tank at almost 11 months

Love the banter here @Sarah24! I feel like we’re on the same level but looking at it from opposite sides.

Your right at the end, it’s the ops choice.

What I said about growing a system may have been taken incorrectly.

For instance- buying the 18in current with plans of an upgrade to a 22in tank(bc32 as previously stated by op) is completely fine.

But 6mnths down the road he gets the bigger tank bug and opts for a 40breeder for example. If the tank has no center brace he’s got to go for the 36in version. Which, if he doesn’t continue the bio cube, renders the 18in light “useless”(bad word choice I know).

With the coverage of the prime he could add another unit for a compareable price and use in conjunction with his current ai fixture. Coming fro a guy who has waaaay to much “reef junk” this is the better option IMO. Not that you can’t add more with current orbit fixtures, but that it’s slightly less cost efficient.

 

[nightmarepl]

Love the banter here @Sarah24! I feel like we’re on the same level but looking at it from opposite sides.

Your right at the end, it’s the ops choice.

What I said about growing a system may have been taken incorrectly.

For instance- buying the 18in current with plans of an upgrade to a 22in tank(bc32 as previously stated by op) is completely fine.

But 6mnths down the road he gets the bigger tank bug and opts for a 40breeder for example. If the tank has no center brace he’s got to go for the 36in version. Which, if he doesn’t continue the bio cube, renders the 18in light “useless”(bad word choice I know).

With the coverage of the prime he could add another unit for a compareable price and use in conjunction with his current ai fixture. Coming fro a guy who has waaaay to much “reef junk” this is the better option IMO. Not that you can’t add more with current orbit fixtures, but that it’s slightly less cost efficient.

Stupid question but what kind of tank is a 40 breeder what exactly does that mean

 

[Sarah24!]

Love the banter here @Sarah24! I feel like we’re on the same level but looking at it from opposite sides.

Your right at the end, it’s the ops choice.

What I said about growing a system may have been taken incorrectly.

For instance- buying the 18in current with plans of an upgrade to a 22in tank(bc32 as previously stated by op) is completely fine.

But 6mnths down the road he gets the bigger tank bug and opts for a 40breeder for example. If the tank has no center brace he’s got to go for the 36in version. Which, if he doesn’t continue the bio cube, renders the 18in light “useless”(bad word choice I know).

With the coverage of the prime he could add another unit for a compareable price and use in conjunction with his current ai fixture. Coming fro a guy who has waaaay to much “reef junk” this is the better option IMO. Not that you can’t add more with current orbit fixtures, but that it’s slightly less cost efficient.

Hello,


Lol you crack me up @Reefrookie220, but I love the fun in this. Your correct, but he was going rimless, the pros come with two mounts that mount on the back side panel so he wouldn’t need a center piece. They each will hold two lights if he decides to up grade and they are for a rimless tank also

 

[Reefrookie220]

Hello,


Lol you crack me up @Reefrookie220, but I love the fun in this. Your correct, but he was going rimless, the pros come with two mounts that mount on the back side panel so he wouldn’t need a center piece. They each will hold two lights if he decides to up grade and they are for a rimless tank also

Ah the mounts are way different than the ones I remember! Good call.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Stupid question but what kind of tank is a 40 breeder what exactly does that mean

A 40 breeder is a type of tank, generally breeder tanks are generally wider and shorter than standard tanks. A 40 breeder measures 36x18x16 and it's what I run. For your lighting I'd go with the primes