AI Prime or Kessil A80?

[Gatling]

Hi all,

I own a fluval 13.5 and the light-lid combo is really bugging me. I hate doing maintenance cause all the water that evaporates condenses on the lid and its always a mess.. anyway, I think I want to upgrade the lights. I don't have any coral yet.

As a student, I don't have an incredibly high budget. I know the A80 is cheaper but people have said it doesn't hold up with corals that well? I don't plan on having any high end coral, probably the easiest to keep. In short, does the A80 support good coral growth?

 

[pinkzoa]

No I’ve had both and done much better with prime

 

[GoVols]

No I’ve had both and done much better with prime

Agree

But
It not a fair compression.
The prime is 55 watts and an A80 is 15 watts.

The a160we is 40 watts.

 

[biophilia]

With the footprint of that tank you'll likely end up wanting to mount the light a bit high to get adequate spread. For that reason especially the extra wattage of the AI Prime will be helpful in making sure your coral is getting enough light. If you're concerned about budget stay on the lookout for a used Prime. They tend to be all over the place. With the A80 you'll probably end up wanting to upgrade and spending more in the long run.