AI Primes or New ReefLed50

[Asian Hurricane]

Hi all,

I have a IM 20 gallon peninsula that I was looking to buy lights for. I was about to pull the trigger on 2 of the new AI prime 16 hds but noticed that the Red Sea ReefLed 50s are the same price point. I know the AI Primes are reputable but does anyone know if the new Red Sea lights are any good or better? Thanks!

 

[Peach02]

I’d lean toward the primes but why two for a twenty gallon?

 

[Treenk]

I sure hope you dont need 2 for that I just got 1 for my 29g

 

[Triple.T]

I use AI prime in a bigger setup and love it, my only question is why would you need 2 on a 20 gallon?

 

[SDK]

You would want two primes on a twenty for a full coverage spread that would grow things like SPS. Especially if it’s a 24 or 30” wide tank.

 

[Asian Hurricane]

Wait would one ai prime be enough? I was under the impression that I'd need 2 since the tank was about 30 inches long. It's about 13x12x30 inches. Obviously if one is enough I would rather go with one.

 

[SDK]

It depends on what you want to keep and how you want to aquascape.

You can go with one if you are keeping anything high light within an approximately 12” x 12” area and don’t mind some shadowing/shading outside of that area.

Within a wider area of approximately 18” x 18” you can grow medium and lower light species.

if you want an SPS dominant tank with full coverage of strong light, one Prime will not cover 24” and above.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

His tank is almost three feet long. I would get two primes. I have a hydra 26hd over a 26” long tank and it shadows. You’ll for sure need two primes. The Red Sea light is too new for me. I like tried and true equipment and methods

 

[Jlyons]

I just bought a prime 16 for the same tank. It wasn't enough coverage so go for 2 or maybe even pick up a used hydra 52 if you only want one light and full coverage. I used the prime for a week before I took it down and switched to something else.