AquaIllumination Prime HD Question.

Evan West · Jul 25, 2016

So I am setting up a 20g long reef tank with LPS and softies and I have been changing my mind like crazy on lighting. Currently it is between a Current USA Fixture Orbit Marine Pro LED Light and this light. I really like this light for the price but I am concerned with the 30" long tank the spread is not enough. I have attached a screen snip from there site detailing par output and spread. Do you think this would be adequate for the 30" length?

SirMilo · Jul 25, 2016

I thought I might throw in my 2 cents since you haven't had anyone respond yet.
I would say there is no chance of illuminating a 30" tank with a single Prime since it has a single puck.
Even if you can somehow manage to raise it enough to get the spread which is highly unlikely IMO, your PAR will most definitely be crippled.

I own Hydra HD's myself but in your case, I would have to say the Orbit is the better option of the 2 since it sounds as if you are only going to be purchasing a single light.

Bpc9876 · Jul 25, 2016

Hydra 26 HD?

slimneo23 · Jul 25, 2016

I own an orbit marine 36. The only coral I keep under it is a red blasto. Which seems to love very little light. Anything else I believe would struggle. The prime would work fine in a 20. I have a prime hd over a 29 g half moon. It's perfect. You will experience lower par levels on your edges. But I believe that's your best choice of the 2. Like mentioned, the 26 would be an even better choice.

SirMilo · Jul 25, 2016

There you have it OP- someone who has used both lights that you are asking about.

If it were me, I would have to agree with the other 2 posters. Save up and spend another $125 and get the 26HD. You will have better spread and quite a bit more PAR. If you buy the Prime HD and realize you need a pair, it would have been $100 cheaper to buy the 26HD from the beginning.

jsker · Jul 25, 2016

I have the hydra 26 HD's, and this is a suggestion because of the length how about turning a 52 HD and turning it side ways

Evan West · Jul 26, 2016

Thanks all, i had kinda assumed as much but wanted to be sure! So a single Hydra 26HD would be okay? I wish i had the money for a 52 but that's a bit out of budget.

WetWhistle · Jul 26, 2016

For a 20 gallon the 26HD will be able to grow anything. So it will meet your needs regardless of what you grow. I have the Hydra 52 and love mine. What an LED.

Evan West · Jul 26, 2016

The big concern I think is the spread the 30*12*12 tank. The Hydra 26HD seems to have good enough spread as seen below, my question is in a LPS and Softies tank (for now, i want room to grow tho) like this what par values will I shoot for? I feel as if the 150Par this would dish out at full output at 24" over the tank in the center of the tank seems excessive (maybe im a noob and have no idea) but I dont want to grow algae due to excessive light. So if i run a 26HD im assuming for the softies I will want to run it turned down some.

Sebastian Costin · Sep 13, 2016

Error

Sorry

SeeFil · Sep 14, 2016

I own the Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light, 24-Inch (2 of them on a 48" tank, 55g) They do well with softies like hammers, lobo, and acans. Get slow but decent growth. Toad stool and nems did great! My Zoas don't really grow that much... Kind of a beginner light IMO... They do have nice control features, but my model is not wireless. It has a remote that works just fine. I'm am upgrading mine very soon because growth is hit or miss.

I hope this helps..

.

slimneo23 · Sep 15, 2016

I own the current pro. Upgraded to ai hydras. Then upgraded again to hd. The growth increase from the hydra to the hd was big. Makes me wonder if i need new bulbs in my hydras.

Ai hd anything. All great.

SeeFil · Sep 16, 2016

slimneo23 said:
I own the current pro. Upgraded to ai hydras. Then upgraded again to hd. The growth increase from the hydra to the hd was big. Makes me wonder if i need new bulbs in my hydras.

Ai hd anything. All great.

What's HD? Do you mean Hydra 26HD?

slimneo23 · Sep 16, 2016

The entire hd series
52 hd
Prihd hd
26 hd

SeeFil · Sep 17, 2016

I think I am going to upgrade to 2 AI hydra 26 HDs. I really like the Maxpect Ethereal, but the extra cost is a bit much.

slimneo23 · Sep 18, 2016

You wont be disappointed

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 18, 2016

Evan West said:
The big concern I think is the spread the 30*12*12 tank. The Hydra 26HD seems to have good enough spread as seen below, my question is in a LPS and Softies tank (for now, i want room to grow tho) like this what par values will I shoot for? I feel as if the 150Par this would dish out at full output at 24" over the tank in the center of the tank seems excessive (maybe im a noob and have no idea) but I dont want to grow algae due to excessive light. So if i run a 26HD im assuming for the softies I will want to run it turned down some.

Did you ever get your question answered or did you buy a lux meter.