Help me pick my lights

Just_Pete · Jul 18, 2018

Hey everyone,

I was hoping I could get some suggestions on what my next light should be for my 40gal cube seen here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/pete’s-40-cube-build.360762/

Currently I am running a single AI Prime HD, mounted 10" off of the water line. I've talked to many reefers and they all agree this light is not enough for the tank even with my current stocking list. I'm not planning on much SPS - this is and will be mostly be a softy/LPS tank with very little SPS.

I'm 90% sold on continuing with LEDs - their easy, simple and in most cases controlled via app or web based software. T5's are nice but I think at this stage, they are overkill for what I plan on doing with this tank. Hybrid's where suggested but I don't know. T5 hybrids might happen in my future 120+ build

A couple things...

• I'm a stiffler for buying new... yes I can save and buy used but thats just not something I feel comfortable with... so recommendations will be based off of my budget in that aspect.

• Budget, $350 ideal $400 max

Options:
- AI Hydra 26
- Radion XR15 Gen4 Pro
- Kessil A360 (with controller this will blow my budget, but I can get that over time)

• Mounting will be custom

So with all that said, what should I get?

OriginalUserName · Jul 18, 2018

No experience with the other 2 but I love my 360. I think they are more aesthetic than most other lights as well.

Bmasculine · Jul 18, 2018

I have a hydra 26hd and have not had a single problem with it. It’s got built in WiFi download the AI app on your phone and your done. You can download other people’s settings also if you don’t want to make your own. I like the Xr 15 also though I havnt owned one but I think I’d prefer the two pucks on the hydra. I actually think the hydra and Radion look better mounted above a tank vs kessil. Just my opinion.

jda · Jul 18, 2018

How about a ReefBreeders V2? You will get more coverage/light for that kind of money.

You could also just get a second prime and double up on them.

Bmasculine · Jul 18, 2018

jda said:
How about a ReefBreeders V2? You will get more coverage/light for that kind of money.

You could also just get a second prime and double up on them.

A second prime would definitely leave room in your budget.

Just_Pete · Jul 18, 2018

jda said:
How about a ReefBreeders V2? You will get more coverage/light for that kind of money.

You could also just get a second prime and double up on them.

Bmasculine said:
A second prime would definitely leave room in your budget.

I’ve considered RB’s and I’m sure there’s truth to the coverage, however the mounting options - both on the sides of the tank along with hanging kit is something I’m not keen on with this tank. Call it OCD but it is what it is, the aesthetics would get to me. I like single arm mounts

Which brings me to the other suggestion of adding another Prime... cheaper route, yes but I’d rather have one arm mount and the app setup to control one light and not two. Plus, I’d like to avoid having to use a second outlet for lighting. I’m actually running out of outlets under the tank, ha!

So far I’m leaning toward the Hydra 26, I’m familiar with the app’s interface and I like that there’s two pucks instead of one. But I am still open and considering XR15’s... would love to hear someone’s personal experience.

Seminoles76 · Jul 18, 2018

My guess is the XR15 spread isn't that much better than the prime as they are both single puck but I could be wrong. Either way you would be just trading out a similar light for one that may be slightly better if you went with the XR15.

With that said, I would without a doubt go with the 26 for the options you listed. My guess is that you still will get some shadowing with the 26 but will be ample enough light for what you want. If it were me and my choice, I would without a doubt get a second prime. You will get less shadowing and you will be much happier with two primes vs. any of the options you listed and your 200 dollars under your 400 max budget (now your looking at four free 50$ frags). Two are easy to control on the interface.....you just have one parent and one slave. And last but not least........two arms look better than one.

Just_Pete · Jul 25, 2018

Thanks so much guys for all the suggestions!

However, I decided to go with the Aquatic Life T5 Hybrids and use my AI Prime HD.

Wasn't even on my list, I know. But doing a little more research and digging up positive reviews on T5's, the choice became a no brainer. I also think it fits perfectly with my plans for the tank while still being under budget.

I'll start another thread with my journey into bulbs and document my custom mount I plan on doing as well

Thanks again!

Bmasculine · Jul 25, 2018

Just_Pete said:
Thanks so much guys for all the suggestions!

However, I decided to go with the Aquatic Life T5 Hybrids and use my AI Prime HD.

Wasn't even on my list, I know. But doing a little more research and digging up positive reviews on T5's, the choice became a no brainer. I also think it fits perfectly with my plans for the tank while still being under budget.

I'll start another thread with my journey into bulbs and document my custom mount I plan on doing as well

Thanks again!

Nice, I use that fixture with a hydra 26, it’s excellent. BRS has a video with that fixture and the prime if your wondering about numbers.

Bmasculine · Jul 25, 2018

I think this is it https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vide...-led-hybrid-light-fixture-brstv-investigates/

Just_Pete · Jul 25, 2018

Bmasculine said:
I think this is it https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vide...-led-hybrid-light-fixture-brstv-investigates/

Awesome!

Yea watching their video on the AL T5 convinced me as well.

Quick questions on yours... did you modify the wiring of the fixture to be one plug instead of two?

Thats the only thing that bugs me on this unit, the fact that I have to use three electrical outlets for lighting now.

Bmasculine · Jul 25, 2018

No I thought about using one plug but I actually stagger the t-5 on and off time. One set turn on at 9am the other at 10am then one off at 5pm other 6pm. Originally though I was going to use a 3’ extension cord I had with two female plugs on one side until I seen how bright it was and decided to stagger.

hwntunda · Jul 25, 2018

Just_Pete said:
I’ve considered RB’s and I’m sure there’s truth to the coverage, however the mounting options - both on the sides of the tank along with hanging kit is something I’m not keen on with this tank. Call it OCD but it is what it is, the aesthetics would get to me. I like single arm mounts

Which brings me to the other suggestion of adding another Prime... cheaper route, yes but I’d rather have one arm mount and the app setup to control one light and not two. Plus, I’d like to avoid having to use a second outlet for lighting. I’m actually running out of outlets under the tank, ha!

So far I’m leaning toward the Hydra 26, I’m familiar with the app’s interface and I like that there’s two pucks instead of one. But I am still open and considering XR15’s... would love to hear someone’s personal experience.

I’m running the 32v2 and have par numbers posted, here’s another option to mounting it too
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/alternate-photon-v2-mounting.332661/