How many lights should I have?

Brassmonkey

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Currently I have two ai 16 hd and a current USA led. Was just wondering if I should get two more 16s or one hydra?
Thanks
 
Currently I have two ai 16 hd and a current USA led. Was just wondering if I should get two more 16s or one hydra?
Thanks

It isn't the number of lights that is important. What the lights are capable of is.

One light that provides the penetration and spread for a thriving tank is as good as two lights that collectively, do the same.
 
75 gallon 48" long 18" deep. Just a mixed reef with very little sps.
If it has a center brace, 3 primes is going to be tough to get centered and a good even spread.

If you want to stay with AI, then 2x 32s would work great and would allow for you to grow anything, if you decided to change stocking plans.

Plus, being 18" deep, in order to get penetration with primes, you have to mount them a bit lower and then this kills the spread.

While I will not make recommendations on brands of light, there are a ton of other options to get full coverage for your tank with either using 2 lights or even 1 light.

I will say this though, if it was me and I was wanting to stay with AI, I would go with the 32s. They will be familiar to you with setup, spectrum and all of that. Basically going from a base model car to the same car with all the features and a turbo engine lol.

If you want to change lighting brands, just do a search for the light that interests you and then look for something by @Dana Riddle. He has reviewed almost all of the lights made, provided results for par, spread, all of that.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

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  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%

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