I need help choosing the lights

Idech · Jan 17, 2022

My tanks is 100 days old. I’m new at this and plan on having mostly softies and LPS (I have about 15-20 of them right now) but I also want to be able to try some SPS down the road, when I feel I am ready. And I want lights that will allow it.

My original plan was to start with 2 x AI Prime 16 HD and add 2 more after the tank had matured a bit. It’s still what I would like to do, but my actual setup is not really allowing it.

If you look at the pictures below, you‘ll notice there isn’t a lot of room to add another AInPrime on the left side, because the filter, skimmer and heater are taking about 35%-40% of the space. Then there is the thick rim (about 1,5 inch) that actually curves where it meets the middle brace, restricting space even more. It also means that whatever mount I use has to fit that width.

There is more space on the right side, but the ATO and heater take up space, and there is also the same curving rim problem.

I do not want to mount anything to the ceiling and I would like to keep using my 2 x AI Prime 16 HD. I already have 2 rigid mounts for the next 2.

What are my choices ? Anybody has a good idea ?

Thanks !

vetteguy53081 · Jan 17, 2022

I’d go with two Ai 26hd

Sean Clark · Jan 17, 2022

You could still get the additional 2 prime 16 hd lights that you were planning on getting. Then connect the mounts together with an aluminium bar that you could then attach your lights to at whatever spacing you like. I hope that makes sense.

Idech · Jan 18, 2022

Sean Clark said:
You could still get the additional 2 prime 16 hd lights that you were planning on getting. Then connect the mounts together with an aluminium bar that you could then attach your lights to at whatever spacing you like. I hope that makes sense.

That would be my ideal plan. I don’t do diy. Do you know where I can get something like this ?

ReefRusty · Jan 18, 2022

Getaway with a 32HD in the middle and keep the 16 on the side

Sean Clark · Jan 18, 2022

Idech said:
That would be my ideal plan. I don’t do diy. Do you know where I can get something like this ?

Here is the AI mounting bar sold at BRS. It's not cheap for what it is, but no DIY.
AI HMS mounting bar

ReefRusty said:
Getaway with a 32HD in the middle and keep the 16 on the side

That would look cleaner and give more light.

Idech · Jan 18, 2022

ReefRusty said:
Getaway with a 32HD in the middle and keep the 16 on the side

I’ve thought about that but it wouldn’t be in the middle, because of the middle brace.

Unless I can find a specially made mounting bracket.

That would be even better than the 4 x AI Primes.

Sean Clark · Jan 18, 2022

Idech said:
I’ve thought about that but it wouldn’t be in the middle, because of the middle brace.

Unless I can find a specially made mounting bracket.

That would be even better than the 4 x AI Primes.

I think @ReefRusty was saying to put the 32 on the mounting bar so the center bracket would not be in the way. It would just be floating in the middle on the bar.

Idech · Jan 18, 2022

Sean Clark said:
I think @ReefRusty was saying to put the 32 on the mounting bar so the center bracket would not be in the way. It would just be floating in the middle on the bar.

Oh, okay, I see. Then the 2 x Prime 16 + the 32 would be on the same mounting bar. Yeah, that sure is a good idea.

The only thing I need to find out is if the mounting bracket will accommodate my rim, which is a little under 1 1/2 inch with the brace. I think I saw it can fit 7/8 inch but I’m not certain as I can’t find the official specs.

Sean Clark · Jan 18, 2022

You would keep using your existing light mounts and add the bar to them. Like this... don't mind my art skills lol.

Idech · Jan 18, 2022

Sean Clark said:
You would keep using your existing light mounts and add the bar to them. Like this... don't mind my art skills lol.

Wow, I didn’t know this was possible ! And what bar exactly is this ? No diy to do ?

I have 2 other mounts in stock that I can also use for more stability if needed.

You’re so helpful, thank you !

Sean Clark · Jan 18, 2022

Idech said:
Wow, I didn’t know this was possible ! And what bar exactly is this ? No diy to do ?

I have 2 other mounts in stock that I can also use for more stability if needed.

You’re so helpful, thank you !

It is called the AI HMS mounting bar. You sound be able to get it anywhere that sells AI lights. They come in several different lengths so you can pick the one that fits your tank size.

No DIY to do. You are welcome. I hope it works for you.

Idech · Jan 18, 2022

Sean Clark said:
It is called the AI HMS mounting bar. You sound be able to get it anywhere that sells AI lights. They come in several different lengths so you can pick the one that fits your tank size.

No DIY to do. You are welcome. I hope it works for you.

Thanks again, I will enquire at my LFS when I go next week.

I’ll update when it’s done. It won’t be for a while though.

Sean Clark · Jan 19, 2022

@ReefRusty did I do ok with the 32?

ReefRusty · Jan 19, 2022

Sean Clark said:
@ReefRusty did I do ok with the 32?

Yes that's what I actually meant lol actually forgot about the middle brace so thanks for correcting me. But if it was me I would use the current 16hd and just add a 32hd in middle