Led fixture recommendations

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

Howdy folks

I am new to this hobby and currently have my first tank cycling. It's the IM Nuvo fusion 20gal and I have the newest Skkye lights that came with the tank. I believe each fixture is 18 watts and I have 2 fixtures. I know i will need a lighting upgrade soon so I'm trying to get some recommendations.
Things that are important to me:
It HAS to have a timer and ramp up and down for sunset and sunrise.
I would really like the option for moonlights at night.
It would have to work for all LPS and softies and MAYBE some SPS way down the line.
The tank is 24' across and I would love a fixture that attaches to each side of the tank.
Trying to keep the cost to $350 or less.

Awhile ago I saw a something called the nemo light that looked perfect and it looked like it did everything I wanted but now I can't seem to find it anywhere.

What can you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Oscar47f · Nov 21, 2016

The AI Prime is awesome but they don't hook on the sides of the tank lol and i did also see the nemo light maybe on marine depots website? i forgot the name of the light but if you go to youtube and search inappropriate reefer he has a light you might like that he's going to test on his 17g peninsula tank...

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

I have been eyeballing the AI... I'm not completely against the gooseneck mounting either. Would just one of the AI HDs work? Or would I need 2?
Also the AI ramps correct?

cheezybuda · Nov 21, 2016

For a mixed tank you could probably get away with 1 AI prime HD. I have 2 over a 36" wide tank, and it has great coverage .

gus6464 · Nov 21, 2016

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/maxspect-ethereal-130wicv6-bundle-package.html

Everything else listed is weak.

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

That ethereal looks pretty awesome... of course it's at the top of my budget. Lol.

Oscar47f · Nov 21, 2016

yes the AI ramps and does almost everything you'd want and you can get away with just one on a nuvo 20

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

Boom.. then I think that's what I go with! Thanks!

gus6464 · Nov 21, 2016

AI Prime on a 24" long tank is not happening. Even softies will have a hard time on the ends. Spend the extra 40 bucks and get the Maxspect. Do it right the first time, save money later.

Lninwa · Nov 21, 2016

I bought the Kessil A160WE controllable LED. The Spectral controller is extra

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

Really? When I read the specs on the AI Prime HD it say it will cover 24x24?
My tank is 24 length 15 width and 13 height (deep)

The 40 bucks isn't the real issue... I like the look of the prime HD a bit more and the wifi without having to have a controller is a great.

And it's actually more then 40 bucks no? The Prime is 225.. the maxspect is 350..

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

Lninwa said:
I bought the Kessil A160WE controllable LED. The Spectral controller is extra

I have to look into this one more tomorrow.. I didn't realize the price point was the same as the AI. Thanks! What size tank do you use it on? Are you happy with it?

gus6464 · Nov 21, 2016

NakiFantaki said:
Really? When I read the specs on the AI Prime HD it say it will cover 24x24?
My tank is 24 length 15 width and 13 height (deep)

The 40 bucks isn't the real issue... I like the look of the prime HD a bit more and the wifi without having to have a controller is a great.

And it's actually more then 40 bucks no? The Prime is 225.. the maxspect is 350..

Most manufacturers lie about coverage. AI is really bad at this. Also the AI does not come with tank mount so that's extra. The Ethereal is over 3x more powerful than the Prime and much larger unit. Also the Maxspect is a wifi light. The controller is there so it can talk to multiple lights and also the new Gyres once the software update is out. You said your budget was $350, so that's why I said to spend the extra $40 for a considerably better light.

Kessil A160 is another one that is not happening on a 24" long tank.

It's not even a contest. The Ethereal is more powerful, quieter, and better made. You can't compare a light made of plastic to one made of 100% aluminum.

NakiFantaki · Nov 21, 2016

Thanks for clarifying. Do I really need all that power though? Not planning and sps at all.. this is my first tank and I'm really trying to keep it basic as I find that keeping it basic really helps me learn the basics. In the future if I really enjoy the hobby i plan to get a 2nd tank that's much larger. I will take a closer look at the maxxspect tomorrow.
With the AI - even if they are lying about the 24" coverage.. would it be a stretch for 20"? I really don't mind losing a few inches off the sides where the lighting wouldn't be as intense.

Thanks again for the info

gus6464 · Nov 21, 2016

NakiFantaki said:
Thanks for clarifying. Do I really need all that power though? Not planning and sps at all.. this is my first tank and I'm really trying to keep it basic as I find that keeping it basic really helps me learn the basics. In the future if I really enjoy the hobby i plan to get a 2nd tank that's much larger. I will take a closer look at the maxxspect tomorrow.
With the AI - even if they are lying about the 24" coverage.. would it be a stretch for 20"? I really don't mind losing a few inches off the sides where the lighting wouldn't be as intense.

Thanks again for the info

The Prime is really meant for a small cube tank. Something like 12x12 for SPS and 18x18 max for softies but that is pushing it. So let's say you have this tank now and get a larger tank later, say a 48x24x24. If you have the maxspect all you have to do is buy another Ethereal but this time the slave unit which is cheaper and you are set. With the Prime you would be getting rid of it altogether and starting over.

Also like I said the ICV6 controller comes in handy if you decide to get a gyre. The gyre will talk to it so you can control both the lights and pump via wifi. Getting the stronger light just gives you more options. You said you want to do SPS as you get the hang of it, well the Ethereal will do it no problems. It all comes down to buy once and right the first time, spend less money later.

jason.kennedy.98478 · Nov 21, 2016

I got a current usa marine pro on my nano. It's awesome

Wh00pS32 · Nov 22, 2016

I've run a prime on a 16" cube since they were released and although it has been a great light for my tank it's probably at it's limits on that size. One prime definitely won't be big enough for 24", you would be looking at 2 primes or something different altogether.

NakiFantaki · Nov 22, 2016

After researching so many lights I keep getting drawn back into the Prime HD. Knowing that it wouldn't be idea for my tank that is 24' across I think it will be more then enough for now. I realize I will be losing about 4 inches of light in the corners of the tank and for now I think that's okay with me. My plan is to buy one now and another one down the road. That way when I upgrade tanks the 2 primes should work well to what I upgrade too. Just the over look and wifi capabilities is what makes it a winner for me. While I like the kessil light spending another 1oo bucks on a controller is just too much in my mind. I am also looking at the Hydra 52 HD as well.