Light for IM Nuvo 20

Spamamos · Jul 10, 2019

Morning all,

I have just purchased a IM Nuvo 20 and I'm just looking into a potential lighting upgrade.

The tank came to me with an Ocean revive T247 which looks to have great reviews but doesn't seem to be very customisable or have the ability to ramp up or down.

I have read all sorts of other forums and some threads on here but finding a solid answer is difficult.

Top of my list currently is an AI Hydra 26 HD. Seems to have all the features I want and should cover the whole tank, that being said would I be that much worse off with a Prime HD? Some people seem to think you need two for this tank? It's 600mm across.

Or do I stick with the T247 for now.

I'd love to hear your experiences of lighting this system and what you're running.

Many thanks,

Spam

Ron Reefman · Jul 10, 2019

I used to work for Ocean Revive. It's a fairly well made fixture by a company in China called EverGrow. They sell tons of led fixtures in the worldwide plant nursery business. They also make Reef Breeders Photon V2+ (Reef Breeders is a sponsor here and has a forum as well). I switched to the Photons because I knew the owner of the company (met him at a MCNA event while I was with Ocean Revive) and I knew he provided excellent customer service. And the Photon V2+ is absolutely the best bang for your buck if you want 6 channels of color control, sunrise/sunset control and an array of leds rather than a puck (spotlight) style. I have 2 and they make great PAR. I have a 24" version over my 40g cube.

Spamamos · Jul 10, 2019

Ron Reefman said:
I used to work for Ocean Revive. It's a fairly well made fixture by a company in China called EverGrow. They sell tons of led fixtures in the worldwide plant nursery business. They also make Reef Breeders Photon V2+ (Reef Breeders is a sponsor here and has a forum as well). I switched to the Photons because I knew the owner of the company (met him at a MCNA event while I was with Ocean Revive) and I knew he provided excellent customer service. And the Photon V2+ is absolutely the best bang for your buck if you want 6 channels of color control, sunrise/sunset control and an array of leds rather than a puck (spotlight) style. I have 2 and they make great PAR. I have a 24" version over my 40g cube.

Thanks very much!

Have been on their website and was looking at the Coral Box Moon LED Plus.

These looks good and have had some good reviews. Bit cheaper than the photons but comes with the ability to link to your phone which I like.

Abeal17 · Jul 11, 2019

I have a AI Prime HD over my IM 25 gallon and before I added the T5s to it, it was great. I could grow easier SPS on the top of my rocks no problem. To set up a schedule it's really easy to do as well. If you plan on growing acros and some higher end montis then the AI Hydra 26 HD would be a better option.

BadPanda · Jul 11, 2019

I would go with two AI primes instead of a single Hydra 26. You'll have better coverage with the primes since you adjust them individually. Lighting would also be determined by rock structure. I had two primes on my Nuvo 20 and I know it worked under AB+ setup. You could also just add T5's with your existing LED. T5's can take care of the shadowing that LED's create in the tank. What I've learned so far in reefing is to do your research. I actually have both the prime and the hydra 26 on my Nuvo 40 right now. Both are growing SPS and LPS. Besides the mentioned shadowing, no complaints.

Spamamos · Jul 12, 2019

BadPanda said:
I would go with two AI primes instead of a single Hydra 26. You'll have better coverage with the primes since you adjust them individually. Lighting would also be determined by rock structure. I had two primes on my Nuvo 20 and I know it worked under AB+ setup. You could also just add T5's with your existing LED. T5's can take care of the shadowing that LED's create in the tank. What I've learned so far in reefing is to do your research. I actually have both the prime and the hydra 26 on my Nuvo 40 right now. Both are growing SPS and LPS. Besides the mentioned shadowing, no complaints.

Hi Panda!

Thanks alot, what do you mean by AB+?

Thanks!

BadPanda · Jul 12, 2019

Spamamos said:
Hi Panda!

Thanks alot, what do you mean by AB+?

Thanks!

it's a recommended starting point settings for AI primes

Abeal17 · Jul 12, 2019

Spamamos said:
Hi Panda!

Thanks alot, what do you mean by AB+?

Thanks!

It's a light setting based off an Ecotech Radion setting, it's really good for growing a wide range of corals. There's several videos out there on how to replicate it, Bulk Reef Supply has a really good video on replicating the setting for AI lights.