Lighting change question

MoreReef · Feb 28, 2022

So I'm tempted to change the lighting on my nano tank to a kessil a80 blue tuna... I'm currently lighting with some budget leds, but they seem to be working fine... it's an sps dominant tank and so far I see growth, color retention and no casualties... should I still "upgrade" or should I just run with what I have now and see how things go ? Like I said. There's 0 issues right now, I'm just concerned that I might loose light intensity over time or just plain out have either light fail since they're "budget"... thanks

shakacuz · Feb 28, 2022

better to upgrade now before your corals acclimate to these lights making it more difficult to upgrade down the road.

blaxsun · Feb 28, 2022

Honestly, I think you'll be fine other way - but if you want to upgrade, now is probably the best time.

MoreReef · Feb 28, 2022

blaxsun said:
Honestly, I think you'll be fine other way - but if you want to upgrade, now is probably the best time.

Ok, my other question being. Will an a80 provide enough light for my tank... I'm also tempted to just run with what's on now and forget about it...

blaxsun · Feb 28, 2022

MoreReef said:
Ok, my other question being. Will an a80 provide enough light for my tank... I'm also tempted to just run with what's on now and forget about it...

I'm guestimating based on the size of your tank, but I believe it would be enough, yes.

MoreReef · Feb 28, 2022

blaxsun said:
I'm guestimating based on the size of your tank, but I believe it would be enough, yes.

Sweet. Think I might just do the change this weekend. I really do appreciate all of your feedback. Any lights YOUD recommend for my tank?

blaxsun · Feb 28, 2022

MoreReef said:
Sweet. Think I might just do the change this weekend. I really do appreciate all of your feedback. Any lights YOUD recommend for my tank?

I run EcoTech Radion G5 Blues on my current setup. I've had good success with AI Prime 16HDs as well, and the AI Hydras are also quite popular (though I haven't used those).

It really comes down to budget and what you're looking at for features.

MoreReef · Feb 28, 2022

blaxsun said:
I run EcoTech Radion G5 Blues on my current setup. I've had good success with AI Prime 16HDs as well, and the AI Hydras are also quite popular (though I haven't used those).

It really comes down to budget and what you're looking at for features.

I'm between an ai prime 16 and the a80 kessil. I'm only lighting up a 5 gal with it... and I'm not too worried about features as it will get plugged into a timer... but I mean wifi compatibility is a plus but not necessary... I know there's about 100 dollars price difference. But I'm not sure what the difference reflects... light intensity, durability... anything ?

blaxsun · Feb 28, 2022

The AI Prime 16HD has a WiFi app which is certainly handy, and it has a nice mounting arm that hides the power cable. With the AI Prime you don't need the timer as you can set a schedule. You can even incorporate moonlight for after hours ambience.