Lighting for a 65g tank

[Dlionsfan09]

I am setting up a new system
Dimensions are 36 7/8 x 19 x 24 5/8

I am currently running a maxspect razr 130 wat light.

I am bouncing between a few options

2 AI prime HD lights
2 AI hydras
2 ecotech xr15

What's everyone's thoughts

 

[Roy 9121]

I am setting up a new system
Dimensions are 36 7/8 x 19 x 24 5/8

I am currently running a maxspect razr 130 wat light.

I am bouncing between a few options

2 AI prime HD lights
2 AI hydras
2 ecotech xr15

What's everyone's thoughts

I have the hydra 52 on my 55, it works great.

 

[Dlionsfan09]

I was looking at two 26 models. Again I am open to other options as well.

Does anyone here have experience with the AI primes?

 

[Roy 9121]

I was looking at two 26 models. Again I am open to other options as well.

Does anyone here have experience with the AI primes?

Two 26s may work better for you size tank

 

[mcarroll]

Just wondering if the Razor is enough or are you specifically looking to switch away? If the later, why? (Please be as specific as possible.)

If you ramp it up to 100%, it should be fine for most corals I think. Although I have the 160-watt version with three light pods on my 50 Breeder – your tank by 6" lower – I don't run it at 100%.

I'm not sure you'll like any of the other options significantly better....but will wait for the answer to "Why?" before commenting further.

 

[Dlionsfan09]

With my new setup I am looking to do it right, I am very nervous that this light may not provide me with the spread and par that can be sufficient for a 65 gallon tank. I mostly have hammers, frogspawns and torches in my tank currently.

 

[Dlionsfan09]

I guess I am looking for advise, on what other reefers would do In my situation. The maxspect I have now is on my 40g breeder setup

 

[mcarroll]

Stop guessing and you'll probably stop worrying.

Get at least a lux meter. Measure the lights over the corals now. Measure the new lights. Make sure the new and old match as closely as possible.

I use a simple "LX-1010B" from eb-y that cost less than $15, delivered.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Just wondering if the Razor is enough or are you specifically looking to switch away? If the later, why? (Please be as specific as possible.)

If you ramp it up to 100%, it should be fine for most corals I think. Although I have the 160-watt version with three light pods on my 50 Breeder – your tank by 6" lower – I don't run it at 100%.

I'm not sure you'll like any of the other options significantly better....but will wait for the answer to "Why?" before commenting further.

Ditto. If you upgrading just cuz you have the itch(we all get it.), Go Radion to explore the Legend. Ai Cuz its got a great name. SBreeflight just to see if all it cracked up to be(it is) Or Buildmyled.com cuz you want some serious light.

With my new setup I am looking to do it right, I am very nervous that this light may not provide me with the spread and par that can be sufficient for a 65 gallon tank. I mostly have hammers, frogspawns and torches in my tank currently.

They all will. just double check the spread and mounting height.

 

[bean2986]

I have 2 AI Primes over my 65. So far so good (1 year). Definitely getting growth even on the bottom of the tank...all beginner/easy corals though.

 

[mcarroll]

So consider than the light from the water surface and down 18" will be identical to your old tank. The bottom will be somewhat less bright.

To keep you corals happy with minimal installation fuss, place them at the same distance from the light in the new tank as the old tank. (Which will be up higher off the sand bed than they were in the old tank.)

If you get and use a meter, you can hypothetically measure the light at the sand and make the adjustment to the lights' intensity instead of to the corals' mounting height.

 

[ifarmer]

ati 36" T5 6 bulbs light. awesome for that tank.