Lighting for Reefer 250

[kartrsu]

I’m upgrading from a 20 gallon nuvo to RSR 250. I currently have 2 brand new prime 16hds, running at 20 watts peak. I plan to keep some easy SPS in the tank, and predominately LPS. Wondering if I can get away with one more prime. Also I noticed the fan kicks on quiet loud even at 20 watts. If I got to crank each one to increase par in the 250, I worry the fans will be super loud on all the time. I guess I could upgrade to two hydra 32s but bought these lights like a month ago.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Do the fans get louder as you increase the power now? It shouldn't be different over a different tank?

 

[kartrsu]

Do the fans get louder as you increase the power now? It shouldn't be different over a different tank?

Yeah the fans start to rev up as I increase the power. I wonder if the difference could be that I have auto fan shutdown enabled, so it heats up and then cools vs old version where it was always on, so no bursts of fan power.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I don't know. I suspect when they run fast the make more noise.

I have Reef Breeder Photons and the fans rarely ever run even though I run the power quite high. And when they do start, I can only hear them if the rest of the house is dead quiet. If the A/C is on or the refrigerator is running, I can't hear the fans.

 

[uli-the-nihlist]

Yeah I think you will probably be able to get away with that. I run a Kessil A360x with narrow reflector (for my acros) in between two A80s and I have no problem growing montis, seriatopora, and euphyllia under them. The Primes are even a bit stronger than A80s so I don't expect you to have issues if you get 3 .

 

[Nick Steele]

I’m sure 3 16hds will be fine although you might have to crank them up a little bit.

Fan noise is louder then the older prime HD’s as I understand it. I run two 16hds one at 70% and the other at 90% over my nuvo20 and fans mostly always on but if I’m doing anything in the house I don’t hear them so it doesn’t bother me. Gives me peace of mind when I walk in the door to hear the fans because let’s more know they are working lol