Need Lighting Help

RobertTheNurse · Dec 20, 2020

Hey everyone!

About 11 months ago I got started on my reef journey. When I first got into the hobby I relied on my local fish store to help get me started. I even had one of their guys come in a and set up my tank.

My issue right now is lighting. I feel like, now that my tank is well on its way and I've built myself a good routine -- its time to buy some good lights. Why now? I'm concerned about my zoas, even my GSP...I've had these frags for MONTHS and they dont seem to be growing. I have the fluval Sea Marine light, and im assuming thats one factor. As you can see my zoas are STRETCHING. I've even moved some that haven't opened in month onto the top of the rock. Everything else is flourishing. My blastos just grew a new head!

Anywho, was looking to get 2 AI PRIME 16 HD. Anyone have any other recommendations for lighting? I live in Canada.

I have a 65 G

1.025
8 dKH
Nitrates 10
Phos 0
Temp 78

Rob

Spare time · Dec 20, 2020

The primes will work. Just make sure to acclimate the corals to the stronger light. My ony concern would be the height of the tank but other than that they should work well with the 10-12 inch mounting height. The nice thing about the primes is that you can boost channels that you need for corals above 100%.

xxkenny90xx · Dec 20, 2020

Yep primes are nice. Reefbreeders are comparable imo. Black boxes are cheap and will grow any coral. Reefi is much nicer. It all just depends on how much you want to spend

RobertTheNurse · Dec 20, 2020

Spare time said:
The primes will work. Just make sure to acclimate the corals to the stronger light. My ony concern would be the height of the tank but other than that they should work well with the 10-12 inch mounting height. The nice thing about the primes is that you can boost channels that you need for corals above 100%.

I have the fiberglass hood on top also...will primes be strong enough to shine light through? Or should I remove the hood?

Spare time · Dec 20, 2020

RobertTheNurse said:
I have the fiberglass hood on top also...will primes be strong enough to shine light through? Or should I remove the hood?

I am not sure. I tend to prefer mesh lids. I would think it would be ok, especially if you keep it clean and have the AI blue and purple channels on max but I really can't say. If you do want a mesh lid, BRS makes kits for them.