Nuvo 20 and light upgrade

Hillerd86 · Oct 29, 2020

Hey everyone. So I've had my Nuvo 20 running just over a year and have had good success with LPS and some SPS like montis. I've been running a Current Orbit light this whole time but I'm thinking about a light upgrade.
So what are everyone's thoughts?
1 AI prime, 2 primes, 1 hydra 32? Some other one? Looking for all inputs and success stories.
Display DIMS: Length 23.62” Width: 12.03” Height: 13”

jaren45 · Oct 29, 2020

1 prime is barely enough for how long it is, I've been running 1 on my nuvo 20 for a while and can tell I need to add a second soon.

uhgster1 · Oct 31, 2020

Two Primes is PERFECTION for your tank. Light would not be a limiting factor for anything you put in there.

Hillerd86 · Oct 31, 2020

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Miguel Negron · Oct 31, 2020

Beautiful tank

bdyslm · Nov 5, 2020

kind in a similar boat. I just picked up a used nuvo 20 for my daughters room and need to get a light. Trying to decide between finding a used AI Prime HD, used hydra 26d, or maybe a Kessel. I have 2 AI Prime HD's on my nuvo 40 that I got as a used package. I really like that they have wifi and the app so i can just run a program. the kessil I would need to buy the controller in addition to the light and arm...so im leaning towards AI. But I could also get something new for my nuvo 40 and move the two primes to the 20?

Robertellis30 · Nov 5, 2020

Can get a used hydra 26 that would work perfect.

bdyslm · Nov 5, 2020

have you had one? read a bunch fo reviews about horrible discoball effect. I havent noticed it with my primes in the 40 and Im scared to look since I read because if it's there I wont be able to unsee it

Robertellis30 · Nov 5, 2020

I have 3 hydra 32 on my rs 300xl. Only said the 26 cuz there constantly going up for sale in the market place.

sas226 · Nov 5, 2020

bdyslm said:
have you had one? read a bunch fo reviews about horrible discoball effect. I havent noticed it with my primes in the 40 and Im scared to look since I read because if it's there I wont be able to unsee it

Have two primes over my 20, if you run a lot of white it's noticeable, less so the less white.

terraincognita · Nov 5, 2020

uhgster1 said:
Two Primes is PERFECTION for your tank. Light would not be a limiting factor for anything you put in there.

I’d opt for 2 primes instead of 1 hydra as well.

There’s a few black boxes on Amazon that are also decent but if you’re looking for top of the line type of stuff 2 AI primes will let you years.

terraincognita · Nov 5, 2020

bdyslm said:
have you had one? read a bunch fo reviews about horrible discoball effect. I havent noticed it with my primes in the 40 and Im scared to look since I read because if it's there I wont be able to unsee it

I did get a diffuser from Amazon for my hydra 32 due to this “disco ball” effect but it seems not totally necessary honestly, but still better results I think.

I still need to get a par meter.

BirdRockReefer · Dec 24, 2020

Did you ever go forward with this OP. Curious to hear your review.

In the same boat with my current Light fixture. All my Corals in my nuvo 20 I have up higher and only the mushrooms are actually growing. So 2021 gonna upgrade the light..

Hillerd86 · Dec 24, 2020

So I ended up buying a used maxspect razor 100W from a friend. My goodness what an incredible difference.
First: the colors were way more intense than my orbit light.
Second: all my corals are now exploding. It took about a month to get then used to them used to it but it's crazy how much they love it. I had zoa's under my orbit for a year at max power and they didn't really do anything and now they're making new polyps every week or two.
All my LPS and SPS are growing fast too. Totally worth the money when you think about how much you put into the livestock.

Hillerd86 · Nov 9, 2021

Hey everyone. Well I had a great year with the maxspect but it's become a money pit. Had to fix a power board and now looking at having to fix the led pods since they randomly burnt out. Apparently a real common problem. Since it's around $200 to fix it I'm going new to get rid of the headache.
Totally stuck between the call of 1-2 prime HDs or a hydra 32.
Since last year I have a crazy mix of all corals ranging from zoas to acros.
Thoughts? Here is a picture before the light died for fun.

rishma · Nov 9, 2021

Hillerd86 said:
Hey everyone. Well I had a great year with the maxspect but it's become a money pit. Had to fix a power board and now looking at having to fix the led pods since they randomly burnt out. Apparently a real common problem. Since it's around $200 to fix it I'm going new to get rid of the headache.
Totally stuck between the call of 1-2 prime HDs or a hydra 32.
Since last year I have a crazy mix of all corals ranging from zoas to acros.
Thoughts? Here is a picture before the light died for fun.

Lovely tank. I’ve had a 26HD for a long time. Very satisfied with it.

Hillerd86 · Nov 10, 2021

rishma said:
Lovely tank. I’ve had a 26HD for a long time. Very satisfied with it.

Thanks. I think the 32HD is the same size as the 26. How big is your tank?
Wondering if the 32 is wide enough to avoid shadows.

rishma · Nov 10, 2021

Yes, 32 is just a new version of the 26. I use a 3DREEFING diffuser. 25 gallon peninsula. 20” long display area.

Shadows are real with leds, except maybe gen 5 radions and larger panel style leds. You can spend more $ and get a superior light, but I haven’t been inclined to upgrade yet.

Hillerd86 · Nov 10, 2021

rishma said:
Yes, 32 is just a new version of the 26. I use a 3DREEFING diffuser. 25 gallon peninsula. 20” long display area.

Shadows are real with leds, except maybe gen 5 radions and larger panel style leds. You can spend more $ and get a superior light, but I haven’t been inclined to upgrade yet.

Awesome thanks for the info that helps a lot.
My maxspect razor has it's two pucks 6 in apart center to center and the shadows weren't really a thing. The hydra is 4.5in center to center so I was wondering if it made a difference.

rishma · Nov 10, 2021

Hillerd86 said:
Awesome thanks for the info that helps a lot.
My maxspect razor has it's two pucks 6 in apart center to center and the shadows weren't really a thing. The hydra is 4.5in center to center so I was wondering if it made a difference.

I cannot compare the two. I understand why the space between might seem directionally worse but I think more goes into it than space between the pucks. You have a lot of very nice LPS, the AI line seems to excels with LPS. I haven’t seen many issues with shadowing LPS. If you were more heavy SPS I think placement becomes a bigger issue, or multiple fixtures, or a more diffuse light source. Good luck!