Suggestions for lighting?

[Tom McCoy]

I have a 20 Gal tall with about 22 lbs of live rock and pretty much almost done with my cycle. It's time to invest in a light and I would like to get a lighting system that could support soft corals and a few fish. Looking at starting out with a clown and eventually getting either an anemone or a zoa. Right now I have some cheap led bar with red white and blue switches. Any suggestions would be awsome! Also I would like something that I can set a timer. Thanks!

 

[fabutahoun]

Aqua Illumination Prime HD LED

 

[Tom McCoy]

Does it have a timer set up?

 

[ReeferZach]

Yup, the AI Prime is the way too go. You're getting what you pay for, I run one on my 20 gallon Nuvo. Spectrums are fully controllable, and you can set the time, as well as have it ramp on and off. Best thing is that it is all controlled from your phone [emoji106]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Its very much about the budget and overall look of how the light mounts to the tank. AI prime, mars aqua, Kessil , and current orbit marine and radion will all work , but very different mostly in look and price. My preference is a larger more numerous leds over puck styles to reduce shading. With pucks IMO it better to have multiples like 2 or 3 kessil 160's.

 

[MaiReef]

Aquatic Life XS-UV 14" or AI Prime

 

[MaiReef]

Both the Aquatic Life and the AI Prime are very configurable and have timers, but not just on the fixture, but the colors as well. They also have other features.

 

[fabutahoun]

AI Prime gives good results and WIFI controllable by your phone out of the box, you can control timing colors and intensity.

Check this video

 

[fabutahoun]

Also it depends on the budget and which corals are you going to Keep, Prime will work for zoas and softies, if you want stronger light with a little extra you can get AI Hydra 26 HD, with Hydra you can keep sps and anemone with no problem.
You can go all the way to Radion if budget is not a concern, my personal favorite are Radions, also I Have seen many beautiful reefs under Hydras

 

[MaiReef]

The Aquatic Life fixture is more similar to the Hydra 26 and you can do SPS as well. To me, for the money, it is the best fixture.

 

[fabutahoun]

For Me I love Radion

I Made a little review and test about it in my build thread you can check it if you like

 

[Tom McCoy]

So would I be able to keep sps coral with the prime or would I have to go with a better light like the hydra?

 

[fabutahoun]

So would I be able to keep sps coral with the prime or would I have to go with a better light like the hydra?

I am afraid that they will not be enough for sps