I’m torn between the AI primes and red sea led 90s i heard great things about the red sea 90 but also on the AI prime and i plan on doing a mix reef tank with fish also so im not sure which light would work best for me and also how many. I was planning on two red seas for my 75 gallon but im not sure how many ai i would need since they look smaller. But can anyone tell me thier personal pros and cons between the light and what yall prefer?
Torn between light options
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lpsouth1978
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I do not have experience with the Reef LED 90, though I have seen them in action on tanks. They look nice, are more of a set it and forget it light. 2 of these will probably be enough for a 75g mixed reef.
I have used AI lights for quite some time. I am a fan of the Primes and the AI app. You will need more lights though. I would use 4 primes over a 75g. You could also go with 2 Hydra32's, but the 4 primes will give you better coverage and spread. I like that you can control all of the individual colors separately and get the lighting and color you prefer, though some prefer to use the predetermined spectrum of the Reef LED 90.
Ultimately the choice is yours and I think you will be happy either way you go.
I have used AI lights for quite some time. I am a fan of the Primes and the AI app. You will need more lights though. I would use 4 primes over a 75g. You could also go with 2 Hydra32's, but the 4 primes will give you better coverage and spread. I like that you can control all of the individual colors separately and get the lighting and color you prefer, though some prefer to use the predetermined spectrum of the Reef LED 90.
Ultimately the choice is yours and I think you will be happy either way you go.
mike550
Valuable Member
@Espielozano I have a 120G that’s 24” deep, and I’m using two Prime HDs. I just used a PAR meter to measure and adjust my lights. Long story short, my sand bed is averaging 80PAR and around 250-300 around 10” deep at “full” power. So fairly comparable to the Reef LEDs.
As much as I like the Primes, I’m not thrilled by the fact that I can’t get any more power out of the lights. I’m okay for now since I think the lighting supports my corals. But if I head towards acros I’m not sure how I would do.
As a newbie, I really like the “set it and forget it” of the Reef LEDs and the price point is good. But there are a ton of discussions and resources for AI settings. But I agree with @lpsouth1978 that you might want to consider Hydra 32s depending upon the depth of your tank and how high you’ll mount your lights.
As much as I like the Primes, I’m not thrilled by the fact that I can’t get any more power out of the lights. I’m okay for now since I think the lighting supports my corals. But if I head towards acros I’m not sure how I would do.
As a newbie, I really like the “set it and forget it” of the Reef LEDs and the price point is good. But there are a ton of discussions and resources for AI settings. But I agree with @lpsouth1978 that you might want to consider Hydra 32s depending upon the depth of your tank and how high you’ll mount your lights.
lpsouth1978
Valuable Member
Th Reef LED 90 is more comparable to the Hydra 32. Two Primes will not produge the PAR and coverage you want at settings that reefers typically use. 4 primes is EXACTLY the same as 2 Hydras. The only difference is that you can spread the primes out more to get even coverage and distribution. I had 2 Hydra 26 over my 75 and they worked well. I did add an Aquatic Life Hybrid to add the even coverage of T5's and reduce shadowing. The hybrid is something worth considering regardless which LED's you go with.
45ZoaGarden
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Get the primes. A lot of people are having issues with the Red Sea lights which are junk imo. Primes are the best in the price category. A used 26hd would be even better if you can find one local.
Whasmack
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The Red Sea lights have a dominate purple color, to my eyes. I'm sure you can tune out of it by adding more white, but I don't like the color of the red sea lights personally.
AI Primes are king of that compact category of LED's.
AI Primes are king of that compact category of LED's.
45ZoaGarden
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They do. When I saw them the spectrum reminded me of currents orbit marine lights. Yuck. Radions are #1 color wise followed by ai’s. They just look so sharp.
Would you agree to having 4 on a 75g 48 inch long? And also would the AI grow lps and sps coral?
45ZoaGarden
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Yes, 4 should be plenty. You’d be able to grow lps and sps no problems. You could swap over to 2 or 3 26’s if you want.
lpsouth1978
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Ideally, I would say 3 x 32's would be best, but if this is a standard 75, it has a brace in the middle. In this case I would go with 4 x Primes.
I have 3 prime 16 over a reefer 250 and I am very happy with them. I got them right when they came out oct 2019 and have not had a single issue(knock knock). They are growing the 8 SPS great and I get awesome color. Got a pretty full mixed reef and I don’t have any Particular channel over 100%
I have 2 primes over a 55g, I will eventually get 4 but that will be down the road. they cover 24x24 so 2 will be enough for a 75 if you just want to get started. since adding them ive noticed my corals love them. I use the BRS ab+ settings for 8 hrs a day. After going cheap on my previous 2 lights, I absolutely love these.
lpsouth1978
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IME, Primes will absolutely NOT cover 24"x24" at PAR levels sufficient for SPS. They would likely be fine for softies and some LPS, but more would be needed for SPS. BRS tested them and found that they are better for 18x18 for a mixed reef system with easy SPS near the top, but recommend 12x12 for SPS dominant systems.
codycolina707
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photon will probably give you more spread and par for about the same price
45ZoaGarden
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Yup. You would Atleast need 2 over a 24x24 for sps. I have a 26hd over my 26x19x21 running a modified ab+ and get around 400 par at the top of the rocks under the light (light 12” above the tank top of rocks 5” below the water)
How would i space the 4 primes on my 75g with the brace in the middle for an even spread because I can’t do every 12 inches with the brace
Awesome! Super helpful thank you!
