Xr15 or 2 ai primes

[gabesreef]

So I’m looking to light a 30 inch long by 23 inch wide by 16 inch tall tank. I’ve got roughly $500 and I want LEDS. Should I do 2 ai primes or just one XR15 blue. I have a mixed tank with some SPS on top and LPS/soft in the middle and bottom.

 

[Gernader]

So I’m looking to light a 30 inch long by 23 inch wide by 16 inch tall tank. I’ve got roughly $500 and I want LEDS. Should I do 2 ai primes or just one XR15 blue. I have a mixed tank with some SPS on top and LPS/soft in the middle and bottom.

I would go with 2 primes to get more spread as 1 XR15 won’t cover a 30 inch tank. You would need two instead.

 

[SliceGolfer]

Hold a single flashlight above your tank, then hold two flashlights above your tank. The latter will look better. A panel light like ReefBreeders would be better at spread and distribution.

 

[Tiki Reef Joshua]

Have you thought about a T5 hybrid fixture to start with and a single puck or 15? Then just add on... Hybrid lighting is the bees knees, I don't care if it isn't cool anymore, My tank looks redic. Them when the T5 cuts off and the LEDs start ramping down you get an amazing contrast.

 

[old salt reefer]

I have a 30" long x 20" wide x 16" deep tank- I went with two Radion XR15 blues( click on my build to see picture). At the time ReefBreeders were out of stock everywhere. I would have gone with 16" ReefBreeders to get more spread and less shadowing.

 

[ReeferMaddne$$]

lol i came here to post this exact thread. going with the 2 primes myself.

 

[gabesreef]

I was also looking at the hydra 32 would one be enough coverage?

 

[rudysmallfry]

I just bought 2 AI Primes last week. Already love how they light my tank. They bring out tons of detail, are very strong lights, and very programmable.

 

[waverider]

2 HD Primes on a 36" x 18" x24". I have them directly on my glass tops 1" over the water. -Thats without the benefit of extra spread you get by raising them. In this setup Im running each at 14Watts intensity and its bright. They are rated to 59 watts so Im barely using their full potential
. -Great LEDS.

 

[gabesreef]

Thanks I’m thinking about a hydra 64 now idk if 2 ai primes are going to be enough. Also if I want to get a larger tank latter on it’ll be easy to add more. I was also looking at the AP700 but I don’t know about getting a discontinued light. It’ll be hard to add on when I want a larger tank. I currently have 2 kessil 360’s and love the shimmer. I’m downgrading to a smaller tank now and want WiFi.