AI Prime led

BxS_Reefer217 · 03/31/2015, 09:15 AM

Does anyone have any experience with the new AquaIllumination prime led light? I have a 20g tall and have been looking into a new light fixture that is affordable, but still has good color and par readings. If it's not a good option, can anyone suggest something that is?

Thanks

thewedge · 03/31/2015, 10:42 AM

I just ordered 2 for my 65g. Hope to have them Friday. They are very new so I'm not sure how much feedback you'll get. There is a thread in this section where some people are saying that they love the light but the bracket isn't the greatest. Sounds like it can be overcome though.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2489706

lhof · 03/31/2015, 01:30 PM

I had a few posts on there. Just got the new bracket and it's far better than the first. It's a great light and should definitely be considered though some might say it's a little underpowered for the 20.

I've read that you should have 4-6 watts of power per gallon for a reef tank.

How about a hydra for the 20 if you're looking at AI, is that overkill? What do others think?

enchelycore808 · 03/31/2015, 03:48 PM

I'd say get 2x of them for a 20H. Better spread and no low spots or you could just get a hydra 26. If u run one, you'll have to put low light corals at the edges and might get u ven growth patterns. The watt per gallon rule doesn't really apply to leds and is a outdated guideline at best.

SeeCrabRun · 03/31/2015, 08:54 PM

I also have a 20H. I would agree that you'd do better with 2. Though that also depends on what exactly you want to have in your tank. You could always get 1 to start and then a second if you get into more difficult corals.

BxS_Reefer217 · 04/01/2015, 05:05 AM

Thanks for the replies. Seeing as budget is an issue, the idea of 2 lights is probably not an option. depending on my final choice, It seems it would be more cost efficient to get one good light. My first choice is the kessil a160. Are there any others that are comparable?

thewedge · 04/01/2015, 08:56 AM

I believe the Prime is at least comparable in terms of light quality and definitely better in terms of controllability to the A160. It is also cheaper. According to the data sheet from AI, one Prime should be good for the dimensions of your tank.

http://cdn.bulkreefsupply.com/media/...122015_rgb.pdf

SeeCrabRun · 04/01/2015, 10:47 AM

The a160 plus the mount and controller is almost the same price as 2 primes. So be careful of that.

What exactly do you plan to keep in the tank?

BxS_Reefer217 · 04/02/2015, 05:14 PM

I'm currently running a zetlight aqua light. I've had it for about 4 years. I keep a mixed reef right now, and It's been a great light. My sps grow pretty well under it, however, It doesn't do much for the color of my more demanding corals such as birdnests and other acros. Not to mention that the fixture is about the same length as my tank so it just kind of drowns the whole thug with light. Not much shimmer, color spectrum is somewhat lacking, etc.

BxS_Reefer217 · 04/02/2015, 05:24 PM

My other issue is that I eventually plan to upgrade to a larger tank, still a nano, but bigger. Either a 30 or 40 cube. But those are a long ways out

03/31/2015, 09:15 AM	#1
BxS_Reefer217 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 81	AI Prime led Does anyone have any experience with the new AquaIllumination prime led light? I have a 20g tall and have been looking into a new light fixture that is affordable, but still has good color and par readings. If it's not a good option, can anyone suggest something that is? Thanks

03/31/2015, 08:54 PM	#5
SeeCrabRun Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 552	I also have a 20H. I would agree that you'd do better with 2. Though that also depends on what exactly you want to have in your tank. You could always get 1 to start and then a second if you get into more difficult corals. __________________ Sara ~ Perpetually tinkering with my tanks.

04/01/2015, 08:56 AM	#7
thewedge Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 26	I believe the Prime is at least comparable in terms of light quality and definitely better in terms of controllability to the A160. It is also cheaper. According to the data sheet from AI, one Prime should be good for the dimensions of your tank. http://cdn.bulkreefsupply.com/media/...122015_rgb.pdf __________________ Current tank: 65g lps/softie and 2 SPS

04/01/2015, 10:47 AM	#8
SeeCrabRun Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 552	The a160 plus the mount and controller is almost the same price as 2 primes. So be careful of that. What exactly do you plan to keep in the tank? __________________ Sara ~ Perpetually tinkering with my tanks.

03/31/2015, 10:42 AM	#2
thewedge Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 26	I just ordered 2 for my 65g. Hope to have them Friday. They are very new so I'm not sure how much feedback you'll get. There is a thread in this section where some people are saying that they love the light but the bracket isn't the greatest. Sounds like it can be overcome though. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2489706

03/31/2015, 01:30 PM	#3
lhof Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: South Bay, Los Angeles CA Posts: 173	I had a few posts on there. Just got the new bracket and it's far better than the first. It's a great light and should definitely be considered though some might say it's a little underpowered for the 20. I've read that you should have 4-6 watts of power per gallon for a reef tank. How about a hydra for the 20 if you're looking at AI, is that overkill? What do others think?

03/31/2015, 03:48 PM	#4
enchelycore808 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 405	I'd say get 2x of them for a 20H. Better spread and no low spots or you could just get a hydra 26. If u run one, you'll have to put low light corals at the edges and might get u ven growth patterns. The watt per gallon rule doesn't really apply to leds and is a outdated guideline at best.

04/01/2015, 05:05 AM	#6
BxS_Reefer217 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 81	Thanks for the replies. Seeing as budget is an issue, the idea of 2 lights is probably not an option. depending on my final choice, It seems it would be more cost efficient to get one good light. My first choice is the kessil a160. Are there any others that are comparable?

04/02/2015, 05:14 PM	#9
BxS_Reefer217 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 81	I'm currently running a zetlight aqua light. I've had it for about 4 years. I keep a mixed reef right now, and It's been a great light. My sps grow pretty well under it, however, It doesn't do much for the color of my more demanding corals such as birdnests and other acros. Not to mention that the fixture is about the same length as my tank so it just kind of drowns the whole thug with light. Not much shimmer, color spectrum is somewhat lacking, etc.

04/02/2015, 05:24 PM	#10
BxS_Reefer217 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 81	My other issue is that I eventually plan to upgrade to a larger tank, still a nano, but bigger. Either a 30 or 40 cube. But those are a long ways out