AI Prime or T247

Ches · 05/03/2015, 02:33 PM

I have a 47x20x20 tank and I'm wondering what lights I should get. I'm looking at 2 AI Primes or 2 T247s. The primes seem to be the obvious choice since they both cost the same but the Primes have more bells and whistles. My concern is coverage and Im looking at doing a mixed reef. Thoughts?

chadfarmer · 05/03/2015, 03:31 PM

I think u are going to need more primes

moondoggy4 · 05/03/2015, 06:34 PM

T247 is a better choice. Or two Kessil 350 tuna blues not controllable but dimmable sub 250 each

Ches · 05/03/2015, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadfarmer

I think u are going to need more primes

I looked at the AI Prime manual and it recommends 3 unit for my size tank. Im only contemplating the Primes due to the ramp function, wireless control, and sprectum settings.

Ches · 05/03/2015, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

T247 is a better choice. Or two Kessil 350 tuna blues not controllable but dimmable sub 250 each

Im thinking that too, since once I set the timer and intensity, who needs it to ramp up/down.

moondoggy4 · 05/04/2015, 12:30 AM

You could set too dawn (blue) when you go to sleep and when you come home you can turn on the white to the proper level, then repeat. You probably won't see the dawn to dusk to much anyway by controller.

daveonbass · 05/04/2015, 03:46 AM

as much as I love my Prime I have to agree that you'd nee at least three, maybe four depending on how much intensity you want (say for a SPS tank). The T247 I believe would give you better coverage for the price...and I have heard that it's a great light. Sadly I can't completely attest to how well the T247 works because I chose to get the Prime instead. For controllability, the Prime is amazing and I love it...so if you REALLY have your heart set on the gradual ramping on and off of the light (which I do happen to love now that I finally have the ability to do it) then you may want to fork out the extra money for the multiple Primes.

Bpb · 05/04/2015, 07:29 AM

I'd go with the t247. Much better coverage. Ramping is cool and all, but to me coverage is cooler. If you got 4 ai primes and kind of staggered them that would provide better coverage. But even with 3 in a row, the front to back coverage won't be as good as with 2 t247 units. Plus, the OR unit uses bridgelux diodes on actual heatsinks. The quality is much better than comparably priced eBay units

Ches · 05/04/2015, 04:56 PM

Thanks everyone, T247s it is and I'm going to supplement them with a T-5 retro fit with a ATI AB Special and Purple+ bulbs. I thing it should come out pretty awesome.

greaps · 05/06/2015, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ches

Thanks everyone, T247s it is and I'm going to supplement them with a T-5 retro fit with a ATI AB Special and Purple+ bulbs. I thing it should come out pretty awesome.

Hope you can share how this is built and how you like it, I am planning the same thing for a future upgrade, lots of light spread.

05/03/2015, 02:33 PM	#1
Ches Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 100	AI Prime or T247 I have a 47x20x20 tank and I'm wondering what lights I should get. I'm looking at 2 AI Primes or 2 T247s. The primes seem to be the obvious choice since they both cost the same but the Primes have more bells and whistles. My concern is coverage and Im looking at doing a mixed reef. Thoughts?

05/03/2015, 03:31 PM	#2
chadfarmer Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ST Charles, MO far from nanook Posts: 11,045 Blog Entries: 1	I think u are going to need more primes __________________ If you think you know the answer than ask 3 more people the question Current Tank Info: 200 Gal RR,ATB medium, 4 AI blue sol,230 LBS LIVE ROCK, no sand , 40 GAL sump, airstar1800, 3 tunze 6105 1- 6205 1-6305, Geo 818, profilux3ex with toys

05/04/2015, 03:46 AM	#7
daveonbass Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: texarkana, TX Posts: 1,364	as much as I love my Prime I have to agree that you'd nee at least three, maybe four depending on how much intensity you want (say for a SPS tank). The T247 I believe would give you better coverage for the price...and I have heard that it's a great light. Sadly I can't completely attest to how well the T247 works because I chose to get the Prime instead. For controllability, the Prime is amazing and I love it...so if you REALLY have your heart set on the gradual ramping on and off of the light (which I do happen to love now that I finally have the ability to do it) then you may want to fork out the extra money for the multiple Primes. __________________ dave Current Tank Info: 58g reef, 60 total gallons including rocks and sand, 36" 6 bulb ATI Powermodule, DAS skimmer, Bio pellets, 2 MP10 vortechs

05/03/2015, 06:34 PM	#3
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	T247 is a better choice. Or two Kessil 350 tuna blues not controllable but dimmable sub 250 each

05/04/2015, 12:30 AM	#6
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	You could set too dawn (blue) when you go to sleep and when you come home you can turn on the white to the proper level, then repeat. You probably won't see the dawn to dusk to much anyway by controller.

05/04/2015, 07:29 AM	#8
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	I'd go with the t247. Much better coverage. Ramping is cool and all, but to me coverage is cooler. If you got 4 ai primes and kind of staggered them that would provide better coverage. But even with 3 in a row, the front to back coverage won't be as good as with 2 t247 units. Plus, the OR unit uses bridgelux diodes on actual heatsinks. The quality is much better than comparably priced eBay units

05/04/2015, 04:56 PM	#9
Ches Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 100	Thanks everyone, T247s it is and I'm going to supplement them with a T-5 retro fit with a ATI AB Special and Purple+ bulbs. I thing it should come out pretty awesome.