Suggested lighting for a 5gal pico

[toddmau5]

I have a 5 gal tank on my desk at work, busy zoas and mushrooms but I hate the lighting. None of the colors really pop. So I was wondering, should I go with an ai prime, a used kessil a150 or one of those full spectrum par38 bulbs?

[jtgrimes]

Im a kessil fan so I would say go with the a150. But for your setup, any of those would do.

[toddmau5]

I've always been a big kessil fan, just not sure with the a150 not being dimable if it's going to be overkill, and if I'll get the right color pop

[oldbones]

I've not used a Kessil, but I'll cast a vote for the AI Prime. The controllability is outstanding, you can completely customize your color temp to your liking, and can make it change throughout the day. Newest software version includes a coral acclimation program, which is sweet as well.

You'll be using very low power settings over a 5g tank, most likely well below 50%.

[jtgrimes]

Is the a150 not controllable with kessil control or apex? I know the kessil controller has acclamation as well.

[Devaji108]

I would go with the AI prime. I have never used one but I like the idea of them i almost went with 2 over my up and coming 40B...but would need 3 to cover it.
but for a nano like that I think it would be a better option than Kessil. if you do get with kessil get the dimable A160
just my 2 cents...

[Ram123]

AI is nice, but I wish it has wifi control:spin2:

[oldbones]

What are you talking about? The AI Prime has built in wifi. Control it with your laptop, ipad, iPhone or android device.

[ryeguyy84]

On my old office tank I modded an IM sky light with 4 LED's from rapid LED with a dimmable driver.

came out pretty good, just an Idea if you're into DIY.

http://i1338.photobucket.com/albums/o686/ocon2262/null_zps6f94cf78.jpg (http://s1338.photobucket.com/user/ocon2262/media/null_zps6f94cf78.jpg.html)

don't worry the fish has since been moved to my 60G

[toddmau5]

On my old office tank I modded an IM sky light with 4 LED's from rapid LED with a dimmable driver.

came out pretty good, just an Idea if you're into DIY.

http://i1338.photobucket.com/albums/o686/ocon2262/null_zps6f94cf78.jpg (http://s1338.photobucket.com/user/ocon2262/media/null_zps6f94cf78.jpg.html)

don't worry the fish has since been moved to my 60G
Looks like the exact same tank in running.

[ryeguyy84]

Looks like the exact same tank in running.

Mine was an IM nuvo 4 aso it came with that light.

if you have the light already it's really easy. just open up the light, take out the board thats in there and all the wires. I bought the LED's with the connectors on them so I didn't have to solder. then I just glued them in with the thermal paste and wired them up.

I added a fan, to cool it down but then I used it as a sump light for a while and never turned on the fan and it's still okay. so i'd say it's optional.

[infusionluke]

I'll put in a vote for the AI Prime. I haven't used one but I do use a "Hydra" and a "Hydra52" and love them both!

My wife has that same pico, and I'm always trying to get her to buy the Prime for it!

[Virtual Balboa]

I have two primes on a 29 gallon. Been looking for a light for a 3 gallon pico I have cycling. The primes have been set at 60% on that tank at 20,000K. Maybe I should turn them up? But I will say that I like them a lot. Thought about it for the pico but seems like it might be overkill. I guess my point is that on a 5 gallon they might have to be turned down a lot. Love the wifi and phone app.

[Virtual Balboa]

I just bought a par30 bulb from coral compulsion for my pico setup.