AI Prime questions?

[reef4life07]

I have a 30g rimless 24x24x12, and about to pull the trigger on the AI Prime. Since I have to replace the bulbs on my ati t5 fixture, hundred bucks more I can get a led fixture. Does anyone have this fixture, if so how is it working out for?

[vhuang168]

What kind of corals?

[reef4life07]

Mix reef mainly lps, and 3 chalice frags. I would like to make it to a sps dominant.

[Broadfield]

Does anyone have this fixture, if so how is it working out for?

I love mine...no issues growing various SPS etc. I recommend 1 Prime per 1 foot of tank length for great coverage and PAR. Here's my 60x22x18 with 5 of them. I'm running 70% of full power at about 15k spectrum. I also have the lights as high as they will go on the Prime brackets.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN_d-SCZDoI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[reef4life07]

I love mine...no issues growing various SPS etc. I recommend 1 Prime per 1 foot of tank length for great coverage and PAR. Here's my 60x22x18 with 5 of them. I'm running 70% of full power at about 15k spectrum. I also have the lights as high as they will go on the Prime brackets.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN_d-SCZDoI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wow, your tank is amazingly beautiful. How is your coral growth? I figure for about $250, it's well worth it.

[StrangeDejavu]

I'm also about to pull the trigger on one. The PAR numbers on paper don't look very impressive but the fact that people are growing SPS with these tells me there's more going on than meets the eye.

[Broadfield]

I'm also about to pull the trigger on one. The PAR numbers on paper don't look very impressive but the fact that people are growing SPS with these tells me there's more going on than meets the eye.

Yeah, at 100% intensity and about a 14k-15k spectrum, I was getting around low 400's about 6" BWL. On the sand bed I was getting around 50-150. This was actually too much for a couple of my birds nest. So I moved them down a bit and started a 6 month acclimation at a 30% reduction.

This was tested with my Seneye PAR meter... which is known to be REALLY accurate in testing the PAR of blue LED's.

[reef4life07]

I'm pretty much sold, my lfs will hold the last unit, and bracket until Tuesday, they're close tomorrow. So first thing Tuesday after my physical therapy session, I'm heading straight over there to buy the Prime, and a frag or 2 :dance:. Thanks guys.

[StrangeDejavu]

Yeah, at 100% intensity and about a 14k-15k spectrum, I was getting around low 400's about 6" BWL. On the sand bed I was getting around 50-150. This was actually too much for a couple of my birds nest. So I moved them down a bit and started a 6 month acclimation at a 30% reduction.

This was tested with my Seneye PAR meter... which is known to be REALLY accurate in testing the PAR of blue LED's.

Wow that's great to hear. I was still unsure before but you just sold me. Now if the black model will come back in stock at BRS, i'll be set.

[reef4life07]

Lol, when I called my lfs today, I asked if he has the black model, and he said " that's all I order". I geuss It was meant to be for me.

[terryscf]

Hi. I am new to the Reef and just obtained a standard 75 gallon tank. I am still working out what equipment I would like to use. I don't have a set plan on my fish or coral. I do want to use the AI prime lights. I figured I would need two but given the dimensions of the tank do you think the lights would be a good choice?

[Broadfield]

I figured I would need two but given the dimensions of the tank do you think the lights would be a good choice?

What are the dimensions?

[terryscf]

What are the dimensions?

I realized after posting that I kinda found my answer. The dimensions are 48x18x21 and I found out the Prime lights are best for 12 inches in depth. I think I'll have to go with 2 AI 26s but also now wonder if 1 AI 52 will work instead. I really don't want to blow half my budget on lights but I really like the ramp up and down with the ability to control them via an app.

[doradosteve]

Go with (2) 26's vs. a single 52. You will get better coverage

[reef4life07]

I would also go with two 26's. For the price of the 52, you can get the two 26's, and get more coverage. You're going to pay a hair more, but you will also get more bang for your buck.

[vhuang168]

Go with 2 26s. You will get better coverage and reduce shadowing + 2 26s are more powerful than 1 52.