Lifer Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 After 13 years with a 24 g Aquapod with 150 metal halide, I finally upgraded to a Reefer 300 XL (36-inch 65 g DT). I'm a couple months into the cycle process and starting to think about lights. Current lighting technology is totally new to me, so I'm interested in opinions for how others would light this tank. The goal is a mixed reef with LPS, softies, and some SPS. I'm leaning towards two AI Prime 16 HDs. Cost is one consideration, and this seems like a good option for balancing cost with quality while meeting spectrum and intensity needs. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matteo Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 With a 36" tank I think three primes would be much better. You could get away with two but you'll have shadowing and such. Granted if cranked up I'm sure both would do for now. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerixx Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 If you’re open to used I’d find some used Hydra 26 HD’s, I’ve seen them on R2R and eBay for $200. I don’t think 2 Primes would be enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodstock Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Two XR15 Pros would be 👌🏼 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 They AI primes are good for small tanks, but they definitely don't throw out much light... AT ALL. I am a halide guy but if I i had to go LED I would go T5 and Led combo. Four t5 bulbs and three Ai would be pretty decent and make up for the short comings of the prime coverages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefrun Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 If you're going to use primes, be sure to get the HD and you'd need 3 of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lifer Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 Awesome feedback. Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Cool thing these days is there is so many options that can be added too. Start with 2 prime16, then maybe add the aquatic life T5 hybrid fixture or an LED bar (orphek OR3 or similar). Just add as you fill in the tank. Corals can be placed accordingly as the tank grows out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gumby Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 2 AI lights with T5 combo or 3 AI lights would alright but I prefer the new radion G5 lights. Radions are the best led out there IMO. You can use 2 G5's and be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
half-astronaut Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 I have a 36" tank and have this light. No complaints. https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-ultra-reef-lights/44-105-ultra-34.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 On 12/17/2020 at 10:05 PM, half-astronaut said: I have a 36" tank and have this light. No complaints. https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-ultra-reef-lights/44-105-ultra-34.html That's cool, I had no idea SB had a new line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefsakes Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 I'm putting 2 xr15 blues over my 32x24x20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 (edited) I’ll be selling my (2) XR30 G4 non pro Radions with diffusers and RMS tank mounts once I get my new lights from Cuttlefish. Those would be pretty solid choice I think. Edited December 20, 2020 by Bicyclebill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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