3 AI Prime 16 HD vs 2 AI Prime 26HD?

[paradizecityz]

Hello there, I have Waterbox 65.4 (48x20x18) and currently running 3-AI Prime 16HDs. I like the look of 2 lights better and was thinking of going to 2-AI Hydras 26HDs. Do you think that would work out or should I stick to 3?

 

[DDenny]

AT 18" of depth the 16HD would be under powered depending on what you want to keep. BRS did a video on the 16HD on an 18X18 cube and maxed out it would do SPS at the very top according to their standards.

 

[DDenny]

Sorry misread your post you have three primes already. ;Facepalm I still think the Hydras would be a better bet for later down the road when you want to try more demanding or just better spread.

 

[paradizecityz]

Don't know how to edit title as I meant to put Hydras 26HD instead of Prime 26HD lol

Sorry misread your post you have three primes already. ;Facepalm I still think the Hydras would be a better bet for later down the road when you want to try more demanding or just better spread.

Thanks! I was thinking it would help out if I want to do SPS but was just worried about the spread

 

[Waynerock]

I have 3 primes and they are dialed pretty low and I grow whatever. Stick with 3 you can get better spread by spacing them apart more

 

[DDenny]

I have 3 primes and they are dialed pretty low and I grow whatever. Stick with 3 you can get better spread by spacing them apart more

how high off the water do you have your lights? Awesome looking corals btw.

 

[Waynerock]

how high off the water do you have your lights? Awesome looking corals btw.

Thanks! I have them at almost the max height of the hard mount for the primes about 10 inches. I recently got a 24 inch xho and it hangs from the ai hard mount with the included feet perfectly. I only have the xho at 20% though so i dont think its putting out much par. When I had them at 70 + percent the corals got super pastel, I assumed that I needed more par but I was was wrong and it was too late to return the XHO at that point so I keep them there at 15-20%