AI prime or Blade?

[bmcneely03]

Hello everyone,
I was looking for some lighting advice. I have a new 75 gallon 48X18X20" cycling now. I was originally thinking I was going to do a Fowler tank, but have now decided I would like to do some soft corals and maybe a few LPS. Would anyone have recommendations as to using the AI blade grow light vs 2 AI prime 16s? If the blades I was thinking a 21 inch lights over each of the 24 inch sides. Thanks for any input.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

The prime 16 light is a nano light, I think you would need more than 2 to be very effective.

I would be thinking something more like 2 nicrew 150watts is more suited for your size tank.

 

[rtparty]

I currently have Blades on my tank and they do a good job. I had them over my 250g peninsula for 9 months and they did a good job there too. They are overpriced though IMO so there has to be something about them that wows you enough to overpay. For me there are a few things I really like and was willing to pay more for: no fan, super flat PAR, super clean installation over the tank, and beyond simple to setup and use.

I would do a 48” version though and not 2 of the 21” personally.

Having said all that, I have a Nicrew 150 on the way to check out for my potential tank upgrade. They look like a great budget light so far

 

[ktran]

1 x quanta helix reef crest
1x quanta helix meso blue

These look like a great option and going on my 36x18x16 tank

 

[Merge_595]

Hello everyone,
I was looking for some lighting advice. I have a new 75 gallon 48X18X20" cycling now. I was originally thinking I was going to do a Fowler tank, but have now decided I would like to do some soft corals and maybe a few LPS. Would anyone have recommendations as to using the AI blade grow light vs 2 AI prime 16s? If the blades I was thinking a 21 inch lights over each of the 24 inch sides. Thanks for any input.

I'm familiar with both & I have a Par meter. If you're looking to stay budget friendly the Prime's will get the job done just keep in mind your Par on the sandbed might be 50 or below..I have 2 Blade Grows(paired with Radions)now & although they're extremely expensive they get the job done correct. So it all depends on what you're trying to accomplish & your budget. But before them I would go with 2 Radion XR15 Blues. They're jus proven to work hands down..plug & play

 

[Shirak]

I have some older AI prime and hydra and the spread is crappy so skip them.. I would go with longer strip type like the blade if you want some light for softies. You will need to bump it up a bit though for LPS stony corals.

 

[bmcneely03]

I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I ended up getting two of the new Nicrew Gen 2 150 W for my new 75 gallon. Very happy with them so far for the price. Tank just finished cycling and I have a clown pair doing well.