Help with Light Settings for AI Prime 16HD

[jweiner]

Pardon my stupidity, but what is AB+?

AB+ is a spectrum and intensity that BRStv came out with for the AI lights. It’s a good schedule but it’s very intense. They have different versions of it as well. If you search on YouTube AB+ BRS AI prime they have a video on it.

Thank you!!

 

[Hooz]

Pardon my stupidity, but what is AB+?

AB+ is a spectrum and intensity that BRStv came out with for the AI lights. It’s a good schedule but it’s very intense. They have different versions of it as well. If you search on YouTube AB+ BRS AI prime they have a video on it.

It's only as "intense" as you make it. You turn the whole thing up or down based on your needs.

 

[jweiner]

So... First things first...

How high is the light mounted? Google says the desktop cube is basically an 18" cube, right? If so, you need to have the light mounted 10" above the waterline for the most even coverage.

As for color settings, I'd recommend an "AB+" type color mix. It has a good mix of blue and white, and it's been proven over and over to grow coral. There are several "schedules" out there that use a similar color mix. If you're in the AI Prime/Hydra users' group on Facebook, they have a TON of schedules you can download. A lot of people like the Pennywise settings. I'd recommend one of the 12 hour DAYlight schedules.

Intensity is a little more difficult. The stuff you are hoping to grow in the tank isn't too light demanding. Softies, LPS and BTAs all do well in moderate lighting. Using the Pennywise schedules I mentioned before, I'd probably start with the "Pennywise Daylight POP 71% 12Hr" and see how you (and your coral) like it.

One last thing: I recommend watching this video. The whole thing. Twice. It'll teach you SO much about how your light works.

Hi there. I have the IM 15 AIO cube tank with the AI Prime 16HD mounted about 9” above the water. It’s basically a 15” cube that has about 11-12 gallons of water in it. Would the settings you recommended in this thread also work for my setup? I’m new to saltwater and currently going through a fishless cycle with the light off. I noticed that you have the UV at 70. Someone else mentioned that anything over 40 can melt the lens? Thanks in advance.

 

[TheNative192]

Hi there. I have the IM 15 AIO cube tank with the AI Prime 16HD mounted about 9” above the water. It’s basically a 15” cube that has about 11-12 gallons of water in it. Would the settings you recommended in this thread also work for my setup? I’m new to saltwater and currently going through a fishless cycle with the light off. I noticed that you have the UV at 70. Someone else mentioned that anything over 40 can melt the lens? Thanks in advance.

Eh I would say the 70% is not a problem. I have a very similar tank I think it’s 18 gallons cube instead of 15 technically but if you want to lower the settings all you have to do is take two fingers and drag them down together and it will adjust the settings lower.

I would keep it at 60% at least.

Some people run the AB+ at like 114% with no issue. But the lens usually melts if saltwater splashes on the lens.

 

[Hooz]

Hi there. I have the IM 15 AIO cube tank with the AI Prime 16HD mounted about 9” above the water. It’s basically a 15” cube that has about 11-12 gallons of water in it. Would the settings you recommended in this thread also work for my setup? I’m new to saltwater and currently going through a fishless cycle with the light off. I noticed that you have the UV at 70. Someone else mentioned that anything over 40 can melt the lens? Thanks in advance.

The settings I posted were for a tank a little larger than yours, running a Prime HD (NOT a Prime 16HD). That being said, they would still probably be pretty close on your tank.

I would recommend watching the BRStv video I linked to earlier in this thread for the 16HD. They have mounting height and intensity recommendations for the light on a 12" cube tank and an 18" cube tank. Your tank falls perfectly in the middle of those two sizes, so it's easy to guesstimate where you'd need to be. Once you have a good idea of what intensities you should be running, you can make a simple schedule, or you can find one of the many premade ones out there and adjust accordingly.