IM Fusion 30L Lighting

[gotwins86]

Looking to get back into the hobby after moving to a new house. Kind of narrowed down to either the IM Fusion 20 or 30L. Thoughts on lighting the 30L. Would prefer to stay away from strip lights and would really like to keep it under $600. Will be a mixed reef, mainly soft and LPS, but will want to add some SPS down the road.

Options I was thinking of:

2 AI Prime
2 Kessil A106WE
3 Kessil A80

Anyone have experience with any of these set ups? Will I get good spread? Or what are you currently running on your 30L?

Edit: Tank is 36x15x13. With display at 36x11x13.

 

[brett_schn]

Don’t go with the a80! Go with a prime hd or a160we

 

[Highgrade]

I run 2 A160WE's on my IM 30L but may add a 3rd since I have a mix of SPS and LPS. Little more coverage would be nice. So far the 2 A160's is not bad for the coverage but definitely some shadowing/lower par in the corners. Either the primes or the A160's would work. Keep in mind you may end up having to raise up the lights for better coverage if just running 2 of them. Also the A80's wouldn't be ideal for SPS.

 

[gotwins86]

Was afraid 2 would not quite be enough. Having to get 3 fixtures pushes the budget a bit. Might start with 2 and add a third down the line. Leaning kessil right now. Thoughts on kessil vs AI?

 

[Highgrade]

Was afraid 2 would not quite be enough. Having to get 3 fixtures pushes the budget a bit. Might start with 2 and add a third down the line. Leaning kessil right now. Thoughts on kessil vs AI?

Both are good. With the Kessils you'll need a controller to get the full use out of the lights and the shimmer is better than the AI. The AI are nice cause they're wireless along with better control of the colors IMO.

 

[brett_schn]

Or u could do 2 used a360s on here for $300 each with gooseneck

 

[sromero287]

Go with the two I-prime's HD Controllability they are approved for SPS or any kind of Corals, customer service on AI is the best

 

[gotwins86]

Anyone use a Nanobox? Little over budget, but might take a chance on the nanobox quad. $675, but would be all set.

 

[gotwins86]

Change the subject a little, but how about lighting for the IM Fusion 20? Probably need 2 lights also?

 

[gotwins86]

Bringing this back up. I am looking at reef breeders. Either the Photon 32-V2 or the Aquasanrise Plus R90. Would give me the ability to do any coral. I know many have had success with the Photon, but any reviews on the Aquasanrise? It costs $100 more. Only difference it seems is a little more control and the ability to swap out leds. Is it worth the extra $ over the Photon?

 

[brett_schn]

Reefbreeders photonv2 are really good as far as I hear