Lighting for a 45x45x45 cm Mixed Reef

[Benny_Mac0]

I am looking at buying a second hand reef tank with the stock aqua one light. The Mariglo 60. I would like another light (probably not straight away), I would like to keep sps but also not break the bank, i also want something that is controllable with my phone. The light will do for now as all their is is an anemone and a hammer coral. The previous owner said that he was having a bit of trouble with the hammer coral, I think this is due to the lighting as it is a 45cm deep tank with a 25 watt light. I was looking at the viparspectra 165, is this good and any recommendations would be great.
Thanks in advance.

 

[CasperOe]

I am looking at buying a second hand reef tank with the stock aqua one light. The Mariglo 60. I would like another light (probably not straight away), I would like to keep sps but also not break the bank, i also want something that is controllable with my phone. The light will do for now as all their is is an anemone and a hammer coral. The previous owner said that he was having a bit of trouble with the hammer coral, I think this is due to the lighting as it is a 45cm deep tank with a 25 watt light. I was looking at the viparspectra 165, is this good and any recommendations would be great.
Thanks in advance.

In my book, I would go for an AI Prime light on a tank like that! It's a cracking wee light, and you can pick them up for a decent price used.. :) Easy to set up, easy to control and it doesn't hurt in my book that they look the part as well, however that's just a bonus!

 

[Benny_Mac0]

In my book, I would go for an AI Prime light on a tank like that! It's a cracking wee light, and you can pick them up for a decent price used.. :) Easy to set up, easy to control and it doesn't hurt in my book that they look the part as well, however that's just a bonus!

i was just looking and i think the ai 32hd might be the way to go

 

[CasperOe]

i was just looking and i think the ai 32hd might be the way to go

Absolutely! You might need to turn it down a fair bit though. I run two AI Hydra 26's on a set of Fluval Evo tanks. Got they cheap, but wildly overkill for my application ;)

Might take that premium though and save for a rainy day!

 

[Rikki248]

I’m so glad you posted this, thank you!! I too am looking to upgrade my light (black box) to something more efficient and Phone controllable now that I have started getting corals into my tank. (All softies) I have a 55 gallon bow front, which is making it hard for me to figure out coverage. Essentially it’s a corner tank, the spread for AI Primes says 24x24x24. My tank itself is 27” on both straight angles but technically with the bow front, the front is 37”.

@Benny_Mac0 Did you happen to go with the AI Prime? What do you think?

@CasperOe do you think my tank (I would really really love to go AI Prime) will need two lights or should one be enough? My rockscape is angled with the tank so in a “V” shape which leaves a clear open swim space and sand in the middle. I’m just struggling to know what I’m looking for and need.

Any help is super appreciated from anyone! I attached a photo if at all helpful!