To upgrade or not to upgrade

[MPreston]

Good afternoon,

New guy to the forum, not to the hobby**

I had a question- maybe its a matter of opinion. Maybe it has been asked before, maybe it hasn't- either way, here goes nothing.

I run a IM30L- dimension are 36*15*13 that is lit currently by 2x AI PrimeHDS.
I like the lights, have had decent growth and success with them but as I move into more SPS, should I be looking to 2x AI Hyrda26, 2x Radion XR30, 2x Radion XR15s, 2 or 3 Kessils?
**I was even thinking to just add another PrimeHD

What is everyone's thoughts/ opinions?

If you were upgrade, what would you upgrade to or would you just add another PrimeHD and call it a day?

Footnote.
The footprint of the tank will not allow for a T5/ Prime Hybrid unit (that was my first thought) and the wife wont let me hang a canopy.

So there it is boys and girls- upgrade, if so to what or add another Prime and keep on keeping on.

Thank you for your time.
MP

 

[Brad Miller]

Welcome to R2R.
I would say it depends on your par readings and water clarity right now....if everything is doing well as it is, start adding SPS where you think they should be placed and if you see they need more par, then upgrade.

 

[Hemmdog]

Welcome to reef2reef! I’d just get another prime, seems easier.

 

[Adalius]

I'd concur with both the above. Try putting some in, if they need more light, add another Prime. Cheaper/easier than swapping them out for whole new fixtures, and 3 Prime's on that size tank should be pretty decent (check out the PAR ratings for them, they put out a pretty decent spread on an 18"x18" square, so 3 on 36" is a pretty decent coverage).