Waterbox CUBE 20 lighting

Waterbox CUBE 20 lighting


  • Total voters
    20

MammothWombat

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 19, 2020
Messages
36
Reaction score
4
Location
United States
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hello,

I am getting a waterbox cube 20 and I am looking for a suitable lighting. I mainly keep LPS (euphyllia, scolies) and BTA. I want them to grow and have good coloration. I am looking at the AI prime 16 HD, Kessil A160 tuna blue and the Kessil a360x (with WiFi dongle). The prime is half the price of the a360x which is great, however, I read that it has some issues like loud fan noise and the disco ball effect.

I watched BRS video on both the prime and the 360 and have some insight on how to mount and what par/spread/spectrum to expect but I still need some help on what to choose. Other suggestions are welcome as well.
 
OP
OP
M

MammothWombat

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 19, 2020
Messages
36
Reaction score
4
Location
United States
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Update: My LFS told me that if I want more growth/color pop. I should think about the xr15 G5. Any comments on that? I don't think they were trying to sell because they don't carry the xr15s.

Thanks!
 

DeNovice

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 28, 2021
Messages
33
Reaction score
18
Location
Dayton
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
The fan on my AI Prime 16 hardly ever kicks on and it’s barely noticeable when it does.
 

a hill

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jan 20, 2021
Messages
109
Reaction score
164
Location
RI
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
AI16 kicks on fan hardcore once past 60% output

Overall great lights as long as it’s not in the same room with fan on full blast.

if you don’t mind fan noise it’s not too bad. I think cooling could be improved, they’re moving way too much air in way too little space in my view.

I figure most people don’t use them to the max and it’s no issue. Kessil are great too and highly recommend tuna blues. I have a handful.

-Andrew
 

DirkCourage

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 6, 2020
Messages
139
Reaction score
172
Location
Chicago
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I can't compare, but am happy with Ai Prime using adjusted BRS settings. The general spectrum they recommend eliminated the disco effect. I have a mixed reef with several euphyllia and all seem happy. Seems very quiet.
 

fishhead1973

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jan 20, 2021
Messages
126
Reaction score
115
Location
winter haven
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Update: My LFS told me that if I want more growth/color pop. I should think about the xr15 G5. Any comments on that? I don't think they were trying to sell because they don't carry the xr15s.

Thanks!
I’ve got the xr15 g5 pros colors up coral nice. Red Sea nano 20 par reading was great to
 

John Bolden

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 28, 2020
Messages
1,039
Reaction score
1,597
Location
granville ohio
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have a tuna blue and LOVE it the ai primes are supported by one tiny screw and have a record for falling in the tank. The tuna blue has a great spectrum. I also will say that the xr15 is way over powered for what you want. The ai prime would be good and the 360. Also here's a pic. EDIT: You cant hear the fan.
1618336127561.png 1618336177365.png
 

Kocodelux

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 9, 2020
Messages
11
Reaction score
10
Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I've got a Kessil 180 over my Waterbox Cube 20. I find the light to be stunning from dawn till dusk and I love the shimmer.

20210407_183537.jpg
 

zoaprince

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Messages
505
Reaction score
680
Location
USA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
a360x and XR15 is overkill. Do you like a ton of shimmer? Yes, then buy kessil 160; no, then buy AI Prime (has shimmer but not like the Kessil).
 

aSaltyKlown

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 29, 2020
Messages
421
Reaction score
558
Location
N. VA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I've got a Kessil 180 over my Waterbox Cube 20. I find the light to be stunning from dawn till dusk and I love the shimmer.

20210407_183537.jpg
What is the distance from the waterline? I'll be setting up a WB20 with the 160 as well and looking for a good starting point for color and intensity. thanks
 

Kocodelux

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 9, 2020
Messages
11
Reaction score
10
Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
About 14 cm from the lens to the waterline. You can choose color to your liking and adjust the intensity to the corals' needs. I started at 50 % intensity and slowly increased it to 60 %.

I love the looks and shimmer of the light, but I think two units or some other complimentary light would be ideal to avoid shading. I will probably add that in the future.
 

tharbin

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 22, 2021
Messages
4,404
Reaction score
30,882
Location
Arizona
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
As long as SPS is not your main focus +1 on the Prime or a 160 recommended by @zoaprince . The A80 will not be enough. I have a Prime 16HD on a WB 15 Mini Pen running the Saxby schedule and I hardly ever hear the fan.
 
Back
Top