Which arm for AI prime?

[Ghost25]

Looking into planning a tank build and thinking about going with the AI Prime 16HD. The issue is on BRS the AI flex arm has some terrible reviews: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prime-flex-arm-18-inch-aqua-illumination.html

Notably, multiple people mention that the single screw attachment to the tank caused their light to fall in the water and fry. So what are my alternatives?

 

[ReeferMaddne$$]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ai-prime-tank-mount-black.html

I went with the mount bracket over the flex arm. I have no issues with it.

 

[Dkmoo]

Bracket for me too

What you can also do is to ziptie the cord securely with the bracket so in case the single screw fails (it shouldnt) the cord will still leave the light hanging

 

[ariellemermaid]

I went with the bracket on recommendation as well. Since the goal of reefing is consistency including light levels for corals, I just don’t see a benefit to the flex arm. Even changing the height by an inch or two can have dramatic effects on PAR distribution, so I’d rather have it mounted securely exactly where I want it.

I seem to remember the comparable Red Sea light model has a fixed mount that allows you to flip up the light in a fixed way for cleaning then back to the exact same position; I think that’s the best design. But, I will say at the mount height I need, my prime has never once gotten in my way during maintenance and I think it’s more cost effective.

 

[RedFrog211]

I have the mounting bracket as well, and I have had no issues. I just make sure the screws are as tight as they can be, for obvious reasons. When I clean, I do have to take the light off because it blocks part of my overflow. With a week or twos worth of salt, the screw can be difficult, but that’s an easy fix. I’m really happy with the AI prime, and my corals are too

 

[vetteguy53081]

I use and prefer the non-flex arm
I use the bracket type which is very supportive and sturdy

 

[Jimmeh lee]

The newer flex arms have a wider mounting piece. Even with the single screw one though, if it fell into their tank, they had to have put it on incorrectly. I used one for literal years without it budging. Have to take those reviews with a grain of salt...synthetic or otherwise lol

 

[tnw50cal]

^^^^^ Look at the 2 links to the mounts listed above. The flex arms mount is twice as big as the bracket. I've had the "newer" flex arm for about a year now with no problems.

 

[Totlxtc]

I have both the new and the old flex arm (12"). An yes I lost my old Prime in the tank when i bumped the light by accident. The new flex arm is almost twice as wide (2.25" compared to 1.25") and also way more secure. I can wiggle the new version and it doesn't even move where the old one does.

 

[Proteus Meep]

I have two of the 12" flex arms over my reef and as said the bracket is actually a lot chunkier now than the rigid mount, before that I had one of the original flex arms for a couple of years with no issue at all, i think mostly when people have had issues is when they have overtightened them and cracked it

Aesthetically to me they look so much smarter and sleeker as well, and reminds me of the Martian Heat Ray

 

[stylolvr]

Another +1 for the solid mount bracket. Nice and secure.

 

[LacViet]

I went with solid mount bracket and very happy with it.

 

[Ghost25]

For anyone in the future I can confirm Aqua Illumination has fixed the bracket on the flex arm and it is now extremely beefy. I went with the flex arm because like Proteus I like the look a lot more.