What mount should i get?? AI Prime HD

NakiFantaki · Dec 20, 2016

Planning on ordering a AI Prime HD LED fixture today but I am not sure what mount I should be getting? There is a 12 inch and an 18 inch gooseneck mount and then there is the fixed arm mount. I am using this on a Nuvo 20 Fusion which has a 24 x 15 x 12 footprint. My plans for right now and going to be soft corals and maybe some LPS. I plan to get another light down the line to help with the overall cover and shading.

I guess I'm just not sure how high this light needs to sit above the water. Any help would be MUCH appreciated.
Thanks!

Coastie Reefer · Dec 20, 2016

I have an AI Prime on a standard 10g with an 18" flex mount. I personally love it and think the 18 is the perfect height. Your tank is only 4" longer than a standard 10g so you'll be fine with a single Prime, especially with an HD Prime!

NakiFantaki · Dec 20, 2016

Thanks for the reply! If I get the 18inch... Will I be able to set the light at 12inch if I want?

Coastie Reefer · Dec 20, 2016

After you attach the Prime to the arm and bend the flex arm to position the light over the tank it will not be anywhere near 18" high. It's more like 13"-14" if I had to guess... Here's mine for a visual. If you look at the light on the wall behind the tank, you'll see this height provides great spread.

NakiFantaki · Dec 20, 2016

Gotcha. Thanks.

Does anyone use the 12inch one?

ReeferMadness80G · Dec 20, 2016

Honestly I hate the flex arm, the torque screw broke almost right out of the gate, it's flimsy and I'm usually pretty nervous about it falling in the tank. The actual neck is great, I can adjust from all the way up to an inch off the water. Just wish the clamp to the aquarium part was a little more sturdy

mcarroll · Dec 21, 2016

Roughly speaking, 90º lenses will give you a coverage radius that is equal to your mounting height.

So 10" off the water gives you a 10" radius of coverage. Or a diameter of coverage 20" across.

Make sense?

hooligan76 · Dec 21, 2016

I use the 12" versions, I've got two over my 29 gallon tank & they work great, keeps the lights about 10" off the water. Had the fixed arm mount but it stuck out too far & was not as adjustable as I needed, the flex arm worked much better for me.