Which is better lighting?

[Luke 29 Gallon]

I have a 29 gallon standard. 30 inches long and 18 inches deep. Wondering if I should go with 2 Kessil a160we tune blues or if I should go with 1 AI Hydra 32 HD. Cost isn’t the problem. Just wondering which one would be more efficient in the long run. Knowing that only 1 Kessil isn’t enough spread is the only reason I’d be getting 2.

Thanks in advance

 

[bjc451]

Buy to plan a upgrade. I never used those lights

 

[The nano reefer]

I run a a160 on my 24g and recently just got a prime 16hd for my 20 g the prime is 19 watts more at max power and has way more adjustibility than the a160 so id go with the 32hd or 2 16hds for better spread

 

[JoshO]

I'd possibly say 2 ai Primes. BRS did a video about getting better spread with 2 primes v 1 hydra. Worth a watch!

 

[NB Reefer]

I would throw 2 XR15 G4 pros on that with diffusers.

 

[Hop2jr]

I have 2 AI hydra 32 on my 90 gallon tank and love the light. Spectrum is great would recommend them for sure. Would only need one for a 24gallon

 

[piranhaman00]

AI over Kessil all day

 

[Reefer Optima]

I'd possibly say 2 ai Primes. BRS did a video about getting better spread with 2 primes v 1 hydra. Worth a watch!

Agree, two smaller lights offer more coverage and flexibility. Watching the BRS video confirmed my choice, I'm going 2 AI Primes over my 32.

Edit: the video was on Hydra 32 vs Hydra 64 but the same concept. Video was BRS Hydra 32Hd versus Hydra 64HD.

 

[Slim64684]

I just put 2 primes over my 29 gallon a week ago. I think i went with 12 inches between them.

 

[brett_schn]

I would do 2 prime 16hds. I have the regular hd and I love it. The colors on the prime hd are better then the 26hd hydra.

 

[JoshO]

Agree, two smaller lights offer more coverage and flexibility. Watching the BRS video confirmed my choice, I'm going 2 AI Primes over my 32.

Edit: the video was on Hydra 32 vs Hydra 64 but the same concept. Video was BRS Hydra 32Hd versus Hydra 64HD.

So it was, I think I was getting confused with the xr15 v xr30 vid, however the concept still stands! Glad you're with me on this!

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hello,

First I wanted to say #WelcometoR2R

I would agree with everyone else. Your tank is just outside the length you can get away with one. You will need 2 lamps to really get good coverage and avoid shadowing. The first question would be what coral are you looking to keep? My recommendation for acro or mixed reef plans and for possible upgrades down the road would be 2 of the AI 32, or 2 of the new comparable Radions. The 2 Kessil will just not carry par and spread you need for the full tank.

and if you get a sec, stop by the meet and greet section to start a thread and say hi.

Edit, forgot to add this visual reference

PAR - AquaIllumination

www.aquaillumination.com

 

[Reefer Optima]

So it was, I think I was getting confused with the xr15 v xr30 vid, however the concept still stands! Glad you're with me on this!

Yeah I asked in the video comment section if 2 primes would be better for my setup than 1 hydra (my display tank is 24" x 20") & Bulk reef replied with "my gut tells me that this would definitely be the right tool option for that size tank. We plan to test the Prime 16s very soon".

I have a mixed reef with softies and LPS so don't need super high lighting needs.

 

[Waynerock]

I have a 29 gallon standard. 30 inches long and 18 inches deep. Wondering if I should go with 2 Kessil a160we tune blues or if I should go with 1 AI Hydra 32 HD. Cost isn’t the problem. Just wondering which one would be more efficient in the long run. Knowing that only 1 Kessil isn’t enough spread is the only reason I’d be getting 2.

Thanks in advance

Two prime 16 will do you great. I am rocking 3 over a Red Sea 250 and sticks grow up top and LPS grows everywhere else

 

[JoshO]

Yeah I asked in the video comment section if 2 primes would be better for my setup than 1 hydra (my display tank is 24" x 20") & Bulk reef replied with "my gut tells me that this would definitely be the right tool option for that size tank. We plan to test the Prime 16s very soon".

I have a mixed reef with softies and LPS so don't need super high lighting needs.

That's super promising to hear they'll be testing that soon!
I'm in the middle of my 4 month cycle on my nano which I'm going to attempt as mixed Lps and sps

 

[Luke 29 Gallon]

Thanks everyone who responded. After reading them all and talking to others I might go with the two 16hd’s sense the coverage will be way better and also it seems like in a way they might be more powerful as one fixture. Instead of two into one.
I want to be able to get whatever coral that I want so that’s why I kept going away from the kessils. I’ve kept Nano tanks and a FOWLR tank that was 55 gallon but the 30 inch tank has been the trickiest to find the right lighting.
Thank you all.
I appreciate you and Stay safe and stay home.

 

[tank of gems]

Do a 24 inch ATI t5 fixture you will get full coverage and great par and coral growth.

 

[Luke 29 Gallon]

Do a 24 inch ATI t5 fixture you will get full coverage and great par and coral growth.

I thought about getting some t5s considering I already have a reefbrite strip that’s all blue. Just now a fan of the extra heat and energy they tank. And it’s old school even though corals might do better in the end on t5s.