AI lights for a 75 gallon

[REEFER1981]

I want to but some AIs for my tank anyone out there tell me what's better white or blue module. Mostly Lps want to do done sps and a couple exotic clams. I understand about the different k rating on each module. I was thinking 3 for a 48x18x21. Can u mix and match the modules using there sol controller or does it have to be all the same module thanks for any help someone can give me

 

[Saltwatercoral2]

3 might be tough since im assuming you have a center brace?

 

[REEFER1981]

Yeah I was thinking about that brace being in the way just didn't know if I could try it if I'm putting out that kind of money on LEDs I should do it right

 

[chadfarmer]

Yeah I was thinking about that brace being in the way just didn't know if I could try it if I'm putting out that kind of money on LEDs I should do it right

where are you located

 

[schoi]

I think with a standard 75 w/ brace then 2 or 4 depending on the type of corals you want to go with. I went with 2 because I am planning on a mixed reef primarily LPS and just a few SPS.

 

[REEFER1981]

Thanks man Im really limited on space where I'm moving I was thinking about buying the 75 off a friend But a 55 gallon might have to do I lost my first reef tank a 58 gallon reef tank do to hurricane Irene that hit us here in baltimore md I had no backup power set up and u couldn't find a generator for days it was to late already for me I'm trying to put together another good system hopefully get those AIs I've read a lot of good stuff on them

 

[chadfarmer]

if you were local i would let you come see mine in person

 

[REEFER1981]

Thanks for the offer so if I was to do a 55 gallon even though I know it's the bottom of reef tank keeping I'm just limited on space but really want to get back in the hobby would u say 3 AI modules on a 55 would work fine like I said mostly Lps some not many sps and a max clam

 

[Saltwatercoral2]

I would do a 75 gallon, and 2 ai units., I have seen alot of people do this, and be fine with corals.

 

[REEFER1981]

Cool I know I should do a 75 what's another 6 inches right stepping up from 48x12 to 48x18 if I went 3 AIs on that 75 would it be overkill

 

[socalmonty]

I don't own AIs yet but I have spoken with AquaIllumination directly about my 135G DT. From that conversation and everything I've read, three units seems like overkill.

 

[REEFER1981]

Yeah I'm stuck on deciding on AIs, ecoxtic panorama and maxspect I've been doing my research and I find people saying good and bad things about all units which I know you'll have if I'm going to LEDs I just want to really buy the best I can even though the wife wont like the price tag that's what overtime money's for right

 

[Brando457]

2 AI on a 75g will be fine, my cousin runs a single on a 57 column and that thing is powerful. Also other guys on Njrc and mr are running 2 on their 75g. I think people just like to go overboard and waste $

 

[REEFER1981]

Yeah your right u really don't need all fancy gadgets to keep a nice reef tank I had a 58 gallon with 2 175w mh and 4 39w antics from Hamilton tech but lost it all when hurricane Irene hit us here in Maryland it was a beautiful tank everyone that came to our house was blown away by it really is the center piece of your home I have to get another tank going

 

[spazthecat]

Hi,

I have two over my 75 mounted 13 inches above the water parallel to the front of the tank. I also swapped out the 40 degree optics with 70 degree optics and am very happy with them. I think the coverage is fine even with a center brace.

My coral selection sounds very much like yours minus the clams and everything looks good. No real change. I'm previously had 2x150 watt MH lamps plus 2 x 54 watt T5s.

One thing I will say is that you will not think they are bright enough when you first get them. Just don't stress about it and let your eyes adjust. There is way less light "spillage" lighting up the room with LEDs compared to other lamps.

I can take some pictures and send them to you if you are interested.

--Andy

 

[spazthecat]

Hi,

I have two over my 75 mounted 13 inches above the water parallel to the front of the tank. I also swapped out the 40 degree optics with 70 degree optics and am very happy with them. I think the coverage is fine even with a center brace.

My coral selection sounds very much like yours minus the clams and everything looks good. No real change. SPS are a little less colorful but I think that is because I am still ramping up the intensity. I previously had 2x150 watt MH lamps plus 2 x 54 watt T5s.

One thing I will say is that you will not think they are bright enough when you first get them. Just don't stress about it and let your eyes adjust. There is way less light "spillage" lighting up the room with LEDs compared to other lamps.

I can take some pictures and send them to you if you are interested.

--Andy