How many AI modules

[sillygoose]

My tank is the standard 6x2 180 with a center overflow. Could I get away with 3 AI modules? It is so hard to find info on the actual spread. The PAR diagram on their site looks like it is showing a 3x3 area - is it possible to space one module every 2'? I have a mixed reef.

 

[Mark Bianco]

That may work if you hang then lengthways instead of front to back, but although you do have coverage in the outer limits of the fixture it may not be sufficient for all corals in those areas. It would be a matter of coral placement, keep your higer light corals high and under the lights, and just the oppsite for the lower light corals.

That being said most people use either 4 or 6 units for a 6 x 2 180 hung front to back. Currently I have a 75gl 36 x 18 and I run 4 units but, I run the whites at 45% and both the blues at 50%. The lighting at those percentage is brighter then my old fixture of 2 150w 20k MH and 2 130w dual actinic PC.

Hope that helps and did not confuse.
Mark

 

[bayoupr]

I have the same tank with (4) AI's running lengthways, 13" above water line with no shadows.

 

[ghostman]

I have 4 sols over a 4 ft tank to avoid hot/cold spots, probably overkill, I could get away with 3. I would think you would be better off with at least 4 units all with 70 degree optics. That way you should have no shadows or hot spots.