New - Help with lighting

[estnineteen92]

So I'm planning on building a 30x30x12 tank, as I like the way shallow tanks look. I stumbled upon the AI Prime WiFi capable lighting systems, and was wondering if I'd need a single light or a dual setup to efficiently light a tank of that size?


Thanks guys!

 

[MondoBongo]

having one will leave some serious dark spots in the corners.

i have a Hydra 26 and several Vegas over my main reef, but are listed as covering a 24"x24" area. the vegas have 4 pucks, the hydra 26 has two pucks, and if i recall correctly the prime is just a single puck.

 

[estnineteen92]

So would you advise having two for that tank size?

 

[MondoBongo]

i would probably go with two. their specs are saying a max area of 30"x30" but from what i've seen of their other lights two would probably be much better.

although there is no harm in getting one, seeing how it covers, then getting a second one if you need it.

it also depends on if you're going fish only, or doing some corals.

 

[estnineteen92]

Gotcha, thanks for the help! I plan on adding a few fish over time and a large variety of corals as well.

 

[thegrun]

The shallow depth of your tank will help the fact that a single light fixture will be at it's limit to cover your 30" x 30" footprint, but I honestly would give it a try with one fixture, there is little harm in trying it, you can always add a second fixture if you don't like it.

 

[estnineteen92]

Okay, I'll definitely do that first, because they're $200 a pop! Thanks for the insight guys!