AI Prime discussion

[Wretched]

Hey folks, I recently just got (2) AI Primes over my 45 gallon (26.5" x 21" x 19") tank and would like to share with you as I know there's not much information about them yet.

 

Maybe you're interested in one, but unsure yet because the lack thereof. So please, if you have any questions that I may possibly be able to answer for you, or provide additional pictures let me know.

 

I've had them on my tank for only nearing a week, so I can't comment on growth. The wireless control built in the unit is amazing, and 1 unit will control each addition device you link to it. You can control each individual channel seperately to your liking, OR you can simply click what kelvin you want, at what percentage at any hour. The timing schedule can be changed with increments of 10 minutes each throughout the 24 hour period. I don't use lunar, or weather effects but they do allow it which is pretty cool. The unit is TINY, I didn't realize how small it was until I got it in my hands, but that's a good thing. The fans are SILENT, I haven't heard any noise coming from LEDs or the fans themselves.

 

The spread of each light with the stock 80* lenses is about 20 x 20, but I wouldn't push it. I haven't got any PAR readings but i'd assume they're pretty low.

 

Now, for the tank mounting option -- One of my unit's is sturdy, and the ball swivel works GREAT, no issues with turning the AI unit or getting it level with the surface of water.. The other mount required me to put a small piece of airline tubing behind it so that it would sit level... Not a big deal at all, but AI should look into fixing that, gives such a quality mount a bad rep.

 

My tank is 90% LPS, with only a couple SPS; birdsnest and montipora. My end goal is to have these at 100% with the color of my liking (around 15k). The colors in the provided schedule are great for me, not too blue, not too white. For the past week my corals seem to open up great, even though they did before as well. I was previously using a Maxspect razor 120w 16k @ 45White/75Blue Max intensity with a similar schedule as below.

 

 

For those interested in my lighting schedule thus far:

 

2101-0959: Lights out.

1000: Start Ramp up @ 5 (ramp up time: 90 minutes)

1130: CW: 30 || B: 80 || DB: 60 || V: 60 || UV: 70 || DR: 50 || G: 50

1500: CW: 30 || B: 80 || DB: 80 || V: 80 || UV: 80 || DR: 50 || G: 50

1600: CW: 35 || B: 80 || DB: 75 || V: 75 || UV: 75 || DR: 60 || G: 60

1900: CW: 30 || B: 80 || DB: 70 || V: 70 || UV: 70 || DR: 50 || G: 50

2030: CW: 0 || B: 10 || DB: 10 || V:10 || UV: 10 || DR: 10 || G: 10

2100: Lights out.

 

 

Overall, I am happy with the change in lighting and recommend the lights to those who are interested. If you have additional comments or questions that I can answer... I'll do my best to provide you with that information!

 

Photos:

 

 

 

[Jellyingabout]

Quite keen on seeing PAR readings for these things, they seem almost too good to be true. I'm a bit suspicious as to where the cut backs are if there are any?

[Wretched]

Well, the PAR readings that AI provides are in mid air, no water... Sadly. I'm sure for deeper tanks (20"+) may be on the lower end. If only I could get my hands on a par meter, I would totally test!

[braaap]

Well, the PAR readings that AI provides are in mid air, no water... Sadly. I'm sure for deeper tanks (20"+) may be on the lower end. If only I could get my hands on a par meter, I would totally test!

 

I can get you a PAR meter. There is a guy on R2R who rents it out. I don't know what he charges but I'll contact him and check.

 

I'm planing on using 2 of these over a 36x20x14 tank. Now I'm slightly worried.

[Wretched]

I wouldn't be too worried, the lights are producing visually so far. Let me know about the PAR meter and i'll work it out!

Also 14" Depth is PERFECT, I think your tank will be a go for these lights.

[braaap]

I wouldn't be too worried, the lights are producing visually so far. Let me know about the PAR meter and i'll work it out!

Also 14" Depth is PERFECT, I think your tank will be a go for these lights.

 

Your eye perceives more then is really reaching the corals. That is my fear.

[Wretched]

I meant as far as the corals reactions. 80% of reefers don't have access to a par meter and use their visuals from coral health to determine efficiency. @ a 14" Depth I think these lights will rock. Until I can get my hands on a par meter, i'll never know so I go by the reaction of coral.

[Exodus]

wretched, if you wouldn't mind looking at this thread -> http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/359838-ai-prime-settings-informational-only-please-no-discussion/

 

and posting your info, it would be much appreciated

[OCNcheffy]

Wretch, I had the same mount issue as you unfortunetely. AI had told me to turn around the half moon shaped clamp, and that fixed the drooping 100%. Give that a go my friend. I have one on my nuvo 16 gallon and it seems like 1 is not enough... To many shadows, and having the whites higher than 50% really takes away the blue effect that I like.. Other than that, great light!

[braaap]

Wretch, I had the same mount issue as you unfortunetely. AI had told me to turn around the half moon shaped clamp, and that fixed the drooping 100%. Give that a go my friend. I have one on my nuvo 16 gallon and it seems like 1 is not enough... To many shadows, and having the whites higher than 50% really takes away the blue effect that I like.. Other than that, great light!

 

Want another? I have 2 I'm probably selling.

[OCNcheffy]

 

Want another? I have 2 I'm probably selling.

How much would you sell it for? I'm up here in Canada, Manitoba.

[braaap]

How much would you sell it for? I'm up here in Canada, Manitoba.

 

PM sent.

[Wretched]

wretched, if you wouldn't mind looking at this thread -> http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/359838-ai-prime-settings-informational-only-please-no-discussion/

 

and posting your info, it would be much appreciated

 

Posted,

 

 

Wretch, I had the same mount issue as you unfortunetely. AI had told me to turn around the half moon shaped clamp, and that fixed the drooping 100%. Give that a go my friend. I have one on my nuvo 16 gallon and it seems like 1 is not enough... To many shadows, and having the whites higher than 50% really takes away the blue effect that I like.. Other than that, great light!

 

I agree, with the length the tank I don't think it's sufficient maybe only at the direct center. I think one unit would be sufficient for a cube that size.

How much would you sell it for? I'm up here in Canada, Manitoba.

 

Sorry about your Jets, Go Ducks !

[braaap]

 

Posted,

 

 

 

I agree, with the length the tank I don't think it's sufficient maybe only at the direct center. I think one unit would be sufficient for a cube that size.

 

Sorry about your Jets, Go Ducks !

 

Not sorry about my Penguins? haha.

[tjwaggoner]

So would you guys agree that 2 of them would work well on a 24x20x20 tank? For a mixed reef type set up

[CrazyEyes]

Spend the extra money and get a nanobox man. I'm not trying to sound bitter but I'm just not sure I'd spend the money on two when for a bit more I could buy something else.

[tjwaggoner]

I'm not worried about the money. Just want something nice and easy to operate that's small above my tank. Thought with two of these I could have good coverage and not have a giant fixture above my tank. The nanobox is nice I just haven't seen any pictures of them over tanks for reference. Also are they programmable out of the box? Like I don't need to buy a separate gizmo to program it?

[CrazyEyes]

I believe the nanobox duo is 12x6 I believe, awesome pucks and now include the bluefish mini controller as their standard controller. If you're hell bent on the primes I have a black one I'm about to sell for cheap.

[tjwaggoner]

I guess I kind of had it in my mind that having two fixtures would be better and give more flexibility for full coverage. Especially with the little ball joint mount allowing some tweaking to aim them just how I want. Am I giving that idea false appreciation?

[CrazyEyes]

Unless they redid them the ball mount are absolute junk.

[tjwaggoner]

I'm not hell bent on anything yet except wanting a small sleek full spectrum fixture with built in programming. I'm open to about anything like that that I don't have to hang from the ceiling. I like kessils but don't like their gooseneck mounts and I think I'd get too much light spill

[CrazyEyes]

You can have Dave make the light to accept a hanging kit. This is just my personal opinion. I too have a 20x20x20 cube, I'll probably be adding another prime, if I was to start over I'd definitely go with the nanobox duo, hands down.

[tjwaggoner]

No I was saying I don't want it hanging. I want it tank mounted. I have no doubt the nanobox is a fantastic light. He wouldn't have the following if he didn't deliver a superior product. A couple things that give me pause is the supposed lead time (I'm an impatient prick and when I order something I want it shipped overnight the next day and apparently you wait weeks for his lights.) and I don't honestly care one bit about customizing the color of the housing. In other words I don't want to feel like I'm paying a premium for the customizability that I don't care about. I want an all black light with a black tank mount.

My short list is down to:

Nanobox duo---I've mentioned my reservations on this

Radion xr15---might be too small for my tank??

Two primes---ive been telling myself that having two independent fixtures above the tank would be beneficial. Maybe I'm wrong.

Anyway those are my current lighting thoughts

[CrazyEyes]

If there is one thing I understand is being impatient. When I want something two days feels like two weeks. Two primes would probably work really well. Overall the primes look good, settings are easy, I was just disappointed with the PAR numbers

[braaap]

No I was saying I don't want it hanging. I want it tank mounted. I have no doubt the nanobox is a fantastic light. He wouldn't have the following if he didn't deliver a superior product. A couple things that give me pause is the supposed lead time (I'm an impatient prick and when I order something I want it shipped overnight the next day and apparently you wait weeks for his lights.) and I don't honestly care one bit about customizing the color of the housing. In other words I don't want to feel like I'm paying a premium for the customizability that I don't care about. I want an all black light with a black tank mount.

My short list is down to:

Nanobox duo---I've mentioned my reservations on this

Radion xr15---might be too small for my tank??

Two primes---ive been telling myself that having two independent fixtures above the tank would be beneficial. Maybe I'm wrong.

Anyway those are my current lighting thoughts

 

 

I feel you on the wanting it now and not wanting to pay a premium for the customizing you don't care about. 2 primes over your tank would do well but you would have to place corals accordingly. Lower in the tank you'd need to put your low light corals. High light you need it higher obviously. The mount has been fixed. AI is sending out parts kits for free. The control of the lights are really nice too. Easy to use application.