Opinions on Lighting (AI or NanoBox)

[RollaJase]

Hi all, I am currently specing out a tank upgrade and would like some opinions on lighting. The tank will be mostly SPS and LPS dominated in terms of stocking.

 

Dimensions will be as follows:

31.5" x 24" x 18" (800x600x450mm) Length x Width x Height

 

The current lighting on my cube is an AI Sol Blue.

I am considering the upgrade kits to convert to either a Hydra or a Hydra 52.

I have also been speaking to Dave at NanoBox and he thinks that the Duo should be fine on those dimensions also. For me the AI upgrade is the cheaper option but I do have a soft spot for the NanoBox. I know the AI units can do this dimension easy, the slimmer NanoBox gives me some concerns.

I did price up a Quad but by the time I factor in freight and exchange rate the light will cost me over $1k which is way out of my budget.

 

I did also consider two Kessil's but would rather spend the money elsewhere. The AI Prime took my fancy as well but I don't think a pair of them will do what I want.

 

Let me know what you think.

 

Jase

[khuzdul]

Don't bother with the Sol to Hydra upgrade. Hydra 52 upgrade is only $125 more, and resale value difference between a Hydra and a Hydra 52 is greater than $125 at this time.

 

I never used a nanobox, but the feedback from others is that they are great. Kessils are great also, (and I have used them). Covering a 31.5" long tank with one Sol or Hydra must give you a lot of shadowing at the edges. For $300.00, you really can't beat the price / performance of the Hydra 52 upgrade if you are used to the shadowing.

[VW_TDI_02]

What's wrong with what you have?

[RollaJase]

Don't bother with the Sol to Hydra upgrade. Hydra 52 upgrade is only $125 more, and resale value difference between a Hydra and a Hydra 52 is greater than $125 at this time.

 

I never used a nanobox, but the feedback from others is that they are great. Kessils are great also, (and I have used them). Covering a 31.5" long tank with one Sol or Hydra must give you a lot of shadowing at the edges. For $300.00, you really can't beat the price / performance of the Hydra 52 upgrade if you are used to the shadowing.

That was my thoughts on the upgrade kits also. The Hydra 52 would be my ideal choice. My only annoyance is that the Sol heatsink is chunkier and with a smaller fan (which I already find loud) so I wonder how it will handle the extra heat of the Hydra 52 upgrade. The Hydra 52 is rated for up to a 30x30 area, peak performance in a 24x24 area. The edges of this tank will be mostly open sand/swimming area so not overly concerned with some shadowing at either side of the tank.

 

What's wrong with what you have?

I'd rather have full spectrum and wireless control, I could use the Sol initially and then upgrade at a later date but would rather factor it into the budget/build all the same. The 1/8" jack on my AI controller disconnects from time to time screwing with the light cycle. I came home from a weekend away to find that the lights had been on peak timer for 2 whole days.

 

Thank you both for your opinions.

[JR!]

i have always said nanobox is the best. so nanobox

[RollaJase]

Oh, forgot to say, was also considering a Pair of Hydra 26's.

 

I would love a NanoBox. Kinda need to convince myself that it is up to the task with a 24" wide tank.

[JR!]

maybe 2 duos?

[RollaJase]

Two Duo's costs more than a Quad, unfortunately definitely out of my price range. Although it would give me better front to back coverage, same reason why I was considering the two Hydra 26's or a pair of A150/A160 Kessils.

[HarryPotter]

Why not just ask Dave himself?

[RollaJase]

Why not just ask Dave himself?

As the original post states, I have spoken with Dave and he seems to think it will be fine. I'm one of those visual guys, would probably like to see one over a 24" wide tank to ease my worries.

[RollaJase]

And I think i just found my answer about the 24" width. Awpong has a Duo over their 24x24x20 cube.

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/339393-awpongs-50g-cube-cardinals-finally-spawned/

SPS look to be doing well and it looks like nice coverage.

[reefernanoman]

Two Duo's costs more than a Quad, unfortunately definitely out of my price range. Although it would give me better front to back coverage, same reason why I was considering the two Hydra 26's or a pair of A150/A160 Kessils.

Have you ever seen a couple of Kessils in action? They are a sight to behold. I would suggest to look at them in action. My vote would be for Kessil. Nanobox is a very nice light too (I own a minitide), and with the Bluefish mini, it's a killer combo. But the Kessil shimmer is amazing.

[RollaJase]

Have you ever seen a couple of Kessils in action? They are a sight to behold. I would suggest to look at them in action. My vote would be for Kessil. Nanobox is a very nice light too (I own a minitide), and with the Bluefish mini, it's a killer combo. But the Kessil shimmer is amazing.

I have, and they do look amazing. My closest LFS has a pair of the A360's over each of their shallow coral tanks and the colour and shimmer is spectacular. The price on the other hand is not. The A360 is worth almost $600 each before you factor in the controller at about $170. If I could pick up a pair of the A350's fairly cheap I would definitely consider it an option, would just need to sort out a controller for them then. However, a pair of A160WE's is only a little more expensive than the NanoBox but again, I need to sort out my own controller.

 

At the moment the NanoBox and the AI Sol-Hydra 52 upgrade are what I am leaning towards. If I can get a pair of the Kessil's or a pair of the Hydra 26's cheap from the US then I think they will take preference over the Sol-Hydra upgrade,

[Matteo]

I think two primes could do it. You could have your sol in the center on a timer for only maybe 4-5 hours in the middle of the day and have the Primes on longer. So Prime Sol Prime.

[RollaJase]

I think two primes could do it. You could have your sol in the center on a timer for only maybe 4-5 hours in the middle of the day and have the Primes on longer. So Prime Sol Prime.

Hmm, that is an idea. I'll take it into consideration. Or sell the Sol with controller and go for 3 Primes. The issue I have with the prime is that it has fairly low PAR levels, and the quoted PAR levels are taken from 12" below the light. This tank will be 18" tall and the light will be at least 20"-24" from the sand.

[Matteo]

Hmm, that is an idea. I'll take it into consideration. Or sell the Sol with controller and go for 3 Primes. The issue I have with the prime is that it has fairly low PAR levels, and the quoted PAR levels are taken from 12" below the light. This tank will be 18" tall and the light will be at least 20"-24" from the sand.

Hmm well I am using it on my 29 gallon biocube and its fully extended so probably 22ish inches from sand bed and with RB, UV, and pink at 60%, Green and red at 50%, clear white at 25% and Blue at 45% its plenty of light. My sps granted they are lower light sps digita and birdsnest are doing just fine, and mushrooms and zoas at the bottom along with lps like brain corals and favia are doing well too! I do have 4 cree leds that I DIY'd to the fixture for more blue but if you had 3 primes I think you would be solid! The kesThey do make Chinese wifi leds too. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2013-Newest-Houyi-Dimmable-165W-led-aquarium-lights-for-coral-reef-Aquarium-Lamp-3years-warranty/1538968767.html or you could get 2 kessils and get the wifi controller for them?

[RollaJase]

Hmm well I am using it on my 29 gallon biocube and its fully extended so probably 22ish inches from sand bed and with RB, UV, and pink at 60%, Green and red at 50%, clear white at 25% and Blue at 45% its plenty of light. My sps granted they are lower light sps digita and birdsnest are doing just fine, and mushrooms and zoas at the bottom along with lps like brain corals and favia are doing well too! I do have 4 cree leds that I DIY'd to the fixture for more blue but if you had 3 primes I think you would be solid! The kesThey do make Chinese wifi leds too. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2013-Newest-Houyi-Dimmable-165W-led-aquarium-lights-for-coral-reef-Aquarium-Lamp-3years-warranty/1538968767.html or you could get 2 kessils and get the wifi controller for them?

Hmm, I may have to consider the Prime as a contender again then. Thanks for your input .

[Matteo]

Hmm, I may have to consider the Prime as a contender again then. Thanks for your input .

of course! I think they're great lights and look sexy!

[tibbsy07]

Nanobox. Dave's work is great, and he's a great guy - BUT the biggest reason is because his 13-up LED arrays are the best quality LEDs on the market right now. Considering what comes with each of his lights, they are also the best bang for your buck.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/361300-nano-box-comparison-chart-stacking-against-the-competitors/

[HarryPotter]

Go Radion Pro or go home to your Kenya Tree and Xenia!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haha IMO Radion is best, w. NanoBox a close second. The quality of build and the LED output is about the same, but the features of the Radion are just superior and the spread is amazing as well.

[DaveFason]

Hmm, I may have to consider the Prime as a contender again then. Thanks for your input .

I am sorry if I completely read your email wrong. I could have sworn you said 24" cubish.

 

For the 30x24" size you really need the quad. With people saying try three primes, remember this. The QUAD has four arrays which is like using any extra light. As well no optics to give a perfect spread and blend. As well includes the mount already. So after you picking up three primes, three mounts you will actually come out CHEAPER with the QUAD.

 

-Dave

[RollaJase]

Go Radion Pro or go home to your Kenya Tree and Xenia!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haha IMO Radion is best, w. NanoBox a close second. The quality of build and the LED output is about the same, but the features of the Radion are just superior and the spread is amazing as well.

The Radion is a very well built fixture, no doubt about it. It is also undeniably one of the most expensive options on the market. For a very long time the Radion was the only (reputable) LED available on the AUS market besides the Giesemann Teszla. The G3 Pro commands a price of nearly $1000AUD before you factor in the ReefLink controller. Unfortunately, not a contender unless I can get a used one super cheep. And for that price, I'd personally prefer the NanoBox Quad.

 

I am sorry if I completely read your email wrong. I could have sworn you said 24" cubish.

 

For the 30x24" size you really need the quad. With people saying try three primes, remember this. The QUAD has four arrays which is like using any extra light. As well no optics to give a perfect spread and blend. As well includes the mount already. So after you picking up three primes, three mounts you will actually come out CHEAPER with the QUAD.

 

-Dave

Thanks again for your input Dave, you really have been great. And yes, proposed size of the tank is roughly 30x24". After seeing Awpong fitting a Duo over a 24x24x20 I though that the Duo may suit my application also as your PAR chart shows it fairing pretty well at 30".

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/339393-awpongs-50g-cube-cardinals-finally-spawned/page-2

I would love to pick up a Quad, I really would. But at this stage it is simply out of my budget. I may just run with my Sol for now and save up for a Quad, will see how it all goes.

Nanobox. Dave's work is great, and he's a great guy - BUT the biggest reason is because his 13-up LED arrays are the best quality LEDs on the market right now. Considering what comes with each of his lights, they are also the best bang for your buck.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/361300-nano-box-comparison-chart-stacking-against-the-competitors/

Thanks for the link tibbsy, I'll have a trawl through.

[jedimasterben]

There is nothing that anyone can show me to change my mind that a single 1.5" LED array can light a 24" width of a tank with a single row, even without optics. My tank is 48x24 and when it was lit with a single row of LEDs (in one of the slim Nanobox housings) there was very harsh shadowing without the two T5 on. I now have two rows of four NBR arrays with about 6" between the two rows and a high-quality diffuser and it's much better.

 

 

 

In a perfect world, though, I'd have three rows of four arrays (or possibly two of three and one in the middle of four) with the outer two spaced by 12" and have the arrays go all the way to 36" so that the ends of the tank wouldn't be as dark with just the LED.

 

 

In person, it's not quite as dark as this photo makes it out to be, but the transition is noticeable. Some people like the shadows, some like me don't

[tibbsy07]

The simple fact is that for a coral tank, the most expensive piece of equipment will be the lighting. You can grow coral with just about any light. But if you want the coral to thrive and to be nice to look at, with many colors, etc. - then you have to spend the resources (time, money, etc) on what is required. Corals are 95% photosynthetic. Most of their energy and nutrition comes from light. If you plan on keeping coral, you have to plan on a light that will get you what you want.

[RollaJase]

There is nothing that anyone can show me to change my mind that a single 1.5" LED array can light a 24" width of a tank with a single row, even without optics. My tank is 48x24 and when it was lit with a single row of LEDs (in one of the slim Nanobox housings) there was very harsh shadowing without the two T5 on. I now have two rows of four NBR arrays with about 6" between the two rows and a high-quality diffuser and it's much better.

 

 

 

 

In a perfect world, though, I'd have three rows of four arrays (or possibly two of three and one in the middle of four) with the outer two spaced by 12" and have the arrays go all the way to 36" so that the ends of the tank wouldn't be as dark with just the LED.

 

 

In person, it's not quite as dark as this photo makes it out to be, but the transition is noticeable. Some people like the shadows, some like me don't

Thanks for chiming in Ben (I hoped you would). Personally, based on your pic I don't mind the shadow, it is noticeable towards the edge of the tank though. I really dig the look of shadows under outcrops, gives it a more natural look IMO. I can see now a single array over the center of the tank could struggle. So, in your opinion, it I wanted to buy a single off the shelf fixture (or two smaller off the shelf fixtures) what would be your choice for a tank of my dimensions?

 

The simple fact is that for a coral tank, the most expensive piece of equipment will be the lighting. You can grow coral with just about any light. But if you want the coral to thrive and to be nice to look at, with many colors, etc. - then you have to spend the resources (time, money, etc) on what is required. Corals are 95% photosynthetic. Most of their energy and nutrition comes from light. If you plan on keeping coral, you have to plan on a light that will get you what you want.

And this is another very valid point. And from what I have learned of this hobby is that if you cheap your way through you will get poor results. I just wish our dollar wasn't so bad against the US at the moment, I lose out $200 when doing the conversion for a NBQuad, even more with the average conversion PayPal gives you. If our dollar was closer to parity or on par I would have no issue pulling the trigger on a NBQuad.