2x35W PAR 38 VS AI Prime

[sam_the_reefer]

I got some spare 9W royal blue Ebay leds from a friend and realized that my generic Chinese PAR38s might have the wrong blues (I think it's regular blue instead of royal blue). So, now I'm thinking of changing out my lights. I live in the Philippines, and the only decent lights I can get at the moment are 35W PAR 38s and the AI Prime. So my question is, would the AI prime give enough coverage for an Eclipse 12 tank (dimensions in Inches: 20 length x 12 width x 17.5 height)? LS are mostly softies and zoas but might get some easier SPS like birdsnest or pocillopora in the future. Below are some pros/cons for each IMO. The prices are how much the units cost locally in US dollars so they're a bit inflated.

 

2 x 35W PAR 38s (Similar to the link below, but most likely the Chinese version)

http://reefbuilders.com/2013/10/10/handson-coral-compulsions-40w-multicolor-par38-led-spotlight/

Pros:

• Cheaper @ $69.00
• Better coverage (?)
• Easy to mount. Currently I have 2 x Chinese PAR38s so I can just swap them.
• In the extreme long-term, I can just buy new bulbs.

Cons:

• Color temp is not adjustable
• I might get the Chinese versions (very likely) of these lights because the retailer doesn't specify a brand.
• Intensity is not easily adjustable, but my setup allows me to move the lights up and down.

AI Prime

Pros:

• Color temp is easily adjustable
• Intensity is easily adjustable
• Looks cleaner

 

Cons:

• Expensive @ $278.00
• Less coverage (?)
• In the extreme long-term, I'll need to buy the latest AI model (or maybe Radions if I win the lottery. )

Also, another question: will blasting zoas with royal blue leds bleach them?

Also, if there is a power outage that lasts more than a couple of hours, will the AI Prime keep it's settings or will I have to redo the settings? (Because we have power outages during typhoon season)

[evilc66]

Unless you are getting the PAR38's from a very reputable source, then I would pass on them and get the AI Prime. It's going to have far better color and control, and should be fine for your tank. The ends of the tank may be a little dim, so you may just have to place corals appropriately.

[jedimasterben]

or get one of these. you lose automatic dimming in coming from the Prime, but they're very inexpensive and have a good track record for being a chinese LED panel, will be adjustable as far as color, and have significantly more coverage and oomph in comparison to the Prime.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/165w-MarsAqua-Dimmable-LED-Aquarium-Grow-Light-Full-Spectrum-LPS-SPS-Coral-Reef-/370857093101?hash=item5658ce27ed:g:Kz0AAOSwKrhVaAp1

[sam_the_reefer]

Thanks for the replies! And thanks for mentioning that alternative @jedimasterben. Someone in my local FB group is offering that for sale and it really is inexpensive so will be seriously considering that.

[shaner014]

Also consider sbreeflights.com

 

I almost bought from them but found an AI Hydra 26 used. The SB lights are an upgraded marsaqua for about $50 more. I have no stake in the company but just happened to like what I read/saw.

 

Good luck!

[Dreichler]

i would honestly go with the prime, i have a single one over my JBJ 45 keeping every coral thriving, LPS, SPS, zoas, softies, clams, I have it all, thriving under a single prime. the controllability is insane, can literally adjust each individual LED to whatever % i want at any minute of the day, and adjust it manually from anywhere in the world. The settings will always save no matter what happens. and $278? where'd you get that number? I payed $225 out the door with the mounting kit... You'll be a lot happier with the prime over chinese PAR38s

[sam_the_reefer]

i would honestly go with the prime, i have a single one over my JBJ 45 keeping every coral thriving, LPS, SPS, zoas, softies, clams, I have it all, thriving under a single prime. the controllability is insane, can literally adjust each individual LED to whatever % i want at any minute of the day, and adjust it manually from anywhere in the world. The settings will always save no matter what happens. and $278? where'd you get that number? I payed $225 out the door with the mounting kit... You'll be a lot happier with the prime over chinese PAR38s

@Dreichler: Thanks for the comment. Can we see tank pics? And yeah, only one retailer carries it in my country and that's their price($278). I don't want to have to deal with customs when buying from other countries online. (been burned before) I do like the Prime's form factor and the ability to swivel. Plus it looks like the light is more diffused than normal LEDs based on the pictures I see online.

 

@jedimasterben gave a very good suggestion though and someone local is selling a similar unit (Ocean Revive) at less than half the price of an AI prime. So far it has some good reviews on RC as far as coral growth. Will probably have to mod it by removing optics and adding a diffuser. I just want "a simple light that works".

 

I am still torn though, because you do get what you pay for in this hobby and one commented that his Ocean Revive lost intensity after a year.

[Dreichler]

ya ill have some pics up soon here

 

@Dreichler: Thanks for the comment. Can we see tank pics? And yeah, only one retailer carries it in my country and that's their price($278). I don't want to have to deal with customs when buying from other countries online. (been burned before) I do like the Prime's form factor and the ability to swivel. Plus it looks like the light is more diffused than normal LEDs based on the pictures I see online.

@jedimasterben gave a very good suggestion though and someone local is selling a similar unit (Ocean Revive) at less than half the price of an AI prime. So far it has some good reviews on RC as far as coral growth. Will probably have to mod it by removing optics and adding a diffuser. I just want "a simple light that works".

I am still torn though, because you do get what you pay for in this hobby and one commented that his Ocean Revive lost intensity after a year.

[Horerczy]

If Ben is backing a light you can be assured that it's good.

 

Though if you want light comparisons he will tell it like it is.