BrandonD32 Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 I just downsized to a Nuvo 10. I am looking for options on an LED that has ramping ability. What are some choices to think about? I would prefer to keep it as cheap as possible, but will consider any light as long as it has what I want. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment
zooman72 Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 NanoBox Mini Tide has the smallest form factor and plenty of control (via Bluefish) - most commonly used here I would think (I used one previously on this exact tank), but also somewhat expensive ($300, but get gooseneck and controller). Ecotech XR15 is a bit bigger, also plenty of control if using Ecotech's Reeflink (and more diode colors than NanoBox), but also more expensive ($400, plus $100 for mount and another $100 for link)! AI Prime is sized between the 2 options noted above, either first or second in usage rate here, with good diode variety and relatively inexpensive ($200 plus $20-$30 for the mount), but also smartphone app controlled. I run a Maxspect Celestial on mine and actually like it - four channels of control directly from on-board controller (don't like the need for a smartphone app), not too expensive ($200, and comes with mount), but bulkier than other three prior options. Similar in form factor to the Maxspect is the Kessil A160 ($240, plus $35-$55 for mount, and another $100 for controller), or the smaller (both in price and form factor) Kessil A80 ($130 plus $25 for mount and another $100 for controller). Some love the color rendition provided by Kessils, others not so much - I personally lean to the "not so much"... Quote Link to comment
BrandonD32 Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Awesome. Thank you so much for the information. The two on that list that I have looked into are the AI prime and the Maxspect Celestial. I will check out the others listed. One major question about the Prime: To use the smartphone app do you need anything other than the light? Any sort of controller or anything? Or is the light and a phone the only thing needed? Quote Link to comment
zooman72 Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 The AI Prime is controllable with AI's free app - there is no additional controller offered or needed. Quote Link to comment
BrandonD32 Posted November 21, 2017 Author Share Posted November 21, 2017 Ok. I will have to look into them all. I can see the upside and downside to both the phone controlability and the built in controlability. I had a maxspect razor 130w that I liked. I was also looking into the 60w version as a possibility. Quote Link to comment
zooman72 Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I too like the Razors (running a pair of Gen 1's now over my pair of 40B's), but the Celestial takes up much less room, and although it is half the wattage (30W vs 60W), I think you would be able to keep most corals under the Celestial, plus there is no chance of "disco" with the Celestial... Quote Link to comment
Dougefresh35 Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 I have a Prime Hd on a IM10 and its awesome I use a 4hr ramp up with a 10hr schedule and I keep sps, lps, and softies with no problem. Quote Link to comment
BrandonD32 Posted November 27, 2017 Author Share Posted November 27, 2017 I ended up buying an AI Hydra 26 HD locally. I know that it is way overkill, but it was a deal that I couldn't pass up. I will have it mounted quite high above the tank and adjust the intensity as needed. Quote Link to comment
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