Upgrading AI Prime 16HD to G5 XR15?

[obiyongkenobi]

Just wanted to hear what people thought on the upgrade from a 16HD to a G5 XR15 over a Waterbox 20 gal with upgrading in the nearish future. Currently running a mixed reef with some SPS toward the top. I heard the G5 has better mixing but debating if on upgrading the lights after 2 years would be worth it?

 

[MnFish1]

Just wanted to hear what people thought on the upgrade from a 16HD to a G5 XR15 over a Waterbox 20 gal with upgrading in the nearish future. Currently running a mixed reef with some SPS toward the top. I heard the G5 has better mixing but debating if on upgrading the lights after 2 years would be worth it?

It depends on 'why' you want to upgrade. Are you having problems with your old lights? Are you seeing good coral growth/color? If you are not having problems - I would say 'keep it the same' until you need to change. Additionally the longer you wait, the better the technology will likely be.

 

[chipchipmofo]

I think @90's reefer can give you an answer here...

I used to have AI Prime myself and upgraded to XR15 G5 blue.. however, imo the AI Prime had the better looking light.
TODAY, id rather work with 2 AI Prime then one XR15.. just my 0.02

 

[90's reefer]

Imo, so far the 16hds give better color than the xr15 blue. I have ran them for almost 5 months now.
I have tried different settings on the xr and went back to the ab+ setting running at 40%. The xr's are powerfull lights. I started them at 100/100 and they browned out some stags.

If it was me I would try a second 16hd.
I run 2 on my 20g nano cube, 3 on my 45 frag system and 2 on my 80g that I also run 2 xr15 blues on.
Still to early to tell as im waitimg on one xr that I sent back for repair.

My nano cube and 45 frag system.

 

[obiyongkenobi]

It depends on 'why' you want to upgrade. Are you having problems with your old lights? Are you seeing good coral growth/color? If you are not having problems - I would say 'keep it the same' until you need to change. Additionally the longer you wait, the better the technology will like

You might be right, my nano cube is not SPS dominated by any means but looking for some more coloration and a little more growth. Might be best to double-check my PAR levels instead of invest in a new light

 

[obiyongkenobi]

Imo, so far the 16hds give better color than the xr15 blue. I have ran them for almost 5 months now.
I have tried different settings on the xr and went back to the ab+ setting running at 40%. The xr's are powerfull lights. I started them at 100/100 and they browned out some stags.

If it was me I would try a second 16hd.
I run 2 on my 20g nano cube, 3 on my 45 frag system and 2 on my 80g that I also run 2 xr15 blues on.
Still to early to tell as im waitimg on one xr that I sent back for repair.

My nano cube and 45 frag system.

View attachment 2722302View attachment 2722303

Imo, so far the 16hds give better color than the xr15 blue. I have ran them for almost 5 months now.
I have tried different settings on the xr and went back to the ab+ setting running at 40%. The xr's are powerfull lights. I started them at 100/100 and they browned out some stags.

If it was me I would try a second 16hd.
I run 2 on my 20g nano cube, 3 on my 45 frag system and 2 on my 80g that I also run 2 xr15 blues on.
Still to early to tell as im waitimg on one xr that I sent back for repair.

My nano cube and 45 frag system.

View attachment 2722302View attachment 2722303

Great looking tanks and frags