Waterbox CUBE 20 lighting

[MammothWombat]

Hello,

I am getting a waterbox cube 20 and I am looking for a suitable lighting. I mainly keep LPS (euphyllia, scolies) and BTA. I want them to grow and have good coloration. I am looking at the AI prime 16 HD, Kessil A160 tuna blue and the Kessil a360x (with WiFi dongle). The prime is half the price of the a360x which is great, however, I read that it has some issues like loud fan noise and the disco ball effect.

I watched BRS video on both the prime and the 360 and have some insight on how to mount and what par/spread/spectrum to expect but I still need some help on what to choose. Other suggestions are welcome as well.

 

[Unregistered1]

The prime will be plenty for a 20 waterbox

 

[Unregistered1]

Save your money and buy some tank inhabitants

 

[MammothWombat]

Update: My LFS told me that if I want more growth/color pop. I should think about the xr15 G5. Any comments on that? I don't think they were trying to sell because they don't carry the xr15s.

Thanks!

 

[mmarine9]

i have a hydra 32hd on mine and love it.

 

[DeNovice]

The fan on my AI Prime 16 hardly ever kicks on and it’s barely noticeable when it does.

 

[a hill]

AI16 kicks on fan hardcore once past 60% output

Overall great lights as long as it’s not in the same room with fan on full blast.

if you don’t mind fan noise it’s not too bad. I think cooling could be improved, they’re moving way too much air in way too little space in my view.

I figure most people don’t use them to the max and it’s no issue. Kessil are great too and highly recommend tuna blues. I have a handful.

-Andrew

 

[DirkCourage]

I can't compare, but am happy with Ai Prime using adjusted BRS settings. The general spectrum they recommend eliminated the disco effect. I have a mixed reef with several euphyllia and all seem happy. Seems very quiet.

 

[fishhead1973]

Update: My LFS told me that if I want more growth/color pop. I should think about the xr15 G5. Any comments on that? I don't think they were trying to sell because they don't carry the xr15s.

Thanks!

I’ve got the xr15 g5 pros colors up coral nice. Red Sea nano 20 par reading was great to

 

[John Bolden]

I have a tuna blue and LOVE it the ai primes are supported by one tiny screw and have a record for falling in the tank. The tuna blue has a great spectrum. I also will say that the xr15 is way over powered for what you want. The ai prime would be good and the 360. Also here's a pic. EDIT: You cant hear the fan.

 

[Kocodelux]

I've got a Kessil 180 over my Waterbox Cube 20. I find the light to be stunning from dawn till dusk and I love the shimmer.

 

[zoaprince]

a360x and XR15 is overkill. Do you like a ton of shimmer? Yes, then buy kessil 160; no, then buy AI Prime (has shimmer but not like the Kessil).

 

[aSaltyKlown]

I've got a Kessil 180 over my Waterbox Cube 20. I find the light to be stunning from dawn till dusk and I love the shimmer.

View attachment 2131278

What is the distance from the waterline? I'll be setting up a WB20 with the 160 as well and looking for a good starting point for color and intensity. thanks

 

[Kocodelux]

About 14 cm from the lens to the waterline. You can choose color to your liking and adjust the intensity to the corals' needs. I started at 50 % intensity and slowly increased it to 60 %.

I love the looks and shimmer of the light, but I think two units or some other complimentary light would be ideal to avoid shading. I will probably add that in the future.

 

[tharbin]

As long as SPS is not your main focus +1 on the Prime or a 160 recommended by @zoaprince . The A80 will not be enough. I have a Prime 16HD on a WB 15 Mini Pen running the Saxby schedule and I hardly ever hear the fan.