Fish tanks, specially reef tanks require a lot of quality parts and equipment to run smoothly.

Luckily, you will get on your hands on majority of these components pretty easily.

But, lights, on the other hand, is something else. Settling for a lighting system for your aquarium setups is hands down one of the most challenging things in the whole fish keeping experience.

There are so many factors and parameters to consider, so many brands and models to choose from, and unfortunately, majority of them turn out to be subpar performance stuff.

That’s when we came across the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination.

The AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination has been making quite the rounds among aquarists, and we want to find out why! That’s why, we are going to dissect and review this product for you today, right now!

Is it worth money, or just another over hyped product? Let’s find out!

Do You Need AI Prime HD+ for Your Reef Tank?

Let’s first clarify if this light is essential for you. If you are just starting your reef journey or just keeping some softies with few LPS in your casual reef tank then you don’t need this. On the other hand, if you need something more for your high demanding SPS tank then go for the AI Hydra Series.

Also if you are really tight on budget you can better avoid this and go for other cheaper options in the market. But always keep in mind that the cheaper options are not always trustworthy.

AI Prime HD Review: Aquarium LED by AquaIllumination

At First Sight: Design & Construction

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Alright, guys. Before we dive into the essentials, it is important that we talk a little about its first impressions.

The AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination includes the AI Prime HD+ light head, an AC adaptor, power cord and a swiveling mount which will attach onto most rimless or rimmed tanks.

Pretty simple. It is basically the size of your hands, and measures 5.2 inches in diameter. As for the weight, the entire setup is pretty compact and weighs no more than 2 pounds!

The AI Prime HD+ is also very contemporary if you consider its design and construction. It comes entirely in black and the overall design is very lean and subtle. Will go great on just about any fish tank.

Alright, then. So far, so good. Now, it is time to dig a little deeper into the features.

The Lights

Let’s start with THE most important part of the entire AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED : the lights!

The first and foremost thing you need to know about this lighting system is that it offers you 13 power and independent LED lights. You have 3  Cree XP-G2 Cool White (> 70 CRI), 3 Cree XT-E Royal Blue, 3 Cree XP-E2 Blue, 1 Cree Deep Red 660 nm, 1 Cree XP-E2 Green, 1 Semi LED 415 nm and 1 Semi LED 400 nm.

The lights are packed in a tight cluster and offers you a peak PAR of 100 micro mols radiation at a depth of 24 inches.

The color vibrancy and opacity is very high and is rather sharp too. Just make sure the water is clean, and BAM! Watch it glitter and glimmer like diamonds.

AI Prime HD+ is really great for coral growth and can support even the most demanding SPS corals out there. It’s definitely better than T5.

AquaIllumination has some cool comparisons with all the elite series LED lights that have been dominating the market for a long time. Take a look if you like.

Light Distribution

Now, one very important thing with lighting systems for fish tanks is the light distribution. Each system is different and will provide different types of coverage.

As for the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination, the mount sits 9 inches from the base it gives you coverage or spread of 24 x 24 inches which is pretty great.

One thing we would like to say is that the mount could be made more convenient. Although not always the case, but most of the times, the mount a hassle to attach onto rimmed fish tanks.

Customization and Adjustability

One of the best parts about the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination is that it has a built-in wifi control, and you can control it via your smart phone app or browser!

You can change the colors, use different effects and even set alarms and timers. With it’s wonderful customization option you can replicate the rising of the sun in the morning, then mid-day scorching rays to a gradual decay of high intensity with less red & green towards the actinic blue of moon light at night.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Wifi enabled; remotely controllable
  • Swiveling mounting attachment
  • Intense light output
  • Power efficient

Cons:

  • Need a better mounting attachment
  • There are some security issues with the wifi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the AI Prime HD+

What is the power specs of the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination?

This lighting system uses 55 watts and has a UIR of 100 to 240VAC / 50-60Hz.

What is the length of the cable provided?

It is nearly 10 ft.

Is the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination loud?

We have personally not experienced any noise or unbearable sound output from this system. There is a very slight hum that’s almost non-existent unless you stand very close to it. Overall, the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination is very quiet.

Would the AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination be okay for fish tanks with aquatic plants and coral reefs?

The AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED – AquaIllumination is hands down one of the best lighting systems for your reefs. It uses unique color variations and intensities which sustain your ecosystem and feeds more life and color into them. With it’s customization feature you can make it work for a planted tank as well. For more options check out our reviews of fresh water planted tank LED lights.

Similar Products From AquaIllumination

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Final Words

So, there you have it, folks! Our detailed and unbiased review and rundown of the very coveted AI Prime HD+ Aquarium LED.

If there’s anything we learned through our review today, it is that the AI Prime  is not joking around with its job! The lighting system clearly works and works darn well.

It is designed to and put together to make sure that it executes smoothly and efficiently. It has great color payoff, amazing clarity and effect, and the AI convenience is outstanding too!

We do think the mount could use some attention, but we will let it slide considering how high performance this stuff is.

We highly recommend the AI Prime HD+ LED light. It just might do the trick for your reef tank!

If you looking for more options then check out our reviews of the best LED reef lights followed by a buyer’s guide!

With that, it’s a wrap! We will see you again soon with yet another review. Adios!

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