AI Hydra 52's and height

[htsteve]

We are planning a 160g reef aquarium. 60W 24D 26H. I've been researching lighting.

One option are the AI Hydra 52's. I've read some information that they can do 30" x 30" coverage.

If so, what height do they need to be above the tank? I suspect pretty high to do 30X30. We plan a 14" canopy (high WAF).

The other option we are looking at are 3 Kessil A360 Tuna Blues.

My general goal is to have a reef that allows as many varieties as possible (a bit of shooting for the moon, I realize).

[Hentz]

I've been battling the same issue between Hydra 26's and Kessil 360's haha.

Both are amazing lights and both will grow whatever you want, happily.

Kessil has amazing shimmer and their lights are set to the right spectrum, all you'd have to do is play with intensity. Though to get the whole dawn/dusk effect you'd need S controlled, either theirs or an Apex for example.

Hydra, which is what sold me, the HD versions are wireless. I just got them last night so I've been playing with the settings on my phone and my computer, wireless ��

Comes down to personal preference! Both are amazing lights.

Do you care for gimmicks like the Hydra offers? Do you want complete controllability on color? Ask yourself these questions, should help you decide!

[Wazzel]

Hydra 52's do not do 30x30. 24x18 is a reasonable expectation of coverage.

[aznflyfisherman]

You would atleast 3 hydra52s for your tank.

[vhuang168]

Yup. At least 3. I just picked up a 190, 60/27/27 and I'll be running 4.

[aznflyfisherman]

I have mine over a 110g, 48x18x30, i have it about 8 inches above the water line inside my canopy on a slidable aluminum rail.

[Alex IROC Z28]

I have mine over a 110g, 48x18x30, i have it about 8 inches above the water line inside my canopy on a slidable aluminum rail.


I have the same tank and I am contemplating to replace my metal halides for 52HD or Xr30 pro .... How do you think they go in the 30 high tank?

if you could post pictures I very much appreciate

[aznflyfisherman]

Here is my 110g setup with the hydra 52s inside the canopy about 8inches above water. I install about a 5inch 2x4 on each side cut a small grove for the aluminum rails to just sit in tightly, also made a middle vertical bracket running back to front to rest the rails on. The rails can be broken apart in the middle instead of having one long piece. I made it like this so i can work on each light without removing both. Hope this helps.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73338

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73851

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73850

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73849

[htsteve]

Follow up question.

The 60w * 24d * 26h tank has a frame on it that essentially makes it three tanks put together. The bracing prevents using two lighting devices. Three devices of some kind will work, and take the bracing out of play.

I am figuring any lighting will be about 9" above the water.

24x24 in the middle, 18wx24d on each side. 26' height.

Could I consider something like a Radion XR30Pro in the middle, with XR15Pro's on the outside?

Tank has been ordered, but I have a little time to decide on lighting.

[htsteve]

Here is my 110g setup with the hydra 52s inside the canopy about 8inches above water. I install about a 5inch 2x4 on each side cut a small grove for the aluminum rails to just sit in tightly, also made a middle vertical bracket running back to front to rest the rails on. The rails can be broken apart in the middle instead of having one long piece. I made it like this so i can work on each light without removing both. Hope this helps.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73338

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73851

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73850

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=73849


Very nice!

[aznflyfisherman]

I guess you could but you might not get the par you need with the xr15 Pro towards the bottom. How about 3 hydra 52 hd should be more then enough.


Here is a clearer picture on how i have my light inside the canopy.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=74059

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10227&pictureid=74058

[htsteve]

Thanks for the information, and picture.

I actually had similar thought about the XR15's.

And three Hydra 52's. That would be the most consistent approach. And cost of this solution is about the same as the 'mixed' Radion solution.