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04/14/2016, 05:55 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 343
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2 AI Prime's or Hydra 26?
Hey guys, I have a 58 gallon with softies, LPS, and SPS. I'm looking to upgrade my lighting. I saw the new Prime units today at my LFS and was impressed. I'm wondering if I should get 2 of these units and separate them 6-10" or should I look into the Hydra 26. I'm wanting to avoid any shaded areas. Help please!
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04/14/2016, 06:19 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 2,032
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I would probably do 2 of the primes instead of a 26. You'll get more even coverage with them spread out a bit.
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04/14/2016, 08:51 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Posts: 1,960
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The 26 has more punch, but separate units will cover better. If you are ok with just SPS higher under the lamps, the prime may be enough.
I know it would not be enough for me, and I suggest the 26, and add a second one later. |
04/14/2016, 09:53 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 343
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Most of my SPS are higher up in the tank. I thought also about doing some T5's along with 2 of the Prime's. I know there's been some discussion about color loss under LED's.
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04/14/2016, 10:01 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 119
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Just get 2 hydras. Problem solved.
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04/15/2016, 12:43 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 2,016
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Running two Hydra 26 HD's over my 56 gallon tank. Such incredible lights. Great bank for your buck and will grow anything. These will be your absolute best bet to reduce shadowing since you'd have 4 pucks total rather than two.
My SPS are doing so great under 2 26's. And my tank is 36" wide.
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A Reef in the Desert: 120 Gallon (4x2x2) - MP40 x2 - Gyre 130 - ATI Sunpower - Simplicity Pump/Skimmer - Controlled by Apex |
04/15/2016, 07:04 AM | #7 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 343
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Quote:
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04/15/2016, 03:36 PM | #8 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Monroe, LA
Posts: 343
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So I contacted AI and they said that 2 Prime's would be good for my tank. I think I may try that and if I have to, add another one later.
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04/15/2016, 08:03 PM | #9 | |
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 2,016
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Quote:
I overkill everything possible in my budget just for upgrade reasons. I'm running two MP40's on a 36" tank! Wayyyyy over kill, but if I ever upgrade I've got my lighting AND my flow! Plus if corals ever get too big, I'll have enough power left to up the flow/lighting without having to spend extra to do so.
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A Reef in the Desert: 120 Gallon (4x2x2) - MP40 x2 - Gyre 130 - ATI Sunpower - Simplicity Pump/Skimmer - Controlled by Apex |
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