AI Hydra 26 or 52?

[DurTBear]

I'm looking to upgrade my lighting. I have a 20"x20"x20" cube and am currently running AI Sol Blue's. I would like to go with AI Hydras. However, should I go with a Hydra 26 or 52? I have a few sps, 2 anemones, a few chalices, frogspawn, hammer coral and a few zoos.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MarineDepot]

I'm looking to upgrade my lighting. I have a 20"x20"x20" cube and am currently running AI Sol Blue's. I would like to go with AI Hydras. However, should I go with a Hydra 26 or 52? I have a few sps, 2 anemones, a few chalices, frogspawn, hammer coral and a few zoos.

Thanks in advance.

Hi DurTBear,

We love cubes! I personally have a 20x20x20 as well as an 18x18x18. The Hydra 26 would be plenty. To get the best coverage, you will want have fixture elevated 8"-10" from the tank.

 

[DurTBear]

Hi DurTBear,

We love cubes! I personally have a 20x20x20 as well as an 18x18x18. The Hydra 26 would be plenty. To get the best coverage, you will want have fixture elevated 8"-10" from the tank.

Ok, thanks! I guess I will have to consider the EXT rails to elevate the light since I only have the regular tank mount which is only a few inches AWL.

Another reefer suggested using the AI Sol to Hydra 52 upgrade kit. It would be about the same price as an AI Hydra 26 but I would essentially have a 52. Just wondering how the upgrade it works though. Does that mean I could continue to control my lights with my Apex without the AWM module (wireless module)?

 

[MarineDepot]

Ok, thanks! I guess I will have to consider the EXT rails to elevate the light since I only have the regular tank mount which is only a few inches AWL.

Another reefer suggested using the AI Sol to Hydra 52 upgrade kit. It would be about the same price as an AI Hydra 26 but I would essentially have a 52. Just wondering how the upgrade it works though. Does that mean I could continue to control my lights with my Apex without the AWI module (wireless module)?

Hi DurTBear,

The upgrade kit is a good option as well. Either option, you will need an AWM module to be able to control the lights with your Apex.

 

[DurTBear]

Thanks so much for the quick feedback. Would you still recommend that I elevate the lights 8-10" AWL?

 

[MarineDepot]

Thanks so much for the quick feedback. Would you still recommend that I elevate the lights 8-10" AWL?

With either light 8"-10" is preferable to get a better coverage and better blending. With the Hydra 52, you can probably get away with it being a couple inches lower but our own preference is still 8"-10".

 

[DurTBear]

With either light 8"-10" is preferable to get a better coverage and better blending. With the Hydra 52, you can probably get away with it being a couple inches lower but our own preference is still 8"-10".

Thank you! Do you know which additional EXT side rail would be required for a tank of my size so that the light sits above the middle of the tank?

 

[MarineDepot]

Thank you! Do you know which additional EXT side rail would be required for a tank of my size so that the light sits above the middle of the tank?

Hi DurTBear,

For a 20" aquarium, the 12" EXT rail should do the trick.