AI Hydra fiftytwo or 2 twentysix's?

[fischcrazy]

I have a 37x21x22" red sea c-250 thats currently running 6 x 39w t5s and will be upgrading soon to AI Hydra HD LEDS. Right now its set up as a pretty evenly mixed LPS/ SPS reef, but will be going more SPS heavy as stocking continues. I want to keep SPS growing to cover up the open middle section and along the back wall and keep LPS towards the bottom and on the fringes of the LR/ encrusting on the back wall. Would yall recommend one AI Hydra fiftytwo or 2 AI Hydra twentysix?https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/721d3d4e-8e5e-4587-974c-a39d1100cb4d

 

[Hentz]

Two AI Hydra 26HD of course.

I ran two on my SPS dominant 36x19x18. Worked great. Eventually added a third. I also eventually went to an ATI 6x39 due to connection issues with my internet for the lights.

I'm running 1 H26HD right now with great success. Noticing growth in my Acropora every 2-3 days. But I'm going back to ATI 6x54 on my upgrade because I found one at a steal.

That being said, Hydra HD's and ATI T5's are my favorite lights for Acropora lol.

 

[GimpyFin]

Two 26HDs. You will get a little better coverage, and two 26s are more powerful than a single 52 (90W full power on a 26 vs. 135W full power on a 52.)

 

[LQT]

Why the switch to Hydras? Will these be retrofitted into the hood? I'd tend to think that you'll have a tough time replicating the coverage of your current T5s with two Hydra 26s, especially if retrofitted into the hood as they'll be awfully close to the water's surface, thereby further limiting the spread of the LEDs and increasing shadows for your SPS.

 

[fischcrazy]

I will not be retrofitting my current hood, will just remove it. I lost the plastic hinge pins a few years back and have to take it off for maintenance which is a pita. Im having good color with my t5s but growth is kinda slow on everything except for a hollywood stunner thats 6" under the fixture, ill have much better growth and color with LEDS

 

[LQT]

What T5 fixture are you using? Are you just elevating the stock hood?

 

[fischcrazy]

Its whatever fixture i built in, a 6x39watt. Im not goung to use the hood and have an open top