AI Hydra Settings Thread

[Adam G]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to programmable LED world. I have a 48" x 26" x 26.5" tank. I recently purchased 3 AI Hydras, and have them installed on an Apex controller, they are also hanging over the tank on the AI Sol 48" rails, not very far off the surface, maybe 8". I plan on growing all types of corals in this tank and I am wondering what are some settings I should try out with this set up.

Attached is the only pic I have snapped of this setup just so you have an idea. It was taken at low light (2%) because I had just finished installing them at night.

Programming with the Apex is super easy, but here are the settings I have for max light which is 6 hours(80% power on the Apex). I know these aren't optimal, and it might even be too much, it's all greek to me though so any advice is appreciated.

R - 75
G - 75
B - 75
RB - 100
DB - 100
V - 100
UV - 100
CW - 100
WW - 75
NW - 75

Thanks!

I am no expert but based on my personal experience I would definately cut everything in half and ramp up from there. Also, folks have posted that they are getting better color and less bleaching by turning down the CW and UV a bit. Mys suggestion would be something like this for starters and then ramp up from there.

R-30
G-30
UV-30
CW-30
And then 45 on the rest. Then ramp up proportionately over time till you double each value or you find you have too much light. Again, I am just telling you what worked for me.

 

[fireguy582]

How do I set my Hydra to show a moonlight?

 

[Sonicboom]

How do I set my Hydra to show a moonlight?

It's automatic except tonight and the next few days are no moon until Monday I think.

 

[ReefCowboy]

Ive been using three hydras over my 65 gal for about 8 months now and i must say overall its been a positive experience. Ive never got a coral bleach due to excessive light so that is a win for me. I must say though coloration really exploded when i added 2 blue+ T5's. Chalices developed colored outer rims, and this combo is IMO the best one.

 

[biecacka]

What is the spread on the 52?

Corey

 

[dahos]

Settings I have been using. LPS and softies all seem to be responding well to them.

 

[dahos]

Last graph didn't show up well. See if this one is more legible. I also have lights out for two hours each night with lunar on and DB set at 2%.

 

[Sonicboom]

What is the spread on the 52?

Corey

30x30

 

[biecacka]

Thanks. My tank is 48/48/24 but only softy and lps. Have tinkered with the thought of leds but I only run 1 radium 250watt in a lumenarc reflector

Corey

 

[Sonicboom]

Thanks. My tank is 48/48/24 but only softy and lps. Have tinkered with the thought of leds but I only run 1 radium 250watt in a lumenarc reflector

Corey

You can do two hydra 26 and be ready if you decide to go sps.

 

[biecacka]

On a four ft by four ft tank I could run 2 26's. Are they smaller than the 52's?

Corey

 

[Sonicboom]

Yes, there are only 2 led pucks instead of 4

 

[Wazzel]

On a four ft by four ft tank I could run 2 26's. Are they smaller than the 52's?

Corey

No. You will need 4 fixtures. I would got with the 52s if you are going to want SPS all the way to the bottom.

 

[Adam G]

No. You will need 4 fixtures. I would got with the 52s if you are going to want SPS all the way to the bottom.

I agree. If you are talking minimum to sustain life, that is one thing. If you are talking what you will need to grow corals into colonies, then you will want more. Ideally the light will overlap from fixture to fixture so you are shooting light in from different angles. This will help penetrate your corals and you will not have so much shadowing.

2 fixtures might get you going but 4 would be ideal as your tank grows out. Each one covering a 24"x24" area and overlapping into the next space. I would go with the 52's as well. You are getting double the LED's way less than double the cost.

 

[biecacka]

I have only softy lps tank. Right now I run a single radium 250 in a lumenarc reflector and am having good growth.

Corey

 

[chercm]

any one know what should i set the cloud function so that i can get the similar effect when i am using regional weather please ?

 

[TampaReef]

I am looking to do this same config on my 90 gal RR... can you give me a little more detail on all the materials you used... aside from the Hydra 52s

 

[Sonicboom]

New director update available

 

[dahos]

New director update available

I have not updated yet but did notice today that my location setting disappeared and it will not allow me to set a location. Hopefully the update fixes this.

 

[bucfan]

I also have foud my sweet spot.

I'm Using Hydra52 (19 of them)

Pic:

That's a killer tank. How long has it been up and running and have you run LEDs the entire time? Also is that a bare bottom tank? If so do you have any coralline algae build up since I can't tell if there's any.