AI Hydra Settings Thread

So I posted this elsewhere before I found this thread but this might be a better place. I have two hydras coming in the mail for my 36 inch 60 gallon. I am interested in using the ext system to hang them. Should I go with the 6 or 12 inch rail? Anyone have any experience with these and the hydras? Thanks.
 
I am using the ext rails, the 12" rail is made to space the hydra between the brace. Not sure about the 6" purpose.
 
I'm using the ext rails along with the tank mount. My tank has a 24 inch depth and i'm using the 12 inch rails. I have them centered perfectly and there is room for extending it out if my tank had more depth. depth = distance from the front to back.
 
Iam using the 12" rail but that is over a 48" tank. thinking it may be good to mount them 90 degrees to the tank with a tank that is 36" long.
 
You think I'll get better coverage mounting them 90 degrees? I hadn't even considered it but they will be hanging from an 8 foot drop ceiling so anything is possible really. I just thought I'd get a better spread using the ext rails and mounting them across the tank long ways.
 
You won't be able to use the rails if you go front to back, unfortunately there is no spot to mount the rails on the sides.
 
all I am saying is don't overlook the 90 degree install. You will have to see what works for you. If you go that rout you could make your own rails I would use two to make sure the lights don't move around.
 
Yeah it's an option. I think with my aquascape though I'm better off with the horizontal mounting option. I just wanted to make sure I got the correct ext length as to cover the gap over the cross beam.
 
The 12" is made to go across the beam on a 48" spread so you may need to go with the 6" but that is something you could confirm when you order. When I ordered mine the sales guy took care of all my questions. Not sure if I can post their link here so pm me if you want the name.
 
I only have one unit on my 36" using the single unit hanging kit from reefgeek, been using this thread to dial in spectrum and finally got something everyone is happy with. Turning whites down significantly helped a lot as my sps were browning.
 
So I spoke to AI tech support. The 12 inch ext is best option they said. The six inch rail won't give me enough clearance over the support. The irony in all this is that I've decided to build a canopy now and probably won't even need the ext now. Anyone know of a good thread that has a DIY canopy that would work well with the hydras. Looking for ideas. Mainly how tall to make the canopy.

And yes, I will definitely be using this thread to help me dial in my settings.
 
I'm using the rail in my canopy as was easy way to mount lights. As for canopy height, was staying with mine I had for the MH but asked AI.

Me:
Getting ready to install a couple of the 1.6" Hydras and only have 10 inches from water level to canopy top. Wondering the minimum clearance required from the units to canopy?.

Aquaillumination Support Team:
C2 Development, Inc.

Good Morning Mark,

Depending on the number of units and size tank this could vary slightly, however we recommend around 8" on standard sized tanks with a couple inches of clearance above the fan on the light as well for proper circulation of air. Sounds like you will be right in line with the recoomendations. Any other questions please ask at anytime and enjoy the new lights!

Best Regards

new_zpse4b45344.jpg
 
Mark, thanks for the info and the picture. That looks very similar to how I want to hang mine. Are you using the 12 inch ext? I'm liking that canopy design also. I'm still coming up with a design.
 
I built my canopy with the top open so that I could move the lights two ajust the light levels better
 
Yeah mine will also be an open top with probably just a strip of some sort across the top. Do you have any pictures mike? My tank seems similar sized to yours.
 
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