AI Hydra Settings Thread

[Postal]

You will probably have enough light "power" but have trouble distributing it. If you don't mind stacking stuff directly under the lights and having lots of shadows you may get by with it.

So a 26 has that many shadows over a 24"x18" area?

 

[Mark75]

I know a single 52 will not illuminate a 24x24 without a lot of shadows.

 

[Wazzel]

So a 26 has that many shadows over a 24"x18" area?

If you run parallel to the tank you may be able to get by with three if you keep the scape low. The coverage on these do not live up to the billing. I still like my 52's but have to run 2 on a 60 cube to get good coverage.

 

[Mark75]

LED is terrible for coverage! I have one Hydra 52 on a 50 cube and am certain I will have to install a second when I add more sps. LEDs light about two inches wider than the fixture.

 

[Mark75]

I also think the hydra lights are arranged incorrectly for coverage seeing as most tanks are longer than wide. When I add a second I am planning on fabricating a mount so I can turn both lights length way.

 

[Cyberdude]

The secret to leds is coverage. More is better.

 

[Reeftub]

The secret to leds is coverage. More is better.

Your right about that

5' tank

 

[Cyberdude]

AI Hydra Settings Thread

Yup. Which is why cheapo Chinese work well if you have them bathing your tank. I had to get 2 x 52's to cover a 36". Don't get me wrong I love the control that comes with them despite the price tag.

So if you see shadows get more leds or you will inevitable be unhappy and start posting in the "dumping leds and going back to mh or t5" threads lol.

 

[Mark75]

I am really second guessing my decision to go LED because of the limited spread and shadows. My last tank was T5 and seemed to be easier on the eyes.

 

[Reeftub]

Do both

 

[Postal]

Hmmmm, really wanted to go with Hydra 26's, but it sounds like you guys think even 3 52's would be lacking.
I already have a Maxspect 160w Razor and have access to two used 120w Razors. It will be cheaper than dropping over $1000 on the 26 HD's. Disappointing to say the least. Was looking for the better control and newer LED's from the AI's but I just can't see spending the money for 6 26's or even 3 52's when I won't even have SPS.

 

[Reeftub]

AI Hydra Settings Thread

I was using only 3 hydra 52 on my 27x27x60 with them 6" above the waterline and covered the whole tank. If your doing lps and softys then you will be fine with less. Now I have 6 because I have a lot of sps and wanted every inch of the tank covered better.

 

[Sonicboom]

I am setting up a 125g (72x18x22) which will be a macro display tank with some LPS and zoas/palys scattered around. I will have several gigantea that will need high light but they can be directly under the lights if necessary. No SPS.
So will 3 Hydra 26 HD's be enough for this tank? It has two braces dividing the tank into thirds.
I could save about $240 buying three non-HD 26's, but some of that savings would disappear buying a controller. So the HD's seem the better value, although I like my tank very white by most reefer's standards do I am a little concerned about AI switching two whites for blues in the HD.

Thoughts?

Radion XR15's are the only other options I am currently looking at. Won't spend the $$ for XR30 or Hydra 52 HD

Hi Postal, you should not need to worry about your tank being too blue, the whites overpower the blues about 3:1, that being said I run my Hydra's at 100% blue and 45% white. You could mix and match and maybe find a used Hydra 52 or even a standard hydra and some primes, then if you see the gigantea reaching and climbing for light, go with an upgrade kit.

 

[Mattnjayne]

What are your current settings Sonicboom.

 

[Sonicboom]

my settings 9/13/2014

my settings today

 

[chercm]

Wazzel, how to convert your map to be used in Apex ?

 

[Mattnjayne]

Real weather and location timer is it exactly what I think it is.

For example, if I was to put GBR as my location and set the intensity my lights would imitate what was happening there?

 

[Wazzel]

Wazzel, how to convert your map to be used in Apex ?

No clue. I do not use apex.

 

[hanas]

Starting a new build with a custom 140g miracles aquarium with dimensions of 48"L x 28"W x 24"H. Tank will be mostly SPS with some clams and I'm currently running an ATI power module (6x54W) on my existing 90g tank. I just received 2 - 52 HDs but based on feedback in this thread do you think I'll need 3? Or could I run 2 and supplement with 2 - 54w T5s.

I'm thinking of starting with just the 2 -52 HD for now and then adding a 3rd in a year when my frags start growing in.

Also, how high would place the units over the water level?

 

[robertifly]

I have two 52's with the new controller, thinking I might add the third one. Two questions the first I think I know the answer, the controller will see and control all three correct? Next, if I choose a 52HD will my same controller operate it as well?