AI Hydra TwentySix HD versus ????? ($225 budget)

[Jcohen9999]

I am getting back into the hobby and breathing new life into my 26 gallon bowfront (with a ~200 gal sump in the basement) and given that my current AI Sol Blue has been hanging over the tank for 8 years (the company site suggests a 5-7 year life and I have some tuft algae issues in the display tank - only) I have want to replace them.

I have spoken to AI and I can trade in my current fixture and receive a new Hydra TwentySix HD for $225.

OR

I can buy something else for the equivalent $$$ (or maybe a tad more if it's really worth it).

Just assume I will want to keep any type of coral in a tank that is 24 x 15 x 20.

So what say you...go for the Hydra or is there a better deal out there?

TIA

Jeff

 

[moondoggy4]

So you have a 26 gallon tank, correct? I would trade in the Ai Sol, sounds like charity on their part. Their is a learning curve on the 26 HD go with the AB+ there are lots of threads about that setting.

 

[zooman72]

So you have a 26 gallon tank, correct? I would trade in the Ai Sol, sounds like charity on their part. Their is a learning curve on the 26 HD go with the AB+ there are lots of threads about that setting.

I agree, that seems like a good deal, although my math says that your aquarium is ~30 gallons ( ), but if used at the correct height, the Hydra 26 should be able to cover your 24"x15" footprint and 20" depth well enough.

 

[jayball]

Getting ~$125 credit for that is a pretty good deal. I'd do it, you are going to see a huge increase in fluorescent response and rendered color coming from a blue and cool white fixture.

 

[Jcohen9999]

I agree, that seems like a good deal, although my math says that your aquarium is ~30 gallons ( ), but if used at the correct height, the Hydra 26 should be able to cover your 24"x15" footprint and 20" depth well enough.

You forgot to compensate for it being a bow front.

Anyway, I have decided to go for it and will be sending out the old AI Sol tomorrow




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[zooman72]

You forgot to compensate for it being a bow front.

Anyway, I have decided to go for it and will be sending out the old AI Sol tomorrow

:reading:


:debi:





Good call on the light, and mighty nice of the manufacturer too... :thumbsup:

 

[Jcohen9999]

Got the light in and I must say I like it a lot. The programming was easy on it's own but with some of the examples out there that are easily downloaded it was a piece of cake to get it where i want it to be.

 

[SonoranReefer]

Yeah I'd trade it in for sure. That's like getting $125 for your old light. Unless you can sell the old one for more, and are confident you are not selling someone a worn out light then I think you have already found your best deal


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wally431]

I’ve got the AI prime and I love it, I’ve got it over a 45jbj and I think it spreads the light pretty even. I have mine on the AB+ that someone else mentioned and I love it. The one thing I really like is you don’t need a controller for the hydras you can program it from your phone