AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo

Hi cnseekatz,

A single Hydra 52 would work great for a mixed reef. It will get dimmer towards the two ends: which would work for lower light LPS and soft corals.

If you want the tank evenly lit from end to end and to be able to place corals anywhere in the tank, two Hydra 26's would be the better option.
 
I've got 2 different tanks in mind for my next build. First is 32x24x20 and second is 32x24x24. Do I need to go with 1 Hydra 52 on both tanks? Or can I get away with a og Hydra or even a Hydra 26
 
Last edited:
Sorry that I missed that.

AI does claim a coverage of up to 36x36 for a mixed reef for the Hydra 52. It is also your best option for a 32" tank.

A single Hydra or Hydra 26 will not evenly cover a 32" long tank in our opinion. However, if you don't mind the sides of the aquarium being dimmer, it can still work.
 
AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo

booyaa138 said:
Two more quick question. What is recommended for mounting height? Can you mount these inside a canopy?
Click to expand...

LED lights run fairly cool and are perfectly suitable for mounting inside a canopy. Just be sure it has some ventilation.

As for mounting height, it depends on how many fixtures you use. One fixture would need to be mounted much higher than two fixtures in order to get full coverage. I would start at about 10" and raise the light until you reach the desired spread.

Take care and feel free to let us know if you have more questions.

-Robert F.
 
Last edited:
Another question . I have a Biocube 14 . What I was thinking is to gut the stock hood but keep the fans . Then cut a hole in the top and mount a Hydra 26 to the top side . Now would this have the light far enough above the water to get as good light spread as the stock lighting ? I don't want the outsides of the tank to be dark.
Also will I need the controler , or are there controls built in to the light module ? Thanks !!
 
Hi Mike,

Thanks for your inquiry. The ideal installation for the Hydra 26 (and other similar LED lights) is for the light to be mounted 6"-10" above the aquarium. With the installation noted, it sounds like the light will only be a couple of inches above the aquarium: which would not be ideal and coverage may not be very good. We would recommend removing the entire hood and use one of AI's mounting systems.

All AI Hydra's require controllers: either the wireless controller or the Director.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.
 
So I ended up buying a bigger tank. 125 gallons 60x18x24. My question is what would be better? 3 hydra 26's or 2 hydra 52's?
 
Congratulations on the new tank! We would prefer the three Hydra 26's for a more even spread. However, either option will work just fine.
 
booyaa138 said:
That's what I thought. Just wanted to double check.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You are welcome. Don't forget: they go on sale Friday!

product-02.jpg


product-3.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
120 Gallon Mixed Reef Tank for Sale
Replies
6
Views
626
vanbro1
vanbro1
V
My new RSM 250 - LED recommendations
Replies
3
Views
1K
Soda Ninja
S
Twisk
New Ro-di system & aquascape questions
2
Replies
20
Views
2K
griss
griss
Vlad91
Help ai hydra
Replies
2
Views
829
aznflyfisherman
A
9
Advice on Tank and equipment
Replies
5
Views
2K
92reefer
9
Back
Top