AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo

AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo

biecacka said:
What's the spread of he 52 vs the 26?

Corey
Click to expand...

Hydra 26 - This light will effectively spread up to 24" and provides sufficient output for tanks up to a maximum of 24" deep.

Hydra 52 - Based on our experience, this light will spread up to 30" wide and provide sufficient output for tanks up to 30"-36" deep depending on the lens option you have installed.
 
I have a 45g tall aquarium. Dimensions are 36" wide, 12" front to back, and 24" deep. I'm currently running 4 65w PCs. My wife bought me a AI Hydra for Christmas which I thought if mounted parallel to the front glass, it would would due to the 36" by 36" claims. But reading this thread, I'm not sure. So question is, would it be enough or do I need 2? And if I do need 2, would 2 Hydras be good or 2 Hydra26 be better (since they are the same price)?
 
For a full mixed reef, you would get the best coverage with two of the Hydra26 fixtures over a tank of this size.

A single Hydra52 would also suffice but you may end up with some lower light spots and corals would need to be placed appropriately in the aquarium. The original Hydra will result in the same with even less coverage and penetration. Both are using an 80 degree lens; our typical recommendation is one fixture for every 24" of length.

Feel free to let us know if you have more questions.
 
So since I already have a Hydra, you'd recommend returning it and getting 2 Hydra26s over just buying one more Hydra? I thought 2 hydras would get a better spread since it would be 8 pucks over just 4 pucks.
 
Hi Scurry,

Either option will work. Both two Hydras or two Hydra 26's will cover your aquarium very nicely.

The Hydra does have more pucks (4 per fixture versus 2). However, the Hydra 26 actually has more LED's (26 versus 20). Both fixtures have the same maximum wattage.

It is probably easier just to buy a seconds Hydra. However, if you want to go with two Hydra 26's, that would work well too.
 
Hi mkindsfather,

You should be able to get away with two Hydra 52's mounted 14" - 18" from the tank for a mixed reef.

If the lights need to be mounted lower or you are planning to keep a lot of SPS corals, we would then recommend three Hydra 52's.

Let us know if you have any other questions.
 
HI,

First off thank you for answering so many questions.

My question, I have two Hydra's (upgraded from Sols) and was planning on using them on my new tank a 120g (48X24x25). I was also planning on mounting them inside my canopy parallel to the tank. I am estimating my height will be 8" from the bottom of the Hydra to the water. Do you think this design will be acceptable, if not what changes would you recommend?

Thanks again.
 
Hi eplantejr,

We are happy to help! Mounting inside the canopy is a little trickier. You will want to make sure that you have at least 2" between the canopy and the light, as well as having fans to actively ventilate the canopy. 8" from the bottom of the light to the tank (assuming you have 2" from the light to the canopy) should work okay but we would expect a bit of shadowing. Personally, I prefer 10"-12" above the aquarium.

What we've seen to work well is for customers to put two cutouts (just a little smaller than the fixtures) at the top of the canopy and simply place the lights over the cutouts. This helps to give more distance between the light and the aquarium for a better coverage. It also solves the ventilation issue.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.
 
Tank is 190G 60x27x27. I have 3 hydras using the classic mount system. Was thinking of adding one more, but a hydra 52, and eventually upgrading the hydras to hydra 52. Will be an SPS dominated mixed reef tank. Do you think I need the 4th led? hydra or hydra 52?
 
Hi jeff_a,

For an SPS dominated aquarium the Hydra 52's would be the better option. Having all the colors in each puck does help greatly with color blending. Additionally, the extra power can very helpful in bring out the colors of the corals and increasing growth: once your corals are acclimated.

3 Hydra 52's should be plenty for a 60x27x27, a 4th should not be necessary.
 
Hi jeff_a,

Center braces can indeed be quite a hindrance. Sometimes, you can get around it by increasing the intensity of the center light fixture and keeping the brace clean. However, sometimes a 4th light is unavoidable. We would recommend starting with 3 and go from there.
 
MarineDepot said:
Hi jeff_a,

Center braces can indeed be quite a hindrance. Sometimes, you can get around it by increasing the intensity of the center light fixture and keeping the brace clean. However, sometimes a 4th light is unavoidable. We would recommend starting with 3 and go from there.
Click to expand...

Just ordered 2/3 hydra 52 upgrade kits. I'll probably be fine with 3 for now.
 
Thinking of upgrading to a 72x24x24 tank, mixed reef with mostly LPS/softies, perhaps SPS down the line but not necessary.

Will two Hydra 52s suffice, if I hang them quite high (15")?
 
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