AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo
- Thread starter MarineDepot
- Start date
ssick92
New member
I simply purchased their EXT hanging kit and it was incredibly easy to hang. Depending on which lights/how many you will need to connect them together via the EXT rails. Luckily for me I only have 1 fixture so I got the single module hanging it.
MarineDepot
Sponsor
Hi Wind, the single module hanging kit is great if you are using just one fixture. EXT rails/hanging kit or the Classic Rail Kit/Hanging Kit will also work.
Hi rigo, The lights can run as low as 1% so it is definitely fine to use uno your BioCube until your upgrade.
Hi rigo, The lights can run as low as 1% so it is definitely fine to use uno your BioCube until your upgrade.
Reef_Boy_Zack
New member
Question about lighting.
Question about lighting.
This is my 120 gallon Reef tank that has been running for just over a year now. I currently am running 2 Kessil a150 15k lights on the tank. There are dark spots only in the middle of the tank. Because of a center divider
My concern about the lighting is I am not getting any pop in the red colors in my tank. I can see the greens well and maybe some of the oranges. but the reds, purples and majority of oranges are not popping.:angryfire:
I love the shimmer of the Kessils but they don't fit the bill for me in terms of coloration. I know that coloration is fake and not found in the wild but to me that is a little more appealing.. :bounce1:
I would like to purchase 2 of the Hydra 26's. Do you think they would do me any justice?:uzi: Tank dimensions are 60x18x24 LxWxH
Should I purchase a controller with them? I would like to control it directly from my Macbook but I guess some people say the actual controller works better? What about for the GPS and cloud and lightning modes? Any suggestions on which controller to get?:crazy1:
Question about lighting.
This is my 120 gallon Reef tank that has been running for just over a year now. I currently am running 2 Kessil a150 15k lights on the tank. There are dark spots only in the middle of the tank. Because of a center divider
My concern about the lighting is I am not getting any pop in the red colors in my tank. I can see the greens well and maybe some of the oranges. but the reds, purples and majority of oranges are not popping.:angryfire:
I love the shimmer of the Kessils but they don't fit the bill for me in terms of coloration. I know that coloration is fake and not found in the wild but to me that is a little more appealing.. :bounce1:
I would like to purchase 2 of the Hydra 26's. Do you think they would do me any justice?:uzi: Tank dimensions are 60x18x24 LxWxH
Should I purchase a controller with them? I would like to control it directly from my Macbook but I guess some people say the actual controller works better? What about for the GPS and cloud and lightning modes? Any suggestions on which controller to get?:crazy1:
Attachments
Last edited:
Reef_Boy_Zack
New member
MarineDepot
Sponsor
Hi Reef_Boy_Zach.. each Kessil A150 covers roughly 18" x 18". Adding two Hydra 26's will need give you a lot more intensity and much better coverage. Having 7 channels for color adjustment on the Hydra also allows you to dial in that perfect color to make all of your coral pop!
If you were looking to replace the Kessils with the Hydras, we would recommend 3 Hydra 26's for a 60" long tank.
These Hydra fixtures do require controllers: either the Wireless Controller or the Director. Since the iPhone and Android apps are now available, our preference is for the Director.
If you were looking to replace the Kessils with the Hydras, we would recommend 3 Hydra 26's for a 60" long tank.
These Hydra fixtures do require controllers: either the Wireless Controller or the Director. Since the iPhone and Android apps are now available, our preference is for the Director.
Reef_Boy_Zack
New member
Thank you so much! So my biggest concern now would be that i have that big center separator.. Will that obstruct the 3rd Hydra?
MarineDepot
Sponsor
A center brace will block light. If it is a glass center brace, just make sure to clean it regularly. If it is a black brace, you can try offsetting the center Hydra and try to put it at a slight angle.
jackdurkalik
New member
Hi, i'm planning my first reef tank and i was wondering if you could help me with the lighting. My tank will be a 20 gallon (24"x15"x13") and i was wondering if a Hydra 26 will be enought. I plan on starting with LPS but i dont want to be limited when i'll starting having some SPS.
Thank you
Thank you
MarineDepot
Sponsor
Hi Jackdurkalik,
Congratulations on the new tank! A single Hydra 26 will be plenty for a 20 gallon aquarium.
Congratulations on the new tank! A single Hydra 26 will be plenty for a 20 gallon aquarium.
MarineDepot
Sponsor
Hi adam_kips, the Hydra 26 covers up to 24x24 so a second Hydra 26 will be needed.
MarineDepot
Sponsor
Hi Junk2,
The "AI Classic Rail Kit" are in the review. Joe did make two custom wood 'standoffs' to elevate the lights a little higher.
The "AI Classic Rail Kit" are in the review. Joe did make two custom wood 'standoffs' to elevate the lights a little higher.
Reef_Boy_Zack
New member
Ok so I purchased an AI 52 along with an AI 26 for my 120 gallon reef tank (60x18x24)
First off I love the lights!! excellent coverage and excellent control!!
My problem is. I purchased the EXT rail mount along with 2, 18 inch, rails for the lights to connect and hang from the single EXT Rail. I saw a couple videos on Youtube where they had 2, AI 52's, on one EXT Rail mount, and I loved the look of this setup!!
So I set it up from 9P.M. Yesterday until 4A.M. this morning. ( I didn't have much room to work with when drilling the oles in the wood stand.) The 48in. rail that goes on the side of the tank vertically is perfect and very strong! But the 2 bars on the top do not hold the weight of the 2 fixtures. The AI 52 is mounted closest to the vertical bar, due to weight.
My question is. Is it possible that I am missing something?? Is there supposed to be an L-Bracket made of steel to connect the vertical bar, to the horizontal bar, which are holding the lights?
Please respond ASAP. Half my reef tank will have to go without lighting today due to the lack of knowledge I have on the EXT Rail.
Thanks, Zachary Hiatt
First off I love the lights!! excellent coverage and excellent control!!
My problem is. I purchased the EXT rail mount along with 2, 18 inch, rails for the lights to connect and hang from the single EXT Rail. I saw a couple videos on Youtube where they had 2, AI 52's, on one EXT Rail mount, and I loved the look of this setup!!
So I set it up from 9P.M. Yesterday until 4A.M. this morning. ( I didn't have much room to work with when drilling the oles in the wood stand.) The 48in. rail that goes on the side of the tank vertically is perfect and very strong! But the 2 bars on the top do not hold the weight of the 2 fixtures. The AI 52 is mounted closest to the vertical bar, due to weight.
My question is. Is it possible that I am missing something?? Is there supposed to be an L-Bracket made of steel to connect the vertical bar, to the horizontal bar, which are holding the lights?
Please respond ASAP. Half my reef tank will have to go without lighting today due to the lack of knowledge I have on the EXT Rail.
Thanks, Zachary Hiatt
beancounter04
Member
It slides together. Don't feel bad I stared at it for awhile to. I can send a picture when I get home, I have the same rail system over my tank with the 26.
MarineDepot
Sponsor
Hi Zachary,
We're having a bit of trouble understanding this part. Do you have the 1 vertical tank mount, then two lights on the single vertical tank mount? If this is the case, it will not hold. You would need 2 vertical tank mounts and 3 horizontal EXT rails to have the lights go across the tank.
Can you post or email us a picture?
We're having a bit of trouble understanding this part. Do you have the 1 vertical tank mount, then two lights on the single vertical tank mount? If this is the case, it will not hold. You would need 2 vertical tank mounts and 3 horizontal EXT rails to have the lights go across the tank.
Can you post or email us a picture?
Hey I'm trying to figure out the proper LED fixture for my tank. It is a custom built acrylic 40"x30"x20" display. It is a mixed reef, majority Sps/LPS. I have been looking at the AI fiftytwo. My issue is the length and width, I want to make sure I have proper light in the whole tank. Would two AI 52 work? Or do you have a reccomendation for the proper LED fixture that will work?
MarineDepot
Sponsor
With the wider 30" width, the Hydra 52 would definitely be the better option. Two should be just right for your aquarium. We would recommend having the lights perpendicular to the front of the aquarium and use a hanging kit so you can easily adjust and change the height for optimal coverage. The AI Classic Rail Kit with the Hanging Kit would work nicely.
Last edited:
