Making the Switch: Hydra 26HD to ATI T5?

[Chicagoreef2016]

So I have had the Hydra 26HD for about 10 months now in a mixed tank, stable parameters for over 6-7 months now below.
SAL: 1.025
ALK: 8.5
Temp: 76.1
Calc: 440

I have been frustrated with lack of growth overall with corals I have had for a good amount of time (Palau nepthea, bunch of zoas, mushrooms, GSP, etc. I have lost a few LPS as well, probably due to change in water flow and lighting. I have switched my lighting profile a couple times trying to tweak things, and have had Orcus Varuna's SPS+ profile going for 3-4 months now. Flow seems to be correct based on what I have seen in other tanks and existing coral reactions; no major issues algae wise in a "newer" setup.

So, I may switch to the ATI 6 bulb fixture. Any basic recommendations on config and break in period? Or just advice in general making the switch?

Cheers.

 

[rtparty]

What is your tank size? Sorry if it's in your signature. I don't that on Tapatalk

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

What is your tank size? Sorry if it's in your signature. I don't that on Tapatalk

No prob, it is a Marineland 60 cube. So 24"x24"x24".

Thanks in advance.

 

[rtparty]

No prob, it is a Marineland 60 cube. So 24"x24"x24".

Thanks in advance.

Personally, I think you're severely under lit. I know what AI says but real world experiences have shown that LED manufactures are over stating their claims.

I'd get a second AI or sell your AI and go ATI. My personal choice is the ATI. I've just never loved LEDs and I used them for years. My current tank now has a Geisemann MH/T5 and it is so nice going back to what works.

A 6*24 Sunpower would be plenty for your tank. Bulb combo would be 3 ATI Blue Plus, 1 Actinic, 1 Coral Plus and 1 Purple Plus. Grab an additional Coral Plus just in case.

 

[Uncle Luke]

That ATI would be absolute magic for you're tank. I've had tremendous success with them.

 

[Ssteve]

Your WAY under lit for leds. Just get another 26 and see if you can raise them up 14-16" off the water and then run something compersble to the ecotech coral labs program.

 

[Hentz]

Agree and slightly disagree with other's posts. I'm running 1 Hydra 26HD over my Reefer 170 with 99% SPS, 22 Acropora and 1 Palythoa. My tank ranges from small Acropora frags to colonies. That being said, your tank isn't necessarily "WAY under lit".. It could be other issues preventing your corals from growing.

I'm running the SPS AB+ Profile provided by Orcus, like you are.

Depending on the height you're running your Hydra 26HD, it should be fine for your tank.. Especially with only LPS and Softies.

What is lack of growth to you? It's quite a broad term in the reefing world. I'm noticing growth on Acropora every 2-3 days with my Hydra 26HD.

Another thing we need to know is your nutrients. What're they like? This could be a balance issue for your lighting and alkalinity.

I previously when from 3 Hydra 26HD's on my 56 (36x18x19) to a ATI 6x39 Sunpower. Why? Well my internet was absolute garbage and my Hydras let alone computer couldn't stay connected to allow me to add acclimation settings. Did I notice a big change? Not at all. My tank seemed brighter with the T5's and I was able to get much better pictures... Thats about it. I still had the great growth and color as I did with Hydras, which is why I'm back to Hydras.

Many LED users get frustrated because they just can't seem to find that sweet spot for their tank and I completely get it. But it may not just be your lighting, its possible it will not solve your issues.

Lets get down to tank parameters first and find out what your maintenance routine is also. Nutrient export/import methods, whole nine-yards.

FWIW, this is my PAR readings on my Reefer 170 with the H26HD 11" off the water level using the 12" AWL Profile from Orcus. Just goes to prove even your tank isn't "way under lit". More the merrier, but you're probably fine with 1 unit depending on the height it sits.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Agree and slightly disagree with other's posts. I'm running 1 Hydra 26HD over my Reefer 170 with 99% SPS, 22 Acropora and 1 Palythoa. My tank ranges from small Acropora frags to colonies. That being said, your tank isn't necessarily "WAY under lit".. It could be other issues preventing your corals from growing.

I'm running the SPS AB+ Profile provided by Orcus, like you are.

Depending on the height you're running your Hydra 26HD, it should be fine for your tank.. Especially with only LPS and Softies.

What is lack of growth to you? It's quite a broad term in the reefing world. I'm noticing growth on Acropora every 2-3 days with my Hydra 26HD.

Another thing we need to know is your nutrients. What're they like? This could be a balance issue for your lighting and alkalinity.

I previously when from 3 Hydra 26HD's on my 56 (36x18x19) to a ATI 6x39 Sunpower. Why? Well my internet was absolute garbage and my Hydras let alone computer couldn't stay connected to allow me to add acclimation settings. Did I notice a big change? Not at all. My tank seemed brighter with the T5's and I was able to get much better pictures... Thats about it. I still had the great growth and color as I did with Hydras, which is why I'm back to Hydras.

Many LED users get frustrated because they just can't seem to find that sweet spot for their tank and I completely get it. But it may not just be your lighting, its possible it will not solve your issues.

Lets get down to tank parameters first and find out what your maintenance routine is also. Nutrient export/import methods, whole nine-yards.

FWIW, this is my PAR readings on my Reefer 170 with the H26HD 11" off the water level using the 12" AWL Profile from Orcus. Just goes to prove even your tank isn't "way under lit". More the merrier, but you're probably fine with 1 unit depending on the height it sits.

Thanks all for the advice; I will probably go the 6x24 sun power route and keep my Hydra for a time period, moreso because there I can get a decent deal on a used setup right now.

Hentz, your point is well taken. I changed my lighting profile based upon your and Orcus's feedback in the Hydra thread. That being said I have had this setup going for a few months, and growth on my corals has been pretty slow. My test is a certain mushroom that I have had the entire time; split like crazy prior to the SPS+ setup and once installed it has stopped completely...still doing fine, but no splitting. Maybe I need to move my lighting to more of a 14-16k versus the blue dominant profile of the SPS+? But I am hesitant to change my lighting profile yet again as I think the constant changes in my first few months led to some corals not making it (as well as jacking around with my flow). I do 5-10% water changes weekly, my phosphates show 0 on Salifert tests, and I have a solid amount of coralline (SP) algae coating my overflow top to bottom. All signs point to a decent environment for growth. Maybe I am missing some things as I am just under a year in this, but I read a lot and bounce ideas off those who have many years experience and have seen my tank so I am thinking I am not too far off (famous last words).

The great/bad thing on LEDs, or at least the Hydra IMO: soooo much control. It is overwhelming, and I am not a marine biologist by trade. Thanks again for all the input.

 

[Orcus Varuna]

So confused with the two threads have no idea which one I'm posting to haha.


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[Orcus Varuna]

Thanks all for the advice; I will probably go the 6x24 sun power route and keep my Hydra for a time period, moreso because there I can get a decent deal on a used setup right now.



Hentz, your point is well taken. I changed my lighting profile based upon your and Orcus's feedback in the Hydra thread. That being said I have had this setup going for a few months, and growth on my corals has been pretty slow. My test is a certain mushroom that I have had the entire time; split like crazy prior to the SPS+ setup and once installed it has stopped completely...still doing fine, but no splitting. Maybe I need to move my lighting to more of a 14-16k versus the blue dominant profile of the SPS+? But I am hesitant to change my lighting profile yet again as I think the constant changes in my first few months led to some corals not making it (as well as jacking around with my flow). I do 5-10% water changes weekly, my phosphates show 0 on Salifert tests, and I have a solid amount of coralline (SP) algae coating my overflow top to bottom. All signs point to a decent environment for growth. Maybe I am missing some things as I am just under a year in this, but I read a lot and bounce ideas off those who have many years experience and have seen my tank so I am thinking I am not too far off (famous last words).



The great/bad thing on LEDs, or at least the Hydra IMO: soooo much control. It is overwhelming, and I am not a marine biologist by trade. Thanks again for all the input.

LED is certainly not for everyone. If you want set it and forget it you can not go wrong with an ati t5 kit. Amazing lights and wayyyy less room to screw up the lights. I wonder though after reading through your answer is your nutrients are causing your lack of growth. You need some nutrients to drive growth especially with softy/lps corals.


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[Chicagoreef2016]

LED is certainly not for everyone. If you want set it and forget it you can not go wrong with an ati t5 kit. Amazing lights and wayyyy less room to screw up the lights. I wonder though after reading through your answer is your nutrients are causing your lack of growth. You need some nutrients to drive growth especially with softy/lps corals.


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That is a good question re: nutrients. Nitrate is and has been at 1 for a long time, and phosphate is at 0 with my tests. I had a spate of GHA about 3-4 months back, nothing to bad, so I increased my husbandry (which was slacking, like changing out filter socks once a week), and added a GFO reactor. I will test one thing at a time: first light change, then depending on how that goes take the GFO offline for a bit.