Good morning and Merry Christmas all! I'm in the process of setting up my new deep blue 35 cube rimless aquarium(20x20x20). I am searching for a light to put on it and would like your help! I'm currently looking at the AI Hydra 26 HD. I like the amount of controllability it offers and think it would look great over my tank! I'm looking to grow mostly LPS and softies and maybe a few SPS. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
What do you suggest?
- Thread starter 10steinke
- Start date
TheOtherDB
New member
Hey, 10steinke ...
Congrats on the new tank. I have a 34g RedSea Reefer 170 that is similar to your cube. I run an AI Prime over it with the best results I've ever experienced in this hobby. If I had unlimited resources, I'd already have the RedSea Max S 650 with 4 Hydra 26's over it. I like the AI product a lot.
I do, however, wish that I had two Primes over the 170 simply because a single light is very directional and there are some deep shadows in the tank as a result. Having a second light, placing them at either side of the tank, would help reduce that. It would also give me some flexibility to control each light separately allowing for greater lighting control, i.e., emulating a sun rise from the east, and a sun set from the west.
Another thought ... the single Prime has managed to bleach a couple of Discosoma. In short, it seems to be plenty of light. I'm wondering if a Hydra 26 is more than you need?
Here's a shot of my tank with all of the Prime channels at 100%. The light is centered over the tank, 12" above the water:
Congrats on the new tank. I have a 34g RedSea Reefer 170 that is similar to your cube. I run an AI Prime over it with the best results I've ever experienced in this hobby. If I had unlimited resources, I'd already have the RedSea Max S 650 with 4 Hydra 26's over it. I like the AI product a lot.
I do, however, wish that I had two Primes over the 170 simply because a single light is very directional and there are some deep shadows in the tank as a result. Having a second light, placing them at either side of the tank, would help reduce that. It would also give me some flexibility to control each light separately allowing for greater lighting control, i.e., emulating a sun rise from the east, and a sun set from the west.
Another thought ... the single Prime has managed to bleach a couple of Discosoma. In short, it seems to be plenty of light. I'm wondering if a Hydra 26 is more than you need?
Here's a shot of my tank with all of the Prime channels at 100%. The light is centered over the tank, 12" above the water:
Wow you have a beautiful setup! Thank you for sharing. I was originally looking at getting the AI Prime HD for my tank but when doing research there was people doubting it would be enough tanks around this size. I was also worried about shadowing and figured I would get better coloring with the 26 HD but I love the look of your tank! Now I know you said your running the regular Prime and not the HD correct? Do you think I would be happy running a Prime HD over my tank or better off with the Hydra 26 HD?
Vinny Kreyling
Premium Member
Take a look @ Reefbreeders T 247 -- lots of great looking tanks with this light.
TheOtherDB
New member
I am running the AI Prime, not the HD. The 26 has two pucks so would put out, I assume, about the same amount of light as two Primes. I've seen the older Primes (not HD) new for as low as $185, typically about $199. Hydra 26's are about $350 apiece.
For me, the ability to program each light separately and be able to spread them out wider than the two pucks on the 26 are fixed at ... for 50$ more, I'd go two Primes ... but, that's just me.
I think the 26 is an outstanding light and has a price point that is untouchable for something in its class.
Can't wait to see your tank all set up and shiny!
For me, the ability to program each light separately and be able to spread them out wider than the two pucks on the 26 are fixed at ... for 50$ more, I'd go two Primes ... but, that's just me.
I think the 26 is an outstanding light and has a price point that is untouchable for something in its class.
Can't wait to see your tank all set up and shiny!
