26hd’s vs xr30 gen 3 pro???

[Carley]

I currently have a 77 tall tank. 36”L x 24”h x 21”W
I’m running 3 hydra 26hds on it, mounted 12” from the water, and I love the spectrum and growth it’s giving me!
My problem is, I’m upgrading tanks. I’m going to be getting a 150 Gallon - 72.5”L x 29.5”H x 18.5”W
I found a good deal on some radions- xr30 gen 3 pros. There would be 3 of them.
Should I buy another 26hd? Or go with 3 of the xr30’s? Which would give me better penetration? I’m looking to be going with some sps in the new tank, currently running lps and softies. I don’t know which way to go... please add your thoughts!! [emoji5] thank you in advance!

 

[Carley]

Current tank, vs the upgrade I’m getting.

 

[jsker]

FYI Hydra and Echotech are the same company pretty much the same insides. The Hydras have a 24 inch spread and you add one more Hydra and save a bunch.

 

[Carley]

Yeah I know they merged. But I didn’t know depth wise which would be better. For the deal I’m getting, it would be the same amount of money, 4 26’s vs 3 xr30’s.

 

[SDboatguy]

3 XR30 (6 pucks) might get a bit more penetration, BUT 4 hydra 26( 8 pucks ) gives you better spread / coverage. Its a trade off - depending on your rock work ....

 

[Carley]

3 XR30 (6 pucks) might get a bit more penetration, BUT 4 hydra 26( 8 pucks ) gives you better spread / coverage. Its a trade off - depending on your rock work ....

Yeah true. It’s showing online the 26’s recommended 18x18
Xr30’s is showing recommended 24x24.
They both could technically do more

 

[Carley]

3 XR30 (6 pucks) might get a bit more penetration, BUT 4 hydra 26( 8 pucks ) gives you better spread / coverage. Its a trade off - depending on your rock work ....

I’m gonna take your advice. If I end up needing another light, it would cost less. Thank you!!

 

[SDboatguy]

Hope it works out for you - you do have time with the Hydras already. I do think the 18 x 18 spread for hydra 26 is fairly accurate, I don't know if I'd try SPS outside of the 18" You could also look at adding 2-4 T5 if you feel you need more light down the road. FWIW I do run 26hds (3) along with 4 T5 on my 60 x 20 x 18. VERY nice mix and my corals are growing well after a year now.

 

[Carley]

Hope it works out for you - you do have time with the Hydras already. I do think the 18 x 18 spread for hydra 26 is fairly accurate, I don't know if I'd try SPS outside of the 18" You could also look at adding 2-4 T5 if you feel you need more light down the road. FWIW I do run 26hds (3) along with 4 T5 on my 60 x 20 x 18. VERY nice mix and my corals are growing well after a year now.

Yeah, I think I’m gonna go with 5 total on my 72” just to be sure I have the spread. Thank you for your advice!