3rd LED or t5 hybrid

[jacksin]

I have a 48 inch 120 gallon mostly sps reef. Always heard how bright LED were so I wrongly assumed 2 Hydra26HD would be an acceptable light source.
I know BRS recommends 4 fixtures above this size tank( I already had mine purchased prior to seeing there video). I've already spent too much as it is. I'm looking at adding one Hydra32 or a t5 hybrid fixture. It will be a non dimmable version.
I would much prefer adding a 3rd LED but am not sure it alone would be adequate. Looking to get 250 + par mid tank.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DaneGer21]

I would go with a 3rd used 26hd IMO. I use 4, with the t5 hybrid over my 60”x35”x24

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I have a 48 inch 120 gallon mostly sps reef. Always heard how bright LED were so I wrongly assumed 2 Hydra26HD would be an acceptable light source.
I know BRS recommends 4 fixtures above this size tank( I already had mine purchased prior to seeing there video). I've already spent too much as it is. I'm looking at adding one Hydra32 or a t5 hybrid fixture. It will be a non dimmable version.
I would much prefer adding a 3rd LED but am not sure it alone would be adequate. Looking to get 250 + par mid tank.
Any help would be appreciated.

You are going to get a lot of mixed answers on this.

So here are my thoughts. I love T5, so I will say get the hybrid fixture. T5s spread light very well and you will lose almost all shadowing due to the light not being focused. I ran 2 kessil a360we lights and a 48” hybrid for quite a long time on a 48” tank. It grew everything just fine (mainly
Nem and sps tank). The hydras should do that as well. Although 100% sps tank may need a third 26 to get the par you want mod level. Not sure on that though, as I have never ran those lights.

One thing that may help also is the height of the lights from the tank currently. How high up are they now? They might be able to be lowered, or raised and the intensity turned up. Provided you have room left to turn them up.

 

[jacksin]

Running BRS version of AB schedule. intensity pretty much maxed out without messing with spectrum. Lights are at the recommended 14" above water line per you know.
I would add the 3rd Hydra, just not confident in getting the par