45gal cube lighting

[brow82]

I have a 45gal cube with a hydra 32 for lighting as was advised at lfs but getting mixed thoughts now off other reefers on if it's enough so got mentioned about getting a Reef Brite XHO-K26 LED my budget is bit limited at min due to family reasons so would just run on a timer for now whats people's thoughts?? Or need to get the dimmer/ controller straight away due to intensity?

 

[cdemoss01]

I have a 45gal cube with a hydra 32 for lighting as was advised at lfs but getting mixed thoughts now off other reefers on if it's enough so got mentioned about getting a Reef Brite XHO-K26 LED my budget is bit limited at min due to family reasons so would just run on a timer for now whats people's thoughts?? Or need to get the dimmer/ controller straight away due to intensity?

Truly up to you. I recommend Kessil lights very nice and easy to manage.

 

[nereefpat]

What are the dimensions of the tank? What corals are you keeping?

Is this the Reef Brite kit with 2 bars totaling 54 watts? Does that sound right?

 

[rtparty]

Mounted 10-12" off the water should be plenty to start with

 

[brow82]

It's a 24 x24 cube I have a mixed reef (hammers, torch, fair few zoas small monti plate etc) currently hydra is mounted 14" off the surface for best spread

 

[rtparty]

It's a 24 x24 cube I have a mixed reef (hammers, torch, fair few zoas small monti plate etc) currently hydra is mounted 14" off the surface for best spread

I think you are fine but a PAR meter can help make the best decision. Adding an LED bar of some kind can also help down the road. Orphek does well when mounted higher like the Hydra

 

[oreo54]

I have a 45gal cube with a hydra 32 for lighting as was advised at lfs but getting mixed thoughts now off other reefers on if it's enough so got mentioned about getting a Reef Brite XHO-K26 LED my budget is bit limited at min due to family reasons so would just run on a timer for now whats people's thoughts?? Or need to get the dimmer/ controller straight away due to intensity?

Soo in reality probably adding like 32W to your 90w Hydra.

XHO-K26 LED Add-On Kit for Hydra 26/32- Reef Brite

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Depending on how much you are choking the Hydra it is a fair addition of PAR
and relatively inexpensive.

What makes you question the Hydra?
Yea if you are shutting down like 50% of the output that could be an issue, depending.

Keep in mind that adding the led bars and not dimming the hydra will probably be shocking..

 

[brow82]

More of expanding the spread to get more even coverage getting rid of the perimeter dead spots