60 Cube Lighting Question

JonoB · Jan 25, 2020

I was running a 60 cube with pretty ok results with just a Hydra 26HD. I recently moved and had to put everything in a 20gallon tank while I'm getting everything else set up (as well as painting a house, re-doing the flooring, tearing out a wall). Turns out, the corals are loving the more intense lighting and are really taking off. Like, a LOT.

I have 2 150W MH lights from a previous build, but I never really used them. They have the 14k Phoenix bulbs.

Would it be overkill, a dumb idea, or would it work to do some sort of hybrid set up with 1 MH light and the Hydra26? Maybe even 2 of the MH?

I would love to save up for a second hydra but right now my funds are tied up in the house and I want to fix my flow first, especially since I kind of like the look of MH.

Edit: the MH look pretty DIY from the previous owner if that makes any difference.

Bigdan1175 · Jan 25, 2020

Why not add the reef bright kit to your hd26 There like 200

JonoB · Jan 25, 2020

Bigdan1175 said:
Why not add the reef bright kit to your hd26 There like 200

I guess I’m not familiar with those, but I thought they were mostly actinic lighting?

Reefer40b · Jan 25, 2020

Reefbrites dont really add much par. I think adding 1 Mh bulb to the Hydra is a great idea!

TheShrimpNibbler · Jan 25, 2020

JonoB said:
I guess I’m not familiar with those, but I thought they were mostly actinic lighting?

They are led light bars. They are mostly blue, but that is what corals need the most.

Hemmdog · Jan 25, 2020

I’d sell the two metal halides and get a single high quality reflector & higher wattage ballast and do MH. If you could angle your 26 to light the tank at sunrise and sunset that would be awesome! Seems tricky though.

JonoB · Jan 25, 2020

I've tried selling them before twice, but never could get any takers. I like that idea but don't think it would work for me.

I appreciate the suggestions, though! And I realize that route is probably better....but I'm working with what I have for now.

Maybe I'll just give it a shot and see how it goes....

RCS82 · Jan 25, 2020

I have one M/H and one Radion XR15 over my 60 cube. I love it. I get the ramp up and down and the blue color in the morning and evening with the Radion. And during the day I run the M/H for 5 hours or so, 250w 14k Phoenix.

The Radion is attached to the front of my light rack and angled towards the tank.

Bigdan1175 · Apr 7, 2020

I’ve just put them on my tank. I’ll let you know what happens

andrew.jones50 · Apr 12, 2020

The 150w by themselves, even with 2 over a 24” deep tank, aren’t going to give you good penetration. If the bulbs aren’t newish they will likely catalyze nuisance algae growth.

In a hobby where consistency is key your best bet is to add one to supplement your LED during peek hours.

Your very best bet is to sell the AI +the MHs and buy one used Radion xr30 pro gen 3 or 4 with a tank mount. You’ll be all set.