AI Hydra 26 or Kessil a360W-E

[PeterG]

Hi All,

I know this question has been asked before but I'm interested in hearing some fresh perspectives:

I’m new to reefing having “inherited” a 90 gal tank from a friend who was doing a lifestyle downsizing. I had a lfs guy move it to my house and set it up. I bought a new stand from him as well as a Current Orbit LED light. I’m only now finding out it’s not really suitable for a reef tank and I’m replacing it. I’ve narrowed my choices down to either 2 Kessil a360W-E or two AI Hydra 26 fixtures.

I like the simplicity of the Kessils but also the flexibility on the Hydras. One concern about the Hydras is that my tank is rimmed and I’ve read mixed reviews on the mounting options for them. I don’t want to hang the lights from the ceiling and am not crazy about the look of the mounting rail kit that runs across the whole tank. The Kessils have a nice clean simple gooseneck mounting option.

BUT I’ve also read that the Kessils might be too focused and that two of them would not provide enough light for a 48” tank. Using three lights would not work as there is a center support on this tank.

What do you folks think; Hydra 26s or the Kessil a360W-E ?

(Originally posted under Lighting Discussions)

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hi All,

I know this question has been asked before but I'm interested in hearing some fresh perspectives:

I’m new to reefing having “inherited” a 90 gal tank from a friend who was doing a lifestyle downsizing. I had a lfs guy move it to my house and set it up. I bought a new stand from him as well as a Current Orbit LED light. I’m only now finding out it’s not really suitable for a reef tank and I’m replacing it. I’ve narrowed my choices down to either 2 Kessil a360W-E or two AI Hydra 26 fixtures.

I like the simplicity of the Kessils but also the flexibility on the Hydras. One concern about the Hydras is that my tank is rimmed and I’ve read mixed reviews on the mounting options for them. I don’t want to hang the lights from the ceiling and am not crazy about the look of the mounting rail kit that runs across the whole tank. The Kessils have a nice clean simple gooseneck mounting option.

BUT I’ve also read that the Kessils might be too focused and that two of them would not provide enough light for a 48” tank. Using three lights would not work as there is a center support on this tank.

What do you folks think; Hydra 26s or the Kessil a360W-E ?

(Originally posted under Lighting Discussions)

Im a big kessil fan so kessil gets my vote. An A360WE should be able to cover that footprint of 24 inches each. What types of corals are you primarily looking to keep? If you're going SPS dominant you'll definitely need a third light in there somewhere. If you're going softies and LPS and some SPS (directly under the light source) two kessils should would work perfectly.

 

[PeterG]

Thanks Crabs, I'm so new to this hobby to really know in what direction I'll go but my guess is a mixed reef. I've seen enough really corals in the LPS & softie categories to think they'll keep me happy.
What's making me hesitate on the Kessils is I'm into photography & photo editing and playing with the color sliders in the AI software does have some appeal.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Thanks Crabs, I'm so new to this hobby to really know in what direction I'll go but my guess is a mixed reef. I've seen enough really corals in the LPS & softie categories to think they'll keep me happy.
What's making me hesitate on the Kessils is I'm into photography & photo editing and playing with the color sliders in the AI software does have some appeal.

If that's the case, maybe consider the Kessil AP700. It'll cover that footprint no problem, and you're able to adjust the color wheel in the app to whatever color you want. And it'll cost almost the same as two A360WE'S

 

[PeterG]

If that's the case, maybe consider the Kessil AP700. It'll cover that footprint no problem, and you're able to adjust the color wheel in the app to whatever color you want. And it'll cost almost the same as two A360WE'S

I looked at the AP700 but the specs say to cover a 48" tank it needs to be mounted 18" above the tank. Higher than I'd like & a ceiling mount in the living room is a non-starter.

 

[sternicus]

Personally, I run 2 hyrda 26 hd's over my 90g and i love the results. The growth is incredible and colors are looking really good too.

 

[PAXpress]

I have hydras 2x hd 26's over a 66 gallon. They look great and I love them. I also have a kessil h380 on my refugium for my 175 gallon tank and that thing is great too. I think either light will do the job its probably whether you like the style/accessories/mounting options of the lights most. Think if it were me though I'd put up some Hydras. Good luck!

 

[PeterG]

Have any of you Hydra folks had any issues with the software.? Commenters on BRS mention connectivity problems with WiFi.
If I download the MyAI app for iPhone or iPad will sync thru Bluetooth or will I have to go thru my router?