AI hydra 32. Using fill light

I have two Hydra 26 over a 75 with minimal rockwork. If you're not running a SPS dominant tank, you should try just the 32s out before spending more on blades.


I also have a 12" Blade Grow over a 20 gallon tall RBTA tank. The old school blue & white look reminds me why hydras and radions took over the market. Hopefully the Glow has better color and I wouldn't recommend the Grow for fill lighting on Hydras unless you only use blue and white channels on them.
 

Attachments

  • 20230419_122715.jpg
    20230419_122715.jpg
    190.2 KB · Views: 136
I Run 2 x 64hd's and 1 x Orpheck OR3 120 Blue plus on my 48"x24"x24" within my custom built canopy.
I had mounted th OR3 to the frontside of the canopy with a slight angle to light the face of the reef a little more and give some more pop to the corals. less shadow and def worth the addition to any hanging light setup.

IMO the orphek series are great for additions though wouldnt have the handson experience as a standalone given just how much room all the extras have to take up if you go the full contralability of the Osix.

The 32's are good for an 18"x18" space up to 24" depth though i would mount around 10-12" from water surface for better distribution and less disco.

Also if you went with the Hydra 32's use the Mobius app to set and control over the MyAI app. its more user friendly and an easier interface.

Happy reefing Legends.
 
What bracket did you use to attach the OR3s to the hybrid fixture?
Just the brackets that come with light. I used a metal stepper bit to drill 4 holes and screwed in the bolts. It’s been great and i’m still running these lights.
 
I'd go 3 32HDs and be happy with it. I had 3 on my 4'x2'x2' and looked nice. I was able to score a few more and now have 5 in my canopy with a 6th spare and can lower their intensity to help extend there life a bit more. I got all 6 used. I think they look great and blend the colors together really well.

I also use a couple reef breeder uv/blue strips with an adjustable power supply to better control their intensity than the frustrating inline one they come with. I don't feel these are necessary but add to the par and lower overall all LED intensity levels needed. Again, to possibly help extend their lives. No fans kick on was my goal. Totally not necessary but meets my wants.

Compress_a0ba0c4e-95c5-46df-93c3-9d01d77bc10dIMG_20230902_161402860.jpg

IMG_20230926_125520319_HDR.jpg

Compress_1c65c1a4-f893-431c-8b82-b6748c060cf3IMG_20230902_161414129.jpg
 
I have both the Hydra32's and Gen 5 Radion pros. I have to say that I actually do like the Hydra32's slightly better. It's probably a wash on light intensity between the 2, but I actually like the color better on the Hydra 32's.
 
Just upgraded my reef to a 60gal cube and got a hydra 32 iv moved over so Anyone use the Reef Brite XHO-K26 LED Add-On Kit - For Hydra 26 and 32 HD for infill for better spread?
 
So I am currently working on my 75 gallon tank set up, 48”x16”x19” deep I have chosen to go with two AI hydra 32 lights. Going to start out with BRS mounting tips. My question is I’m worried about shadowing has anybody used the AI blades for fill light or any of the Orphik OR3. If you have a please share your thoughts, good bad or ugly.Nox Vidmate VLC
There are much better options for the price (noopsyche, radion xr15, blade, etc.) Quite frankly, I am surprised anyone even buys hydras anymore.
 
Last edited:
Looking at adding AI Blades to my x2 Hydra 32 lights. Anyone here has this setup and can give me some review?
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
Back
Top