Ai hydra recommendations

[reefkeeper1]

Looking for input on lighting for my 60 gallon hexagon reef tank
Gonna be a mainly softie/lps tank maybe a nem and easy sps later on looking for opinion on whether a hydra 52hd or ecotec 30 would be overkill on a tank with 24x24x30 footprint or should I be looking for a little less light like a prime or 32 or even a 26
Worried about enough par at the sand bed
All input is appreciated
Thanks

 

[shakacuz]

2 hydra 32hd would suffice. with 1 hydra52hd the ends won’t get enough PAR

 

[reefkeeper1]

2 hydra 32hd would suffice. with 1 hydra52hd the ends won’t get enough PAR

Thought a hydra 52 had a 24x24 spread and the extra power would help with penetration or am I mistaken the tank is 24x24x30 deep

 

[cooltowncorals]

You would be fine with one imo.

just keep in mind you’ll want to hang it a little higher to spread light further avoid hotspots.

I would say 52 because then you have option to start with lower settings if you do softie LPS and if you add a nem or sps or clam up top later you can raise intensity and or place them close to directly under

 

[reefkeeper1]

Thanks for the input

 

[shakacuz]

Thought a hydra 52 had a 24x24 spread and the extra power would help with penetration or am I mistaken the tank is 24x24x30 deep

the spread is in a cone shape. one 52 will have more dead spots than two lights. especially around the corners.

i went from using one hydra 32hd over my 40b, to two and the difference was night and day!

 

[reefkeeper1]

Ok thanks for the heads up

 

[legalizedreefer]

I’m a hydra user and I’m super happy with them. Also, look in to getting a 3D reefing diffuser. I love mine. It blends the color really well and lessens the light spill into the room. Only downside is diffusers reduce par a bit so you’ve got to increase your intensity to make up for it, but more than worth it IMO

 

[reefkeeper1]

Thanks for the input