AI questions for my new tank

[WisconsinReefing]

I know that there is no “best” light for a reef tank. But before I click “buy” I want to solicit some opinion here. I’m leaning toward AI as I have a hydra 26 on my current tank and really like the app/ functionality.

Attached is my new “used” tank. I plan on having a mix of coral over time LPS/Soft/SPS

I am wondering if a lighting expert can tell me
1) will 1 hydra 52 be enough?

2) if not. What about 1 hydra 52, and 2 prime pucks.

3) is it fairly easy to get whatever number of hydras and primes on the same schedule using the app?

The dimensions

60” wide
28” deep/tall
29” From front to back at the widest point

 

[Crabs McJones]

How much do you have to spend?

 

[WisconsinReefing]

How much do you have to spend?

Ideally less than 1000, but I don’t want to cut corners on lights. Obviously the cheaper the better though lol

 

[ahiggins]

I don’t think 2 ai pucks will do it for 60” depth. I have mine set to max on a 40 breeder and it is just enough to grow lps on the bottom

 

[WisconsinReefing]

I don’t think 2 ai pucks will do it for 60” depth. I have mine set to max on a 40 breeder and it is just enough to grow lps on the bottom

I was inquiring about 1 hydra 52 and 2 pucks, but are you saying the pucks will be useless because of depth?

 

[sstanley223]

IMO 2 of the new Hydra 32's would be awesome !

 

[Crabs McJones]

Would 2 32s cover a 5' tank though?

 

[sstanley223]

Would 2 32s cover a 5' tank though?

No, not for SPS. But what I

would do is run them 18‐24" apart on the middle and have an island aquascape leaving the ends a little shady. Again in my opinion it might look cool cause of the half circle shape. It would be easy to add another in the future! Just considering the budget.

 

[ahiggins]

I was inquiring about 1 hydra 52 and 2 pucks, but are you saying the pucks will be useless because of depth?

Ohhh my bad. I’ve never used a 52 before so I can’t say for that. The pucks would (IMO) max out around 25”. My 25 gallon cube depth kept the bottom at <80 par maxed out.
the pucks are great for smaller tanks but I wouldn’t put them on anything deep.