How many hydra 32s??

roggy23 · Apr 13, 2023

For a mixed reef 6' tank, how many hydra 32s would you all get with the lights running perpendicular to a hms rail mount?

Spare time · Apr 14, 2023

2-3. Have you purchased the hydras yet? I ask as there are much better options for the price.

roggy23 · Apr 14, 2023

Spare time said:
2-3. Have you purchased the hydras yet? I ask as there are much better options for the price.

2 to 3? That doesn't seem enough I was thinking 4 to 5...what other lights?

Spare time · Apr 14, 2023

roggy23 said:
2 to 3? That doesn't seem enough I was thinking 4 to 5...what other lights?

For 6 ft? One light should easily cover 24x24 area placed longways along the tank. It's two AI primes barely spaced apart and for a 6 foot tank you would need 4 of those unless the tank is also deep and very tall. If it's softies and strategically placed lps only, 2 would probably be fine if placed correctly (unless rails get in the way). They overlap on each other's edge and corals don't need as much light as people like to think.

stevolough · Apr 14, 2023

I have two on a rail for a 4ft tank with lps. Definitely three.

vetteguy53081 · Apr 14, 2023

roggy23 said:
For a mixed reef 6' tank, how many hydra 32s would you all get with the lights running perpendicular to a hms rail mount?

If running mixed reef or reef with SPS, Go with three

mjw011689 · Apr 14, 2023

My LFS has 4 over an 8 foot tank and there is obvious gaps between them. The cone of light is pretty rough on these unless mounted really high. There’s 6-8” of gap between the lighted areas on that tank. I think 3 minimum for yours, more likely 4 if you’re looking for good even spread. I guess it depends on your goals

also, I just saw you specifically want to mount them perpendicular to the tank, which I agree with, but it will definitely mean you need at least 3 if not a 4th.