Hydra 26 on 20 inch cube

[DennisB]

will I be able to keep most anything under this? Like even a clam? Sps? I'm new and won't be getting either for a long while but don't want to have to buy new light when I do.

 

[Cherub]

Welcome to the club! A 26 is rated for 24x24inches so you should be just fine with it, it does depend on how high you mount it of course. I use 4 Hydra 26 on my 60 inch display. I do get shadowing in the front and back of my rock work based on how I arranged and will likely add T5's.

 

[DennisB]

Thank you. Wonder if I'll need to add a T5? If so you have a unit you prefer?

 

[DennisB]

Won we if I'll have to add a T5 also? You have a preferred unit?

 

[Cherub]

I was looking at the aquatic life one. Here is the link for BRS for the smallest on. its still a bit larger than your tank though but its compatible with a hydra 26. A hydra 26 can keep any type of coral BTW and so can a 52 https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/24-hybrid-t5ho-4x24w-fixture-with-led-mounting-system-aquatic-life.html

 

[jda]

What kind of clam? Deresa and Squamosa, sure, but they get big. Maxima and Crocea, I would get the Hydra 52... they need as much light as you can give them.

The bigger issues until then is the point-source shading that you might get (you might not) as your colonies grow. Having the possibility of adding T5s in the back of your mind is a good idea and it seems to come into reality for most folks.

Lots of people are happy with the Aquatic Life. Giesemann just made a fixture that is similar too... not sure if there are a lot of users yet, but Giesemann usually makes quality stuff.

 

[DennisB]

What kind of clam? Deresa and Squamosa, sure, but they get big. Maxima and Crocea, I would get the Hydra 52... they need as much light as you can give them.

The bigger issues until then is the point-source shading that you might get (you might not) as your colonies grow. Having the possibility of adding T5s in the back of your mind is a good idea and it seems to come into reality for most folks.

Lots of people are happy with the Aquatic Life. Giesemann just made a fixture that is similar too... not sure if there are a lot of users yet, but Giesemann usually makes quality stuff.

 

[DennisB]

Here is the million $ question. I am really green in the reef thing so hoping I get a hang of it. If I mount the hydra on a arm to the rimless tank wouldn't a 2 buld T5 shade the light from the hydra? 'Meaning the housing of the T5?

 

[jda]

They can... which is why AquaticLife and Giesemann made fixtures with T5s in them that also house the Hydra.

 

[DennisB]

Giesemann look really nice, the AL Also looks like it would work. Hoping I can put it together correctly! I'm lost right now but I am a pretty well known boa breeder and 20 years ago I was lost there too.
I know one thing is common between the two hobbies. Take it SLOW!