Hydra 26 vs 52 for 30" wide peninsula

[ninjamyst]

I will be receiving an IM INT 200 peninsula tank in a few months. Dimension is 70 x 30 x 22. I originally thought 4 hydra 26 / 32 will be enough since most of the corals will be placed in the middle of the peninsula. And my research says more smaller fixtures is better than fewer but bigger fixtures for spread coverage. Now I am starting to think I need 3 hydra 52 / 64 instead because of the 30" wide. This will be mixed reef with SPS and LPS. Will the 26 / 32 be sufficient or should I just cough up the money now for the 64s?

 

[Saltyreef]

I would go with the 3 or 4 52s for a 30x70.

You can dial down the intensity if needed.

 

[Nick Steele]

I think it depends on how you run them.

Personally I would go with 4 26’s and 2 led bars on the outside of the middle two 26’s. Sps would be in that middle area and lps/softies on the outside. Led bars to help with shadowing over time so could be a purchase in a year or so.

 

[ninjamyst]

I think it depends on how you run them.

Personally I would go with 4 26’s and 2 led bars on the outside of the middle two 26’s. Sps would be in that middle area and lps/softies on the outside. Led bars to help with shadowing over time so could be a purchase in a year or so.

I plan on using the AI HMS mount so the led bars won't work. I think I will end up getting 3 64HD and mount them side ways to maximize the spread for the 30" width.