Hydra 26's enough for my tank?

[lpsouth1978]

I need to get lights for my Waterbox 230.6 system and want to go with AI Hydra's, since I already have 2 over mu 40b that I can swap out for cheaper lights. Will 4 x 26's be enough for a tank this size. The tank dimensions are 72"x26"x24" and will be primarily sofies/LPS, but i would also like some SPS and clams. I may also be able to swing 2 x 52's in the middle with a 26 on either end. What are your thoughts?

 

[bubbasguppies]

Running 4x 26's wouldn't work unless you only place corals within the MAX of 24" coverage. Even 4x 52's only give you 30" max. I'm running the primes on my 40 breeder but know in order to keep SPS I'd have to upgrade to the 26's when it comes to the coverage and intensity.

 

[lpsouth1978]

Running 4x 26's wouldn't work unless you only place corals within the MAX of 24" coverage. Even 4x 52's only give you 30" max.

What would you suggest then? BRS recommends one Hydra 26 per 18" or one 52 per 24". Also the Waterbox Pro series comes with 4 x Hydra 26's. I simply CANNOT afford 4 x Radion XR30's (which I am sure would be suggested by many).

 

[doodledreads]

What would you suggest then? BRS recommends one Hydra 26 per 18" or one 52 per 24". Also the Waterbox Pro series comes with 4 x Hydra 26's. I simply CANNOT afford 4 x Radion XR30's (which I am sure would be suggested by many).

There are a lot of other, more affordable options: Photon V2, T5 combo with your hydras etc.

 

[jsker]

You would be more the fine with 4 26 hd’s 12 inches off the water.

 

[bubbasguppies]

You can run the 4x 26's provided you have them right over where you plan on keeping your SPS. The Spread isn't even on the width side of things. So the 52's have more coverage in length but not the width. Your tank being 72lx24wx26h there is going to be more low par areas on the edges...

 

[lpsouth1978]

There are a lot of other, more affordable options: Photon V2, T5 combo with your hydras etc.

I have considered the Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid system. Do you know if the AI multi-light track can hold the aquatic life fixture?

You would be more the fine with 4 26 hd’s 12 inches off the water.

Thank you for the input. I am just concerned since I have two 26's over my 40 and the Waterbox is MUCH bigger.

 

[bubbasguppies]

MS Paint isn't my thing...lol....run your lights this way for best coverage front to back

 

[lpsouth1978]

You can run the 4x 26's provided you have them right over where you plan on keeping your SPS. The Spread isn't even on the width side of things. So the 52's have more coverage in length but not the width. Your tank being 72lx24wx26h there is going to be more low par areas on the edges...

I get what you are saying. There won't be many corals toward the back of the tank, so could I put the lights as far forward as possible and keep low light corals at the back? If I have clams, they will likely be on the bottom of the tank, so I would need good penetration deep in the tank.

 

[lpsouth1978]

MS Paint isn't my thing...lol....run your lights this way for best coverage front to back

This should work well if I don't get the aquatic life fixture, but I don't think they fit in that configuration with it. Thank You for the help! I think I will start with the 26's in this configuration, and if I need more light or coverage, I will add the T5 hybrid system.

 

[bubbasguppies]

Red Sea used to sell the 26's with their line up on bigger tanks so you should be great with the 4x 26's. So thats my ignorance of trying to answer too fast...

 

[bubbasguppies]

BRS has 24" end plates so they might just fit that config as well.

24" End Plates for Hybrid Fixtures

Need to make your Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid Light wider? Add a pair of 24" end plates, and 24" Rectangle LED Mounting Brackets. Each 24" End Plate kit comes with two brackets that will replace the stock 18" brackets that come with the Aquatic Life Hybrid T5 Lights. Making your fixture wider allows...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[uhgster1]

I have a 65 gallon that’s basically half of your tank. It’s 25 inches deep and 18 inches wide. I have two AI Primes and two Coralife T5 fixtures front and back. The tank is mixed and I have absolutely no issues with my SPS. Over the last few years I’ve been able to, through trial and error, find the sweet spot for the corals. The hybrid option was my breakthrough along with flow. The T5s I’m using are two ATI blue+ and the original actinics the fixtures came with. If you have the resources I would try to supplement the Hydras with T5s. As wide as your tank is you can definitely find some used t5 fixtures or buy the ATI hybrid fixture for a lot less than you’ll spend on new leds.

I hope this gives you some ideas.

 

[Angrywalnut]

I have 3, 26 on a 60Lx24W x25T. They are mounted with the pucks toward the length (longways with tank). Mounted in center of the tank, 10 inches off the water. I can see the beams of light hitting the front of the glass about 12-13 inches down the glass on front and rear panels. It does make the tank look dark, and the corals spot lighted if you will.
2 T5 lit it up much more evenly. 4-26 will be fine for length. If you don't like the darkness and shadows the T5
or Orphek OR2 light bars might be an option.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I have 3, 26 on a 60Lx24W x25T. They are mounted with the pucks toward the length (longways with tank). Mounted in center of the tank, 10 inches off the water. I can see the beams of light hitting the front of the glass about 12-13 inches down the glass on front and rear panels. It does make the tank look dark, and the corals spot lighted if you will.
2 T5 lit it up much more evenly. 4-26 will be fine for length. If you don't like the darkness and shadows the T5
or Orphek OR2 light bars might be an option.

Thank you, I will start with the 4 x 26's and add the T5 hybrid if there is too much shadowing for my liking.