hydra 32 or reef breeders photon v2

kramer_reefin · Mar 13, 2022

Looking for a light for my first reef tank, a IM fusion novo 40 (24Lx16Wx19H). I've researched YouTube and google about the ins and outs of both. Both seem to get great reviews. Should I be considering the photon 16 or 24? Is the app for AI that much better? Im also 99% sure Im getting the AI Nero's, but don't want to make a decision based on apps. Im starting with softies and lps because I'm new but definitely want something that can grow sps should I want to. Which one do you recommend?

SchrutesReefs · Mar 13, 2022

I have the Hydra 32 centered over my Nuvo 20. It is still in acclimation mode after I swapped from the Kessils I was running prior. I also run the Nero 3 and I personally enjoy using the same app for both.

Bpb · Mar 13, 2022

I’d do a pair of ai primes. And if you want to get more into sps grab a third down the road. Fwiw I own the reef breeders, and I like them, but it would have been a lot more expensive for me to go AI on a tank my size. Pair of primes isn’t that much more expensive than one photon. And you have more robust programming.

BVF · Mar 13, 2022

I like my Hydra 32s, 2 over a 75g.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 13, 2022

RB Photon excellent light and support

kramer_reefin · Mar 14, 2022

Bpb said:
I’d do a pair of ai primes. And if you want to get more into sps grab a third down the road. Fwiw I own the reef breeders, and I like them, but it would have been a lot more expensive for me to go AI on a tank my size. Pair of primes isn’t that much more expensive than one photon. And you have more robust programming.

Would 1 hydra be better and ready for sps vs 2 primes

SchrutesReefs · Mar 14, 2022

They’re one in the same. Primes would allow you to better spread the lighting, rather than have it focused on the center

Dburr1014 · Mar 14, 2022

Reefbreeders will progress as you go. I have no problems growing LPS, sps, clams, nems... As said, support is like no other. Logan, the owner, generally responds same day. (unless it's Sunday)
The 24 will be perfect for the 24" tank.
If you get the pro, the app is on your phone. You can search other people's program if you don't want to set your own. And now have moon lighting that follows moon phases.

kramer_reefin · Mar 14, 2022

Dburr1014 said:
Reefbreeders will progress as you go. I have no problems growing LPS, sps, clams, nems... As said, support is like no other. Logan, the owner, generally responds same day. (unless it's Sunday)
The 24 will be perfect for the 24" tank.
If you get the pro, the app is on your phone. You can search other people's program if you don't want to set your own. And now have moon lighting that follows moon phases.

Reef breeders also has 2 years warranty, that might put it over the edge. Also read about their great customer service more than a few times. And I like the idea of supporting a "smaller" company.

vlangel · Mar 14, 2022

I have the ReefBreeder Photon 24 on my 56 gallon column tank, 30" x 18" x 24". I have a mixed reef and even though I have a deep tank the RB is doing a good job. Also I thought the light had developed a glitch and on a Saturday morning I emailed them. They got back to me before lunch and resolved my problem, (which BTW was operator error, LOL). I am more than satisfied.

Dburr1014 · Mar 14, 2022

kramer_reefin said:
Reef breeders also has 2 years warranty, that might put it over the edge. Also read about their great customer service more than a few times. And I like the idea of supporting a "smaller" company.

I talked to logan face to face at FFM last weekend in Connecticut. I asked about life expectancy of the lights. He said he hadn't herd of any failures yet even of the first gens.
I was under the impression of a 7 year cycle. But, maybe we don't know yet in this hobby.

MONTANTK · Mar 14, 2022

I have had both and I prefer AI night and day. I never got along with my RBs and neither did my corals. Mine did not have the app though so that may have contributed. I just felt the tank always looked dim

Seymo44 · Mar 14, 2022

I don’t have an AI but I do have Kessils, Radions, and a RB photon v2+.

I have the reef breeder over my fluval evo 13.5 mounted about 12” from water surface. It made too much of a “disco ball” effect for my taste. I cut a piece of light diffuser and laid it over my screen top, this greatly improved the light blending.

Over a taller tank, it would likely be just fine without the diffuser. I’ve seen them mounted 4 foot above frag tanks and the corals look phenomenal.

Bpb · Mar 14, 2022

MONTANTK said:
I have had both and I prefer AI night and day. I never got along with my RBs and neither did my corals. Mine did not have the app though so that may have contributed. I just felt the tank always looked dim

Had to be the app. Take the moonlights out of the equation and the reef breeders actually uses basically the same diode layout as the AI lights do. Two blues, a violet, red, green, and white. Ratios are slightly different as the reef breeders has more violets per section. But otherwise it’s remarkably similar wavelengths. I’ve had terrific results with mine. One wouldn’t be far off base to basically equate a photon 48 to an expanded hydra 64. Color wise it’s basically the same thing just with the diodes spread out and not compacted

MONTANTK · Mar 14, 2022

Bpb said:
Had to be the app. Take the moonlights out of the equation and the reef breeders actually uses basically the same diode layout as the AI lights do. Two blues, a violet, red, green, and white. Ratios are slightly different as the reef breeders has more violets per section. But otherwise it’s remarkably similar wavelengths. I’ve had terrific results with mine. One wouldn’t be far off base to basically equate a photon 48 to an expanded hydra 64. Color wise it’s basically the same thing just with the diodes spread out and not compacted

I don’t doubt peoples success with them. I just didn’t get along with them for whatever reason. I’ve had AI over almost every tank I’ve owned so I may be a little biased

kev.2013 · Mar 14, 2022

ReefBreeders

Many people use with good success.
AI lights, if using the overdrive on “UV” will melt the lens. That’s a big no from me. Even though many might say “why do you need UV that high?” It doesn’t matter, they make a light that can’t even perform as advertised and won’t address the issues.

X-37B · Mar 14, 2022

I have 2 16HD's on my 18" nano cube and 2 with another one the way for my 36x24x12 frag system.
They replaced a MH on my frag system.
I do run my V & UV at 140% and my B & RB at 125%. To early to tell about the lens. I do have a few extra if they burn.
AI did correct the lens on newer models from what I have read.
Only time will tell.
I do like the idea of multiple 16's over 32's as you can spread them out.

Dburr1014 · Mar 14, 2022

Seymo44 said:
I don’t have an AI but I do have Kessils, Radions, and a RB photon v2+.

I have the reef breeder over my fluval evo 13.5 mounted about 12” from water surface. It made too much of a “disco ball” effect for my taste. I cut a piece of light diffuser and laid it over my screen top, this greatly improved the light blending.

Over a taller tank, it would likely be just fine without the diffuser. I’ve seen them mounted 4 foot above frag tanks and the corals look phenomenal.

That's another point, rb come standard with 90 lenses. All you have to do is ask Logan and he'll give you 120's. My lights are about 4" above the water, so I took out my lenses completely. No disco effect at all.

kramer_reefin · Mar 14, 2022

Dburr1014 said:
That's another point, rb come standard with 90 lenses. All you have to do is ask Logan and he'll give you 120's. My lights are about 4" above the water, so I took out my lenses completely. No disco effect at all.

I just ordered the RB 24inch photon. I think BRS said to mount it 14 inches off water (I'm gonna use the back to tank mount) and my tank is 19 inches tall. Im I gonna be good with the standard lenses? And I shouldn't have any disco effect right?

vlangel · Mar 14, 2022

kramer_reefin said:
I just ordered the RB 24inch photon. I think BRS said to mount it 14 inches off water (I'm gonna use the back to tank mount) and my tank is 19 inches tall. Im I gonna be good with the standard lenses? And I shouldn't have any disco effect right?

You probably will have some disco ball effect. I have that same RB Photon and mine is mounted about 14 inches off the water. My tank is 24" high and I do have a bit more disco ball effect than I wanted, although I had expected it because of the BRS videos. I also was switching from T5 so may be more sensitive to the shimmer. I will say that I am getting used to it now and have no plans to try and diffuse it. It really only bothers me when I am videoing the tank.

In regards to everything else about the light, I am really pleased.