Hydra 52 HDs or 32HD

[qstorm]

I did a post recently about modifying my 6ft MH/T5 fixture to accommodate 3 Hydra 26s. With the advice of a few here, I am going to sell that fixture and build a canopy with T5 kit, the Hydra 26 that I have.
I am trying to decide on this deal. 2, Hydra 52 HD with mounting arms (which I won't need) for $900. They are 3 yrs old, between two owners or buy 2 brand new 32 HDs for $732. There is another deal for2 52HDs for $940 no arms. Will I achieve the same thing with the 32s and 26s/T5 and save a few bucks or 52s are better over all. 72x24x30 tank, 220 gal.

The setup would be 2, 32s on either end and the 26 in the middle with 4 T5, two on opposite side. or the 52s on either end. ...kind of confused between spending 900 and sure when they might take a dump. The other 52s, are they a over kill?

I am mostly doing LPS and softies with a few SPS maybe 6-10 on the top back scape.

 

[Waynerock]

I did a post recently about modifying my 6ft MH/T5 fixture to accommodate 3 Hydra 26s. With the advice of a few here, I am going to sell that fixture and build a canopy with T5 kit, the Hydra 26 that I have.
I am trying to decide on this deal. 2, Hydra 52 HD with mounting arms (which I won't need) for $900. They are 3 yrs old, between two owners or buy 2 brand new 32 HDs for $732.

The setup would be 2, 32s on either end and the 26 in the middle with 4 T5, two on opposite side. or the 52s on either end. ...kind of confused between spending 900 and sure when they might take a dump. I am mostly doing LPS and softies with a few SPS maybe 6-10 on the top back scape.

BRS did a video recently about nixing the 54/64 and going more of the 32's for better spread, blending and coverage. I would look into it. They where able to get better more consistent PAR with multiple 32's.

 

[qstorm]

BRS did a video recently about nixing the 54/64 and going more of the 32's for better spread, blending and coverage. I would look into it. They where able to get better more consistent PAR with multiple 32's.

I did see that episode, but that was between the 32 and the 64. Would that apply as well to the 52s. They never reviewed it as far as I know

 

[Waynerock]

I did see that episode, but that was between the 32 and the 64. Would that apply as well to the 52s. They never reviewed it as far as I know

I would assume that the 52's are going to be way under the current 64's. More led's and better lens on the 64's. The big thing for me has been the recessing of the pucks on all of the new AI's it really cuts down on light spillage. To me that alone is worth it its hard to watch a movie or play a video game in the dark with crazy light spillage. Either way good luck and want to see it when done

 

[qstorm]

I would assume that the 52's are going to be way under the current 64's. More led's and better lens on the 64's. The big thing for me has been the recessing of the pucks on all of the new AI's it really cuts down on light spillage. To me that alone is worth it its hard to watch a movie or play a video game in the dark with crazy light spillage. Either way good luck and want to see it when done

You think the 52s are better than the 32s. BRS recommends the 32s over the 64 for a more LPS dominant tank, which is what I am shooting for....just not much info on the 52s to see if its worth spending the extra $200 ...ARGGH

 

[Waynerock]

You think the 52s are better than the 32s. BRS recommends the 32s over the 64 for a more LPS dominant tank, which is what I am shooting for....just not much info on the 52s to see if its worth spending the extra $200 ...ARGGH

They all work great! I am a fan of multiple smaller lights. I don’t supplement with t5 so I try and make up coverage with more lighting. The 52 have what some might consider many hours since they where used. I don’t know how Led’s age but if the 32’s will be cheeper I would go that way. You could always add more later. I like newer electronics instead of buying used especially reef lights only the person that is selling knows the true condition

 

[qstorm]

They all work great! I am a fan of multiple smaller lights. I don’t supplement with t5 so I try and make up coverage with more lighting. The 52 have what some might consider many hours since they where used. I don’t know how Led’s age but if the 32’s will be cheeper I would go that way. You could always add more later. I like newer electronics instead of buying used especially reef lights only the person that is selling knows the true condition

All facts about going new. The second set of 52s where used for about two weeks and the seller has the receipt vs the other set that's 3yrs old. HMMM...thanks.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I have 2 32s on a 4ft 75g tank and coverage is great. Mostly sps but a mixed reef. I will just add more if I end up with shadowing in the next year or so.

 

[qstorm]

I have 2 32s on a 4ft 75g tank and coverage is great. Mostly sps but a mixed reef. I will just add more if I end up with shadowing in the next year or so.

thanks

 

[qstorm]

I would assume that the 52's are going to be way under the current 64's. More led's and better lens on the 64's. The big thing for me has been the recessing of the pucks on all of the new AI's it really cuts down on light spillage. To me that alone is worth it its hard to watch a movie or play a video game in the dark with crazy light spillage. Either way good luck and want to see it when done

This what I have done so far.

 

[Waynerock]

This what I have done so far.

Nice

This what I have done so far.

nice job! Super jealous I would love to get some t5’s into the mix on my reef. Can’t wait to see how the corals are gonna like it

 

[qstorm]

Nice

nice job! Super jealous I would love to get some t5’s into the mix on my reef. Can’t wait to see how the corals are gonna like it

Thank you.. a few closed up but are beginning to acclimate to the new lights...my ZOAS and Mushroom love it, and especially my leather. Polyp extensions like crazy.