JWHITESP88
Active Member
Would one Hydra52HD be enough for a 57 gallon tank? 36x18x20?
Hydra 52 question
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JWHITESP88
Active Member
So how do the AI primes compare? Could two of those work? Any other suggestions on LED's? I would like to have one tank above the tank if possible. Any Kessil suggestions? What size and kind would be nice because I am Kessil illiterate.
JWHITESP88
Active Member
Also I know this is a crazy question but how exactly is the prime controllable? can you only control intensity from your phone? or can you set them to ramp up and down throughout the day? the ramp up and down is what I am looking for. Would I need a controller for this?
RareEarthCorals
Well-Known Member
Prime can be ramped up or down throughout the day at any intensity. The controller is built in. This also applies to the HD version of the Hydra 26 and 52. No external controller needed. There are both apple and android app for phone integration.
JWHITESP88
Active Member
so would you do 2 primes or 1 hydra 52 or 2 hydra 26's?
RareEarthCorals
Well-Known Member
Two primes wouldn't be enough to be considered in my book. One 52 is $599, two 26s are $700. You are able to adjust your pattern with two 26s versus one 52. Now if you are able to Two 52s $1198 would allow you to upgrade in the future, would address all concerns, and would be perfect.
JWHITESP88
Active Member
Thank you so much for taking the time to help. I have a question about this and I think I failed to mention that I will keeping softies/LPS, and possibly some of the "easier" SPS. I'm not trying to debate any one point rather I am looking to learn. Please correct/interject anywhere need be. I am assuming that most importantly I am looking for a light that will cover the length width and depth of the tank, obviously with PAR becoming less the deeper the tank. So when I am looking at a light what exactly should I be looking for? The recommendation chart above confuses me if it isn't correct. I have spent a lot of time reading through this awesome forum, but sometimes I leave confused as so many of the things stated are based solely on opinion. I just want to know what I should be taking into consideration when choosing one of the most important parts of my system. Please do take this the wrong way, I am only here to learn the hobby and try to make a responsible hobbiest/financial decision. Thanks.
RareEarthCorals
Well-Known Member
Chart is directly from AI website. It states the number of units you need based on the model you are considering for the dimensions you require. Aqua Illumination LED selection will let you keep any type of coral LPS and SPS and by the dimensions of your tank you can pick the best one. Par becomes irrelevant as most corals are between 100-250 par, and 90% of most lights can reach that at 12" depth. Remember anyone can dispute anything they like. Some better than others and overall almost any light you choose will give you some degree of success. I have seen great success with Chinese black boxes at $99.00 and $1000 name brand fixtures so what is most important to me first off is coverage. If a light can meet those requirements everything else should follow as well. Followed by ease of use and access. Followed by reputation and known quality. Finally price, those are my check boxes and my Hydra 26 HD meet all of those requirements, but those are my requirements. It is confusing and only after months of research I have come to this conclusion. As much as I can provide you in my own knowledge, research is the only way to understanding.
JWHITESP88
Active Member
Thanks for your help. I am so undecided in the lighting department, an will just have to keep reading. Thank you for all of your time.
RareEarthCorals
Well-Known Member
I have been one to recommend researching what is right for you. Make a list and check it twice. As you research lighting mark off your list what requirements the light meets and what you like about the light. How expensive is it really once you get mounting options and wireless access? Narrow it down to two lights and then get opinions and see how users have interacted with the light, are they happy or not? It becomes a popularity contest but look for honest opinions, not just "Hydra is the best" or "Radion is better".
Finally, don't regret anything, as we have all made mistakes, and some costly. Research things until you feel comfortable enough that you know it is the right light for you.
Finally, don't regret anything, as we have all made mistakes, and some costly. Research things until you feel comfortable enough that you know it is the right light for you.
JWHITESP88
Active Member
ok, I have another question, I am leaning toward the hydra 26'sHD after a night of research, but my question is am I going to get a bunch of light spill running this setup? I see that they have a 24'' coverage and I am putting them over a 36'' tank. Should I orient them perpendicular to the tank to help with this? And last question is I am worried that this is to much light for LPS/softies which will be predominantly what my tank consist of. I know this is crazy but because of this I have also taken into consideration the ATI 4x39w t5 fixture after last nights research, just based off of the fact that it isn't as hard to fry LPS. Sorry for all the questions.
RareEarthCorals
Well-Known Member
It will depend how high you set them. Sorta like a flashlight, The closer you bring it to the wall the smaller the beam. The closer you mount the light to the waterline, the smaller the foot print. I have a Hydra 26 with LPS and SPS. One Hydra 26 Mounted 9 inches from the water line covers 20x20x18 perfectly. I have needed to move corals around the tank because 90 watts of LED is stronger than T5. It takes acclimation and work to get everything dialed in. You can do that with the Hydra. The T5 have no real adjustability or acclimation program.
