Hydra 52"s good? 30X30

Marksreef · Dec 30, 2018

Im looking at one Hydra 52 HD for my 30x30X24 deep and considering the price of the 52's that it comes with everything. Used looks to be at $400-ish shipped so considering that too or should I just buck up and buy new with a fresh warrant?
Should I look at anything better in the price range? $400 used - $599 New?

GoVols · Dec 30, 2018

3o" x 3o": would be a tough coverage / from front to back / for one 52 hd

Lol!!
Love your avi...

dantimdad · Dec 30, 2018

You might want to consider two smaller fixtures unless you are going to centralize the reef structure

I am going to concentrate my 93 cube reef to a 22" x 22" area to allow swim room and make it easier to light.

chefjpaul · Dec 30, 2018

I'd personally go with x2 hyda 26's

I have a 52 over my 30x24x16 and its good, but thats it.

GoVols · Dec 30, 2018

chefjpaul said:
I'd personally go with x2 hyda 26's

Same here

Marksreef · Dec 30, 2018

Oye. Double edge sword
2- 18X18 = 36X18 and still only an 18 $700
1. 24X24 $600

Kampo · Dec 30, 2018

i'm working on a similar tank. currently have a diy light simlar power to a hydra 52. kinda my first opinion is simlar to @dantimdad single light is tricky for full spread on these tanks. i'm prolly going to be going with a hybrid light to get good coverage, lots of shadows on my tank now. it looks great but need a bit more spread.

also noopsky is really looking like a solid budget option. 2 of them with controller might be a more economcial option to a 52

dantimdad · Dec 30, 2018

Kampo said:
i'm working on a similar tank. currently have a diy light simlar power to a hydra 52. kinda my first opinion is simlar to @dantimdad single light is tricky for full spread on these tanks. i'm prolly going to be going with a hybrid light to get good coverage, lots of shadows on my tank now. it looks great but need a bit more spread.

also noopsky is really looking like a solid budget option. 2 of them with controller might be a more economcial option to a 52

Was going to say that. I am getting one of the K7s (should be here Wednesday) I may need another but I bet, until the SPS bug bites, it'll be plenty.

Have you seen the numbers compared to the hydra 26?

Kampo · Dec 30, 2018

dantimdad said:
Was going to say that. I am getting one of the K7s (should be here Wednesday) I may need another but I bet, until the SPS bug bites, it'll be plenty.

Have you seen the numbers compared to the hydra 26?

yeah I did see that post

quite impressive. kinda regretting my diy light it looks really solid, but i'm committed now lol.