Hydra 52

saltypilot · Feb 3, 2019

I have a 60 cube and am looking to have a good amount of SPS. Tank came with a black box SPS, and I dont care for it. looking to upgrade to a Hydra 52 possibly. What are your guys thoughts on this light, IE controllabilty and growth rate. Looking at the radions but they are so dang expensive.
I believe the Hydra is not compatible with APEX like the radion, but are you able to still program it to simulate sunrise sunset and a rise in par throughout the day?

Vahanyos · Feb 3, 2019

You will like this light. I own the hydra 52hd and I’m super happy. It’s strong enough to grow sps and it’s so easy to control. You can even download preset settings to use which made it so easy for me to decide which color set and combo I wanted

Only regret is not getting two of them. One is not that great in covering a 30” tank easily without moving the light super high up lol

saltypilot · Feb 3, 2019

Vahanyos said:
You will like this light. I own the hydra 52hd and I’m super happy. It’s strong enough to grow sps and it’s so easy to control. You can even download preset settings to use which made it so easy for me to decide which color set and combo I wanted

Only regret is not getting two of them. One is not that great in covering a 30” tank easily without moving the light super high up lol

How high up do you have yours mounted? And how do you have them mounted? The Cube is 24inches

Vahanyos · Feb 3, 2019

saltypilot said:
How high up do you have yours mounted? And how do you have them mounted? The Cube is 24inches

I use the metal arm mount they sell for it. Right now it’s mounted about 10” above the water line but I have some shading on the corners. I mounted it low because my tank is in my living room and the light is less blinding mounted lower when I’m laying down on my couch lol. I can move it up another 6 inches easily and it’ll give better spread

Vahanyos · Feb 3, 2019

If you get the HD version, it’s one of those lights that you will keep for a long time (if you’re sticking with LED’s). They’re good quality and strong lights for any kind of aquarium. Buy with confidence, I personally think it’s not much difference between these and the radions.

BestMomEver · Feb 3, 2019

I considered the AI 26 for my 60 cube but ended up getting the Radion. I’m glad I did. One of the LFSs in my area has both and I like the Radion better. But that’s just my preference.

saltypilot · Feb 3, 2019

BestMomEver said:
I considered the AI 26 for my 60 cube but ended up getting the Radion. I’m glad I did. One of the LFSs in my area has both and I like the Radion better. But that’s just my preference.

What version of the radions are you running? And what kind of coral are you having success growing under them?

BestMomEver · Feb 3, 2019

saltypilot said:
What version of the radions are you running? And what kind of coral are you having success growing under them?

I have the Radion xr15 gen 4 pro. I considered the xr30 but for a 24x24x24 tank I was advised that the xr15 would be sufficient. I have tons of sticks and small SPS colonies and they are growing well. I have a max clam halfway up that is thriving. On the bottom, I have a duncan, hammer, torch, and two Kenya trees. Everyone is happy.

I got the reeflink module for the Radions before I got an Apex. I didn’t want to spend the extra money getting the add on box for the apex since I already had the other. I plugged the Radions into the apex and left it “always on” and do all my programming through the reef link. Works great.