Keep Kessils or go with hydras???

[saltwater newby]

hello
I currently have kessil 2 360 we
But I've been told that hydras are better lights all around. I've been thinking of switching to them. Any thoughts??
I currently have a Red Sea reefer 350 4 feet long
Thanks

 

[themcnertney]

Two Hydra 26's over your tank would be sweet

 

[saltwater newby]

Two Hydra 26's over your tank would be sweet

Hello,
That being said, have you ever tried either one of them? Kessils or hydras. I'd like to know if it's worth switching or keeping my current set up.

 

[ClownnGoby]

Idk what price difference is but why not 2 radions

 

[themcnertney]

I run three hydra 52's HD over my 220.

Hello,
That being said, have you ever tried either one of them? Kessils or hydras. I'd like to know if it's worth switching or keeping my current set up.

 

[Irsug1]

I had kessils filling a 2x2 area 16 deep at full intensity and I found par to be sufficient but little lower than I wanted. That tank is deeper so if you are looking for higher par values then yes go with 2 HD 52s or 3 26s imo.

 

[saltwater newby]

Idk what price difference is but why not 2 radions

Too expensive
Lol

 

[saltwater newby]

I had kessils filling a 2x2 area 16 deep at full intensity and I found par to be sufficient but little lower than I wanted. That tank is deeper so if you are looking for higher par values then yes go with 2 HD 52s or 3 26s imo.

So happier with hydras??

 

[BigJim]

I would say add a third Kessil to add some additional light and avoid shadows. I grew everything including sps with three Kessil A360WE on a 72" tank that's only 21" tall. I eventually added T5 lights to avoid shadowing, but the Kessils weren't bad. I added a couple pictures below of my tank under only Kessils. The tank was only five months old in this pic, so most corals are still small. I have never used the Hydras, so I can't compare.

 

[fragapple]

Keep the kessils and add 2x54w t5's either side of them to blend and combat shadows!

 

[Irsug1]

So happier with hydras??

I now have a 48 inch fixture on that tank. So I can't honestly provide feedback on the Hydras.

 

[BigJim]

Keep the kessils and add 2x54w t5's either side of them to blend and combat shadows!

I would have suggested this, but that's a beautiful tank. I don't know if there is a way to combine T5 and Kessils without uglying it up a little.

 

[fragapple]

I know they aren't cheap but 2 retro fit kits like the hamilton aruba sun v series look neat in a canopy or just hanging them!

 

[saltwater newby]

I know they aren't cheap but 2 retro fit kits like the hamilton aruba sun v series look neat in a canopy or just hanging them!

Not familiar with these
How expensive?

 

[fragapple]

They go for about $140ea for a 36" kit or $160ea for a 48" kit but shop around you may get them cheaper?

 

[fragapple]

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDTMCMounting.html
These guys have a pretty neat modular rail kit to neaten thing up too

 

[themcnertney]

If you want to go hydra, go hydra.
Back to my original post, I would go with 2 52's then 2 26's.
I love my hydras and I think they are a great light.

 

[fragapple]

If you want my absolute honesty go with niether and buy a ati 8x54w and save yourself the led headache

 

[ClownnGoby]

If you want my absolute honesty go with niether and buy a ati 8x54w and save yourself the led headache

This is what I have now over my tank , I switched from 2 360 Kessils

 

[saltwater newby]

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDTMCMounting.html
These guys have a pretty neat modular rail kit to neaten thing up too

Thanks!!!