Lighting HELP...

[TemDave]

Hi all...
I was offered a working 225 gallon salt water (once was) reef tank. It was just fish when I saw it a few times, and was offered the complete set up. So... I couldn't pass up the opportunity, even though the project list is not where I would have pulled the trigger on a tank. the tank is 52" long, x 36" wide, x 30" tall, with the return chamber on one side. This tank was well established for 5 yrs, beautiful fish, return through a 36" UV light, into an 80 gallon sump, sock, large skimmer, with plenty of room to add a refugium. It came with 2 of the earlier AI Hydra (model before the Hydra 52) programmable remote control LED lights.

I'm thinking of adding to the light system, while I think its enough, I don't think they're putting out as much light as would be optimum for coral and inverts, and just to have the tank nice and bright to enjoy viewing. Some of the before and after pics I've seen have shown that a brighter tank with plenty of light is amazingly different to look at.

I am thinking of adding a 2 light 48" T5 set up to accompany these 2 AI Hydra lights. While I recognize Metal Halide is maybe the best, I want to keep it more simple, keep the costs in check (I like best value products), and minimize extra heat.

I'm asking for your experiences, thoughts, opinions, and recommendations in general, and for specific light fixtures to add to my 2 existing AI Hydra lights... PLEASE???

 

[tangtime]

I wouldn’t think that would be enough light especially on such a deep and wide tank if are you planning to keep sps. I would suggest a third led and the T5’s.

 

[tangtime]

I wouldn’t think that would be enough light especially on such a deep and wide tank if are you planning to keep sps. I would suggest a third led and the T5’s.

Or even 2 rows of leds making 4 total plus the t5’s

 

[Bpb]

Adding the t5ho will help. But you’ll be in low light territory regardless and need to place corals very carefully. What types of corals were you hoping to keep?

 

[TemDave]

OK... So I saw this tank operating, it didn't look low light to me. And... my lfs has a display tank thats a Red Sea Max with similar dimensions 50"w x 28D x 25H. and it only has 3 of the Hydra 26 lights. So I cant see how if I run more lights than that tank, and add 2 T5's I'd be way under. But, I guess I'm just getting back into the game after 25 yrs off, and I need to take my lumps... time to study up. ;Bookworm

 

[TemDave]

I wouldn’t think that would be enough light especially on such a deep and wide tank if are you planning to keep sps. I would suggest a third led and the T5’s.

So... a new AI Hydra 52 and a 2 light 48" T5..?
Would you suggest I look at anything besides another AI Hydra 52, since it won't be the same as my Hydras anyway..?

 

[SDboatguy]

Do you have a canopy? If so, then retro fitting T5s is an option, or if no canopy then possibly an Aquatic Life Hybrid fixture. You MAY have issues mixing a new Hydra 52 with the older models as far as matching the output / color . Might be easier to add 4 T5 for now and see how it goes then deal with the LEDs down the line, either adding a new or go a different direction all together. 36" front to back is going to need so serious spread...

 

[TemDave]

Do you have a canopy? If so, then retro fitting T5s is an option, or if no canopy then possibly an Aquatic Life Hybrid fixture. You MAY have issues mixing a new Hydra 52 with the older models as far as matching the output / color . Might be easier to add 4 T5 for now and see how it goes then deal with the LEDs down the line, either adding a new or go a different direction all together. 36" front to back is going to need so serious spread...

Well... I'm looking at the Odyssea 48" 4X T5 set up, or the hybrid 48" 2 X Metal Halide, 4X T5 Aquarium Light.
Any experience, or thoughts on those..?
Also thinking of running my AI Hydras in the very front of the top angled diagonally towards the back to try and light up some of the under over-hang, and generally try and light of the face the reef.
Thoughts on that idea..?
Thanks!!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Keep it simple.
The Hydra is basically a 250w MH , but more focused, like a cheap mh pendant. To make it more confusing , they come with different lenses , so it can be a wider spread and a bit less intensity.
Like a 250, it’ll give about 500-700 par at the top of the tank at full blast.

According to Ai , 24 in above the bottom of the tank will do a 36x36. (I’d not consider it usable past anot 28 in however, the fall off is pretty high in those 10 in). Google Ai hydra par. It’ll take you right to the specs on the site.


IF you have room , a 4 bulb t5 retro fit may work along the front and back side. IF it doesn’t block the Leds and you can mount them about 8-10 in from the top. At 12in it’ll add another 350+ par. Per pair, and kind of even out where the the leds don’t hit.

Back to basics , find the spread of leds. At about 15 in , it should make an 18x18 square maybe 20 x20.
There will be some fall off in the middle and on the sides.
A simple test and how to fill the box.

You pretty much want to fill the square as best you can without getting the light so high you lose a lot of power. I would aim for just inside the square. And let it spread out to cover the bottom.


To be quite honest however , your best bet is likely to find 2 more of the hydras , even one more would work pretty well, that way it’s plug and play.

Another stupid and easy fix is to use the Ai as a ramp up n down pretty light , and set two Chinese black boxes in the holes on timers. Those go for about 89-100 each. 150 or so with WiFi programming.
The bbs do about the same on the spread. 18x18 or so from 12 inches.

It actually become quite popular to mod the odyssea and pull the mh and put an led in. The odysse work , but the ballast might not give you the full potential of the bulb. And none of the odyssea bulbs are particularly good. Including the the t5.

 

[SDboatguy]

With the dimensions of that tank - if you plan on stocking any coral with high light demands (SPS) you might be better off going MH /T5 . 36" front to back and 30" deep is tough to light. I think you could swap out the MH ballast and bulbs on the odyssea, there are others here who would know how difficult it would be. If you stay with the Hydras , I would almost think about running 6 T5 to help with spread. As far as angling the lights up front , it's been done and works but depends on your set up and DIY skills ! !