Lighting Upgrade Hydra 26 or Radion G4 Pro

[SoonerBerrios]

Hey everyone! I've come to the realization that I may need to make a lighting upgrade. I'm currently running 2 AI Prime HDs over a RSR 425XL. I have a couple softies, handful of LPS and just added a birds nest. Everything seems to be doing great and I have seen quite a bit of growth from when I replaced my Orbit Marine LED fixture. With wanting to move into more SPS, I've realized that my lighting will more than likely not be sufficient.

I've narrowed down to these options
2x Radion G4Pro: $1,598
2x AI Hyrda 26HD: $700

On a pure cost basis, the Hydra's win out. My questions, would two of either fixture be enough and what do I give up if I go the least expensive route? Any experience with both or pictures would help.

Thanks everyone!

SoonerBerrios

 

[Ty Hamatake]

This picture was taken over my empty 75 gallon (48wx18dx21h) and is a decent example of coverage you'll get from a Hydra 26. This wasn't the HD model, but I believe the coverage is still close to the same. My experience using the Hydra has been a good one, though I have read of some people having difficulty with the HDs.

 

[SoonerBerrios]

This picture was taken over my empty 75 gallon (48wx18dx21h) and is a decent example of coverage you'll get from a Hydra 26. This wasn't the HD model, but I believe the coverage is still close to the same. My experience using the Hydra has been a good one, though I have read of some people having difficulty with the HDs.

Thanks for the picture, it helps a ton. Those dimensions are not far off of my display tank. Looks like 2 units should do the trick. How was your coral growth? Were you doing LPS and SPS?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Thanks for the picture, it helps a ton. Those dimensions are not far off of my display tank. Looks like 2 units should do the trick. How was your coral growth? Were you doing LPS and SPS?

My lights are about 13" from the water and I don't have much of a shading problem. Right now my tank is a mixed reef that's a little heavy on the SPS. Growth is... meh to be entirely honest. I don't feel that it's the lights though.