RSR 250 Hydra 64

Waynerock · Oct 31, 2019

Currently have 3 prime HD’s on a reefer 250 and I was wanting one of the new lights. What do you guys think on 1 Hydra 64 over this tank? Will I get better spread? The 3 primes are great about reducing shadows. I was thinking 1 light will look cleaner than 3

smellytunic · Oct 31, 2019

Heads up if it is important to you. The product pages of the new AI lights only list Bluetooth connections to control and not WiFi. So I you need to control from somewhere else (not at the tank) it is not currently possible. From the details on BRS page
"Control on the lights will use the existing myAI® app which is free, simple and very quick to a program offering onsite direct BLE connection through your smart device. Additional control options may become available for the new generation Prime and Hydras over time. "

Waynerock · Oct 31, 2019

smellytunic said:
Heads up if it is important to you. The product pages of the new AI lights only list Bluetooth connections to control and not WiFi. So I you need to control from somewhere else (not at the tank) it is not currently possible. From the details on BRS page
"Control on the lights will use the existing myAI® app which is free, simple and very quick to a program offering onsite direct BLE connection through your smart device. Additional control options may become available for the new generation Prime and Hydras over time. "

Yea I don’t change stuff much once it’s done. I hope my Saxby setting will be easy to send over to the 64 so I don’t have to do it all over again but alas I don’t think that’s gonna happen

Sarah24! · Oct 31, 2019

Hello,

Personally I would stick with what you have, it’s much better spread. There isn’t that much of a difference specially for the price. I’d really think or sleep on this.
Changing things on a tank that isn’t broken isn’t a good idea. Your tanks is use to how your lights are, and spread etc. Why risk anything just to have a new light that is well the same thing you have now. The only reason is for them to get you to buy a new light. Looking at power specs (from power supply), they use the same one. Yet they claim a lot more par than prior versions.
Pretty hard to do when your still drawing the same power and using the same leds. Yes they could make it less resistant but really just can’t see that based on the math.

I support you in what ever decisions you make but would caution that changing a light is a good way to lose coral. They are sensitive and some just up and die of something changes. If you have no coral etc and new tank ahhh even then 3 vs 1 is just bad. Plus if one of your lights goes bad, at least you have 2 others, this one goes bad you have no lights. Again things to think about.

smellytunic · Oct 31, 2019

I have AI prime HDs but not the 64 but they all use the same app. So I would assume sending over the saxby settings would be the same way for either just would have to use the app and not the browser interface. As far as coverage its going to be 4 pucks vs 3 pucks so more light for sure. But the 64 is going to be 4 pucks only over about a 12" area vs the 3 seperate lights where you can spread them out as you like. As for a cleaner look I hear ya, one fixture would look better than 3.

Bruce Burnett · Jan 9, 2020

so what did you decide

Waynerock · Jan 9, 2020

Bruce Burnett said:
so what did you decide

Man I totally forgot about this...life huh? Anyway I wussed out and upgrade to 3 prime 16’s. The arms where reuseable and saved me a bunch. I prob did not need to spend money on almost the same thing but after selling the old ones I was out only 100.00. My favorite part of the new lights are how they are recessed and don’t blind me anymore sitting on the couch watching tv. No one likes the lack of Wifi but the only time I ever touch my light setting is to take Picts so it does not bother me. Matter of fact my phone connects almost instantly now. I am getting even better spread and less shadows with the new lenses they use so very happy. And the dust grate over the fans are removable now and very easy to clean.

Bruce Burnett · Jan 9, 2020

Waynerock said:
Man I totally forgot about this...life huh? Anyway I wussed out and upgrade to 3 prime 16’s. The arms where reuseable and saved me a bunch. I prob did not need to spend money on almost the same thing but after selling the old ones I was out only 100.00. My favorite part of the new lights are how they are recessed and don’t blind me anymore sitting on the couch watching tv. No one likes the lack of Wifi but the only time I ever touch my light setting is to take Picts so it does not bother me. Matter of fact my phone connects almost instantly now. I am getting even better spread and less shadows with the new lenses they use so very happy. And the dust grate over the fans are removable now and very easy to clean.

I am still trying to decide on lighting on new build. Tank will probably be a Waterbox 100.3

Waynerock · Jan 9, 2020

Bruce Burnett said:
I am still trying to decide on lighting on new build. Tank will probably be a Waterbox 100.3

If I had the option or the hybrid makers had better mounts I would put these primes on an aquatic life or something. There is a friend that has two primes in a 36 inch with blue plus and actinic plus bulbs on a reefer 350 and I really love it. I get pretty decent growth with just led but he kills it with led t5 on growth. I am spoiled with the clean look of just led especially the new AI look. I would definitely look into a hybrid set up they are sweet. Plus you can go with cheeper led’s like primes to get that sick color and not really suffer with the slightly less par with the tank depth you are dealing with. let the t5 do the main work. Just a though before you commit the money. I really wish they had a nice rimless tank mount on the hybrid though. I can’t hang anything and no room behind the tank for the back mounted arm I saw online.

Bruce Burnett · Jan 10, 2020

Waynerock said:
If I had the option or the hybrid makers had better mounts I would put these primes on an aquatic life or something. There is a friend that has two primes in a 36 inch with blue plus and actinic plus bulbs on a reefer 350 and I really love it. I get pretty decent growth with just led but he kills it with led t5 on growth. I am spoiled with the clean look of just led especially the new AI look. I would definitely look into a hybrid set up they are sweet. Plus you can go with cheeper led’s like primes to get that sick color and not really suffer with the slightly less par with the tank depth you are dealing with. let the t5 do the main work. Just a though before you commit the money. I really wish they had a nice rimless tank mount on the hybrid though. I can’t hang anything and no room behind the tank for the back mounted arm I saw online.

here is a nice hybrid https://www.noopsycheusa.com/hybrid-t5https://www.noopsycheusa.com/hybrid-t5