AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo - Page 6

Reef_Boy_Zack · 03/20/2015, 01:28 PM

Just re-arranged the rocks a couple weeks ago. Here is a pic that I just took on from a Note 4.

MarineDepot · 03/20/2015, 04:16 PM

Hi Reef_Boy_Zach.. each Kessil A150 covers roughly 18" x 18". Adding two Hydra 26's will need give you a lot more intensity and much better coverage. Having 7 channels for color adjustment on the Hydra also allows you to dial in that perfect color to make all of your coral pop!

If you were looking to replace the Kessils with the Hydras, we would recommend 3 Hydra 26's for a 60" long tank.

These Hydra fixtures do require controllers: either the Wireless Controller or the Director. Since the iPhone and Android apps are now available, our preference is for the Director.

Reef_Boy_Zack · 03/20/2015, 09:37 PM

Thank you so much! So my biggest concern now would be that i have that big center separator.. Will that obstruct the 3rd Hydra?

MarineDepot · 03/23/2015, 12:58 PM

A center brace will block light. If it is a glass center brace, just make sure to clean it regularly. If it is a black brace, you can try offsetting the center Hydra and try to put it at a slight angle.

jackdurkalik · 03/31/2015, 11:13 AM

Hi, i'm planning my first reef tank and i was wondering if you could help me with the lighting. My tank will be a 20 gallon (24"x15"x13") and i was wondering if a Hydra 26 will be enought. I plan on starting with LPS but i dont want to be limited when i'll starting having some SPS.

Thank you

MarineDepot · 04/02/2015, 03:26 PM

Hi Jackdurkalik,

Congratulations on the new tank! A single Hydra 26 will be plenty for a 20 gallon aquarium.

adam_kips · 04/03/2015, 07:55 PM

I currently have a hydra 26 and will be upgrading to a 70g cube (30x30x18) and was wondering if this would work or would I need to purchase a second hydra 26?

Thanks

MarineDepot · 04/06/2015, 10:23 AM

Hi adam_kips, the Hydra 26 covers up to 24x24 so a second Hydra 26 will be needed.

Junk2 · 04/10/2015, 03:12 PM

If Joe's review, what rail system is that? Thanks

MarineDepot · 04/10/2015, 03:57 PM

Hi Junk2,

The "AI Classic Rail Kit" are in the review. Joe did make two custom wood 'standoffs' to elevate the lights a little higher.

Reef_Boy_Zack · 04/18/2015, 12:22 PM

Ok so I purchased an AI 52 along with an AI 26 for my 120 gallon reef tank (60x18x24)
First off I love the lights!! excellent coverage and excellent control!!

My problem is. I purchased the EXT rail mount along with 2, 18 inch, rails for the lights to connect and hang from the single EXT Rail. I saw a couple videos on Youtube where they had 2, AI 52's, on one EXT Rail mount, and I loved the look of this setup!!

So I set it up from 9P.M. Yesterday until 4A.M. this morning. ( I didn't have much room to work with when drilling the oles in the wood stand.) The 48in. rail that goes on the side of the tank vertically is perfect and very strong! But the 2 bars on the top do not hold the weight of the 2 fixtures. The AI 52 is mounted closest to the vertical bar, due to weight.

My question is. Is it possible that I am missing something?? Is there supposed to be an L-Bracket made of steel to connect the vertical bar, to the horizontal bar, which are holding the lights?

Please respond ASAP. Half my reef tank will have to go without lighting today due to the lack of knowledge I have on the EXT Rail.

Thanks, Zachary Hiatt

beancounter04 · 04/18/2015, 01:07 PM

It slides together. Don't feel bad I stared at it for awhile to. I can send a picture when I get home, I have the same rail system over my tank with the 26.

MarineDepot · 04/20/2015, 10:49 AM

Hi Zachary,

We're having a bit of trouble understanding this part. Do you have the 1 vertical tank mount, then two lights on the single vertical tank mount? If this is the case, it will not hold. You would need 2 vertical tank mounts and 3 horizontal EXT rails to have the lights go across the tank.

Can you post or email us a picture?

mushumatt · 04/29/2015, 11:54 AM

Hey I'm trying to figure out the proper LED fixture for my tank. It is a custom built acrylic 40"x30"x20" display. It is a mixed reef, majority Sps/LPS. I have been looking at the AI fiftytwo. My issue is the length and width, I want to make sure I have proper light in the whole tank. Would two AI 52 work? Or do you have a reccomendation for the proper LED fixture that will work?

MarineDepot · 04/29/2015, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mushumatt

Hey I'm trying to figure out the proper LED fixture for my tank. It is a custom built acrylic 40"x30"x20" display. It is a mixed reef, majority Sps/LPS. I have been looking at the AI fiftytwo. My issue is the length and width, I want to make sure I have proper light in the whole tank. Would two AI 52 work? Or do you have a reccomendation for the proper LED fixture that will work?

With the wider 30" width, the Hydra 52 would definitely be the better option. Two should be just right for your aquarium. We would recommend having the lights perpendicular to the front of the aquarium and use a hanging kit so you can easily adjust and change the height for optimal coverage. The AI Classic Rail Kit with the Hanging Kit would work nicely.

daytonareefing · 05/06/2015, 08:35 AM

I have a full Apex what do I need to hook up a hydra 26 or 52? Do both come with some way to mount them? Thank you

MarineDepot · 05/06/2015, 02:00 PM

If you have an Apex, you can use the AWM Module to control the AI Hydra's.

As for mounting, there are two 10/32 thread size holes on the fixture that you can utilize for installation if you want to come up with something on your own. AI also offers the EXT system and Classic Rail Kits .

asmodyus · 05/10/2015, 07:27 AM

So I want to Add Supplementary lighting to my 4 to 6 T'5s or vise versa on my 120 4x2x2 what is the spread on the Prime, 25, and 52. Should I get (3) primes 2 (26), or (1) 52? ( cannot afford 2 52's)

MarineDepot · 05/11/2015, 10:11 AM

Hi asmodyus,

We would rate the Prime at 18x18, Hydra 26 at 24 x 24 and Hydra 52 at 30 x30. For your application, adding two Hydra 26's would be a great option.

Spinelessspade · 05/14/2015, 07:12 AM

How many hydra 26 would it take to get good lighting for an sps dominated 48x18x21?

MarineDepot · 05/14/2015, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinelessspade

How many hydra 26 would it take to get good lighting for an sps dominated 48x18x21?

Hi Spinelessspade,

Two Hydra 26's should be plenty for the large majority of hobbyists.

In very extreme cases where the aquarium is completely packed and the SPS colonies are so overgrown that they are shading each other, additional fixture(s) maybe need to get lighting to those shaded areas.

oldbones · 05/14/2015, 04:41 PM

Ok, same question, different reefer!

I'm currently running an AI Prime over my 29g biocube, and loving it. It's a new system to me, and I'm a newbie reefer.

I have a custom tank in the build shop right now. It will be 34" long x 19" deep and 19" tall. Goal is mixed reef, but definitely have the bug for some designer SPS...
Options are:

1. Buy another Prime, mount them 16" or so apart.
2. Buy two Hydra 26's, mounted 16" apart.
3. One Hydra 52, mounted perpendicular to tank (not sure how to do that, hanging is NOT an option)

Suggestions?

MarineDepot · 05/14/2015, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbones

Ok, same question, different reefer!

I'm currently running an AI Prime over my 29g biocube, and loving it. It's a new system to me, and I'm a newbie reefer.

I have a custom tank in the build shop right now. It will be 34" long x 19" deep and 19" tall. Goal is mixed reef, but definitely have the bug for some designer SPS...
Options are:

1. Buy another Prime, mount them 16" or so apart.
2. Buy two Hydra 26's, mounted 16" apart.
3. One Hydra 52, mounted perpendicular to tank (not sure how to do that, hanging is NOT an option)

Suggestions?

Hi Oldbones,

Congrats on the new aquarium! Very nice dimensions, BTW.

Since the aquarium is just 19" deep, two AI Primes would be plenty for a mixed reef. You would simply put the SPS corals where it's brighter.

If you find that you get the "SPS bug" like some of us here at MD and the tank becomes an SPS garden, you can always add a third Prime (if you find it necessary).

oldbones · 05/14/2015, 09:17 PM

Wow, thank you for that. I must say, I wasn't expecting Marine Depot to recommend the least expensive of my three options!

Sound thinking though, and I'm on board. I'll pick up one more prime, and if later I decide I need more power, I can add a third.

MarineDepot · 05/15/2015, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbones

Wow, thank you for that. I must say, I wasn't expecting Marine Depot to recommend the least expensive of my three options!

Sound thinking though, and I'm on board. I'll pick up one more prime, and if later I decide I need more power, I can add a third.

Sounds like a plan! We are pleased we were able to help out and welcome you to hit us up any time you have a question... we love talking tank! Happy Friday!

04/29/2015, 11:54 AM	#139
mushumatt Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Chester Posts: 670	Hey I'm trying to figure out the proper LED fixture for my tank. It is a custom built acrylic 40"x30"x20" display. It is a mixed reef, majority Sps/LPS. I have been looking at the AI fiftytwo. My issue is the length and width, I want to make sure I have proper light in the whole tank. Would two AI 52 work? Or do you have a reccomendation for the proper LED fixture that will work? __________________ Lets Go Mountaineers WVU Audi Sport/ACNA/NEQ Current Tank Info: 40 BR w/20L sump

05/10/2015, 07:27 AM	#143
asmodyus Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Largo/Bellair Florida Posts: 1,131	So I want to Add Supplementary lighting to my 4 to 6 T'5s or vise versa on my 120 4x2x2 what is the spread on the Prime, 25, and 52. Should I get (3) primes 2 (26), or (1) 52? ( cannot afford 2 52's) __________________ Current Tank Info: 120 gallon Reef with 40 gallon refugium, (8) Bulbs 4 retro T5 , mixed reef Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon w/ 40 Gallon Refugium, 8 T5 Retro

05/14/2015, 07:12 AM	#145
Spinelessspade Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Barrie,On Posts: 225	How many hydra 26 would it take to get good lighting for an sps dominated 48x18x21? __________________ Caleb intelligence is the ability to adapt to change-Stephen hawkin

03/20/2015, 04:16 PM	#127
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi Reef_Boy_Zach.. each Kessil A150 covers roughly 18" x 18". Adding two Hydra 26's will need give you a lot more intensity and much better coverage. Having 7 channels for color adjustment on the Hydra also allows you to dial in that perfect color to make all of your coral pop! If you were looking to replace the Kessils with the Hydras, we would recommend 3 Hydra 26's for a 60" long tank. These Hydra fixtures do require controllers: either the Wireless Controller or the Director. Since the iPhone and Android apps are now available, our preference is for the Director.

03/20/2015, 09:37 PM	#128
Reef_Boy_Zack Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 4	Thank you so much! So my biggest concern now would be that i have that big center separator.. Will that obstruct the 3rd Hydra?

03/23/2015, 12:58 PM	#129
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	A center brace will block light. If it is a glass center brace, just make sure to clean it regularly. If it is a black brace, you can try offsetting the center Hydra and try to put it at a slight angle.

03/31/2015, 11:13 AM	#130
jackdurkalik Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 10	Hi, i'm planning my first reef tank and i was wondering if you could help me with the lighting. My tank will be a 20 gallon (24"x15"x13") and i was wondering if a Hydra 26 will be enought. I plan on starting with LPS but i dont want to be limited when i'll starting having some SPS. Thank you

04/02/2015, 03:26 PM	#131
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi Jackdurkalik, Congratulations on the new tank! A single Hydra 26 will be plenty for a 20 gallon aquarium.

04/03/2015, 07:55 PM	#132
adam_kips Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: nova scotia, canada Posts: 70	I currently have a hydra 26 and will be upgrading to a 70g cube (30x30x18) and was wondering if this would work or would I need to purchase a second hydra 26? Thanks

04/06/2015, 10:23 AM	#133
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi adam_kips, the Hydra 26 covers up to 24x24 so a second Hydra 26 will be needed.

04/10/2015, 03:12 PM	#134
Junk2 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 22	If Joe's review, what rail system is that? Thanks

04/10/2015, 03:57 PM	#135
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi Junk2, The "AI Classic Rail Kit" are in the review. Joe did make two custom wood 'standoffs' to elevate the lights a little higher.

04/18/2015, 12:22 PM	#136
Reef_Boy_Zack Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 4	Ok so I purchased an AI 52 along with an AI 26 for my 120 gallon reef tank (60x18x24) First off I love the lights!! excellent coverage and excellent control!! My problem is. I purchased the EXT rail mount along with 2, 18 inch, rails for the lights to connect and hang from the single EXT Rail. I saw a couple videos on Youtube where they had 2, AI 52's, on one EXT Rail mount, and I loved the look of this setup!! So I set it up from 9P.M. Yesterday until 4A.M. this morning. ( I didn't have much room to work with when drilling the oles in the wood stand.) The 48in. rail that goes on the side of the tank vertically is perfect and very strong! But the 2 bars on the top do not hold the weight of the 2 fixtures. The AI 52 is mounted closest to the vertical bar, due to weight. My question is. Is it possible that I am missing something?? Is there supposed to be an L-Bracket made of steel to connect the vertical bar, to the horizontal bar, which are holding the lights? Please respond ASAP. Half my reef tank will have to go without lighting today due to the lack of knowledge I have on the EXT Rail. Thanks, Zachary Hiatt

04/18/2015, 01:07 PM	#137
beancounter04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 78	It slides together. Don't feel bad I stared at it for awhile to. I can send a picture when I get home, I have the same rail system over my tank with the 26.

04/20/2015, 10:49 AM	#138
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi Zachary, We're having a bit of trouble understanding this part. Do you have the 1 vertical tank mount, then two lights on the single vertical tank mount? If this is the case, it will not hold. You would need 2 vertical tank mounts and 3 horizontal EXT rails to have the lights go across the tank. Can you post or email us a picture?

05/06/2015, 08:35 AM	#141
daytonareefing Moved On Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Port Orange FL Posts: 158	I have a full Apex what do I need to hook up a hydra 26 or 52? Do both come with some way to mount them? Thank you

05/06/2015, 02:00 PM	#142
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	If you have an Apex, you can use the AWM Module to control the AI Hydra's. As for mounting, there are two 10/32 thread size holes on the fixture that you can utilize for installation if you want to come up with something on your own. AI also offers the EXT system and Classic Rail Kits .

05/11/2015, 10:11 AM	#144
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi asmodyus, We would rate the Prime at 18x18, Hydra 26 at 24 x 24 and Hydra 52 at 30 x30. For your application, adding two Hydra 26's would be a great option.

05/14/2015, 04:41 PM	#147
oldbones Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 940	Ok, same question, different reefer! I'm currently running an AI Prime over my 29g biocube, and loving it. It's a new system to me, and I'm a newbie reefer. I have a custom tank in the build shop right now. It will be 34" long x 19" deep and 19" tall. Goal is mixed reef, but definitely have the bug for some designer SPS... Options are: 1. Buy another Prime, mount them 16" or so apart. 2. Buy two Hydra 26's, mounted 16" apart. 3. One Hydra 52, mounted perpendicular to tank (not sure how to do that, hanging is NOT an option) Suggestions?

05/14/2015, 09:17 PM	#149
oldbones Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 940	Wow, thank you for that. I must say, I wasn't expecting Marine Depot to recommend the least expensive of my three options! Sound thinking though, and I'm on board. I'll pick up one more prime, and if later I decide I need more power, I can add a third.