AI Hydra 32

[Bent17]

I have decided to go for the AI Hydra 32 lights for my 425 G2. Do you recommend 2 or 3 lights? Was going for two but just wanted to be 100% sure

 

[Buckster]

I believe that system is 91 gallons and 47" long. Two lights should cover the area you need. I think three lights would be overkill. I have a 180 which is 6 foot long and it was recommended to have three AI's. If you watch one of the BRS video's it will advise on how far to space them apart for proper light coverage.

 

[chipchipmofo]

I had a 24" with 2 AI Hydra 32HD and I had to set them very high intensities.
Over all I was not happy with the32HD as the lenses burnt/melted after a few months already.

Fraghouse Corals have posted a PAR video and they also have set intensities very high...

 

[JaaxReef]

I have the same tank (mixed reef) with Hydra 26HDs and the 3DReefing diffusors and they covered the tank well. I would recommend instead of a third Hydra to look at the Illumagic Vitamini or AI Blade for a fill light to supplement depending on how much sps you plan to have. I ended up getting a Vitamini as my corals started growing out and it really did help with shadowing on my sps. They are doing just fine though! I think a lot of people over light their tanks, personally.

 

[Bent17]

I have the same tank (mixed reef) with Hydra 26HDs and the 3DReefing diffusors and they covered the tank well. I would recommend instead of a third Hydra to look at the Illumagic Vitamini or AI Blade for a fill light to supplement depending on how much sps you plan to have. I ended up getting a Vitamini as my corals started growing out and it really did help with shadowing on my sps. They are doing just fine though! I think a lot of people over light their tanks, personally.

View attachment 3041431 View attachment 3041434

Wow beautiful tank! Can you show me the setup upu mentioned?

 

[Indymann99]

I would do 2x Hydras and 2x AI Blades for fill.

 

[JaaxReef]

Wow beautiful tank! Can you show me the setup upu mentioned?

For sure. Here’s the best shot I had on my phone from the room (tank on the left). Looks pretty clean in my opinion.

The Vitamini mounts right on the Hydra heat sinks at an angle in toward the tank. Really works out nicely. Mounted 12” off the water and pushing pretty hard on the Hydras, but yours would be more powerful than mine being the newer model.
Lost a tiny bit of par with the 3DReefing diffusors, but the disco ball effect is gone and spectrum blending is greatly improved. Plus, way less glare looking at the tank. Much more natural look with the shimmer. I’m sure the blades would be stronger, but I’m already getting 290 par at the top of my scape and 150 on the sand and it is a very even spread.