AI Prime 16HD vs Hydra 32HB on 32g Biocube.

[odiez2236]

I have a mixed reef 32 gallon biocube that I currently run one AI Prime 16HD on. I recently added a few acros and had to move several other corals off my main frag rack so that the acros get the most light, however this central frag rack does not get high enough flow to help the acros florish. I want to move the acros to the highest flow area in my tank, which is on the side panel, my issue is that this area doesn't get enough spread for the 16HD to keep my acros healthy. I am considering upgrading to a AI Hydra 32HD so that I can use my current 16HD on another tank that I am getting ready to put corals in. My other option is to find another 16HD and keep two on my main system. Two 16HDs would give me plenty of flexibility for the proper spread needed to ensure that all my corals get great lighting. I am considering a used 32HD with a mounting arm that I found locally for $230 and can test prior to purchase. Or I can purchase a used 16HD on ebay for around $180-220 and still need a mounting arm. I feel like it would be better to buy the used 32HD and move my current 16HD to my other tank that desperately needs a better light to start growing corals.

I am wondering if anyone else has used two 16HDs or a single 32HD on a 32g biocube, if so what are your thoughts to my options? Im really leaning towards the 32HD.

 

[shcrimps]

i would put the 32
the spread should be around the same depending on how the two 16s would be mounted but it would be easier maintenance wise and less wires
i’ve done similar a couple times and ended up with spare 16s over other tanks and it works out great even if as an emergency spare

currently have a hydra 26 over my IM nuvo 20 which is going good
and as a test i’ve got a hydra 52? i think it is not sure but the bigger one, two 16s and 4 t5 bulbs spread over my 65 gallon tank
mounted high enough the light blends together most of the time and looks good and so far grows great (went off track but) yeah i think 32 would be good, and if you need more light in the future the XHO kits for them do great and the spectrum is nice

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I agree go with the bigger light, it will be more useful if you ever upgrade. The Prime 16 is a nano light, its meant for a 15-20 gallon tank

 

[odiez2236]

I agree go with the bigger light, it will be more useful if you ever upgrade. The Prime 16 is a nano light, its meant for a 15-20 gallon tank

I will say the 16HD is great for biocubes if you don’t have 50+ frags in it haha

 

[Spare time]

The Hydra is just two primes combined. So really, the only difference is how far apart you want the pucks to be.

 

[odiez2236]

The Hydra is just two primes combined. So really, the only difference is how far apart you want the pucks to be.

Yeah its just a matter of best bang for my buck right now. I think the spread on the 32HD would be good for my system. Basically buying two primes in one for the cost of a single used one.