Sol to hydra upgrade vs kessil vs DIY

Skuba · 06/06/2014, 08:31 AM

Currently have a sol blue on my 18x20x18 mixed reef. Was considering ordering the hydra 26 upgrade kit for $170 to enhance colors and growth. I've also always like the kessils and I've built DIY fixtures before.
Originally I was just going to add a 12"x1" heat sink with 4 UV and a red and green led.

Looking for some opinions from users with experience with these fixtures.
It may be worth noting at the moment I don't have a reef keeper or apex so for a DIY I'd need to consider a controller.

Ty1e · 06/06/2014, 09:19 AM

Can't go wrong with an apex controller when you get it,some thing to consider; most guys wont buy a upgraded light, just because of the whole "some one took it apart and did they do a good job?" I am in the same boat with my G2 radions, do I up grade or replace or keep what I've got till they die?
Personally I'm waiting to see what that new kessil long fixture will be like.
And who knows what ecotech and AI are going to come out with as one company soon.

Benson0219 · 06/07/2014, 12:42 PM

I just upgraded my 2 Sols to Hydras. Well worth the price to get the full spectrum.

Benson0219 · 06/07/2014, 12:42 PM

you can use the AI Controller with it or the AI Director.

Skuba · 06/07/2014, 12:46 PM

Already have the new controller and wireless adapter on way bc the old ones too annoying.
Really falling in love with the look the 360 kessil gives.

Benson, how long did it take to come? I see alot of people saying the hydra is dim looking and too turquoise violet looking. How's yours look?

06/06/2014, 08:31 AM	#1
Skuba Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 320	Sol to hydra upgrade vs kessil vs DIY Currently have a sol blue on my 18x20x18 mixed reef. Was considering ordering the hydra 26 upgrade kit for $170 to enhance colors and growth. I've also always like the kessils and I've built DIY fixtures before. Originally I was just going to add a 12"x1" heat sink with 4 UV and a red and green led. Looking for some opinions from users with experience with these fixtures. It may be worth noting at the moment I don't have a reef keeper or apex so for a DIY I'd need to consider a controller.

06/06/2014, 09:19 AM	#2
Ty1e Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calgary Posts: 620	Can't go wrong with an apex controller when you get it,some thing to consider; most guys wont buy a upgraded light, just because of the whole "some one took it apart and did they do a good job?" I am in the same boat with my G2 radions, do I up grade or replace or keep what I've got till they die? Personally I'm waiting to see what that new kessil long fixture will be like. And who knows what ecotech and AI are going to come out with as one company soon. __________________ Tyson. Current Tank Info: 70 gal rimless

06/07/2014, 12:42 PM	#3
Benson0219 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Goodyear, AZ Posts: 535	I just upgraded my 2 Sols to Hydras. Well worth the price to get the full spectrum. __________________ 180 Gallon Reef Tank, Elite Aquatics Sump, Kessil A360we LEDS, AI Hydra 26 HD LEDS, Reef Octopus OCTO VarioS-6 Controllable DC Circulation Pump, Skimz Kone SK204 Skimmer, Vortex MP40 Powerhead. Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon Reef Tank

06/07/2014, 12:42 PM	#4
Benson0219 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Goodyear, AZ Posts: 535	you can use the AI Controller with it or the AI Director. __________________ 180 Gallon Reef Tank, Elite Aquatics Sump, Kessil A360we LEDS, AI Hydra 26 HD LEDS, Reef Octopus OCTO VarioS-6 Controllable DC Circulation Pump, Skimz Kone SK204 Skimmer, Vortex MP40 Powerhead. Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon Reef Tank

06/07/2014, 12:46 PM	#5
Skuba Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 320	Already have the new controller and wireless adapter on way bc the old ones too annoying. Really falling in love with the look the 360 kessil gives. Benson, how long did it take to come? I see alot of people saying the hydra is dim looking and too turquoise violet looking. How's yours look?