New! AI Hydra TwentySix

[MarineDepot]

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

The AquaIllumination Hydra TwentySix continues the Hydra's legacy of full spectrum performance with an output that exceeds the visible light spectrum, providing your livestock with the light they crave.



Combining the control of the AI Vega and unmatched power of the AI Sol, the AI Hydra brings a new level of performance. At a maximum of 95 watts from the wall, it follows in the family’s efficient footsteps.



The Hydra TwentySix comes standard with 80 degree lenses giving you the best balance of power and spread. AI lens optics are custom designed, boasting greater than 90% optical efficiency and including a diffuse exit surface to provide improved color blending.



The AI Hydra TwentySix utilizes the latest LED technology from leading manufacturers, arranged to provide the best performance:

8 - Cree XP-G2 Cool White (> 70 CRI)
2 - OSRAM OSLON Deep Red
2 - Cree XP-E2 Green
6 - Cree XT-E Royal Blue
4 - OSRAM OSLON Deep Blue
2 - SemiLED 415nm Violet
2 - SemiLED 400nm UV







NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

[Smitty1782]

Hey!!! Will probably be ordering in the next couple of days... Do you know the actual release date? I don't want to wait for shipping so I'd like to will call it.

[MarineDepot]

Originally Posted by Smitty1782

Hey!!! Will probably be ordering in the next couple of days... Do you know the actual release date? I don't want to wait for shipping so I'd like to will call it.

Our shipment went out today and we anticipate delivery Friday. So it's safe to say we'll be shipping out the AI TwentySix to early adopters next week.

[Smitty1782]

Awesome, could I will call on Friday or is that not an option?

[MarineDepot]

Originally Posted by Smitty1782

Awesome, could I will call on Friday or is that not an option?

It's possible. Give us a ring at 1-800-566-FISH (3474) on Friday if you haven't already seen posts from us gleefully sharing they are in stock. It just kinda depends what time they arrive and how busy our warehouse is that day. We'll have to inspect the shipment and place the lights into inventory before we can sell any. But it's definitely possible.

Jeff @ MD

[Smitty1782]

Sounds good! Thanks.

[MarineDepot]

Originally Posted by Smitty1782

Sounds good! Thanks.

You bet, dude! Thanks for your interest. We're excited to get these babies in stock!

[ThurlowR]

What area do they cover ? I'm looking for a light for a 30 l mixed reef.

[MarineDepot]

Originally Posted by ThurlowR

What area do they cover ? I'm looking for a light for a 30 l mixed reef.

They will cover a 24" x 24" area.

[ThurlowR]

Originally Posted by MarineDepot

They will cover a 24" x 24" area.

Would you recommend two of these vs one 52 for a IM 30L ? Having a hard time finding a light.

[MarineDepot]

Yes, two Hydra 26's would be preferable over a single Hydra 52 as you are able to space out the two smaller fixtures to get a more even coverage. You can use one of the EXT rails to connect the two fixtures and use a single hanging kit to suspend both fixtures.

For a single-fixture solution, the Maxspect Razor 27" is a great option.

[1000rrstunna]

These are nice great lil size

[samba_dad]

Would you recommend 2x Hydra 26 for a 65G SPS tank?

[MarineDepot]

Hi Samba_dad,

If this a standard 65g aquarium that measures 36" x 18" x 24", two Hydra Twenty-Six's should work nicely for a SPS tank.

[jr_austin]

For a standard 90gal (48x24x18) with mixed LPS/SPS would you recommend two Hydra Twenty-Six's or a single Maxspect Razor 43"?

[MarineDepot]

Hi Jr_Austin,

That is a tough call as a big part will be based on your personal preference. The Hydras do have a lot more control features (individual color control, cloud simulation, thunderstorm modes, regional weather simulation), while the Razor has a lot more power.

We are quite fond of SPS corals, so we would give the slight edge to the MaxSpect Razor. The extra power will help to color up the SPS corals and grow them a little quicker.

However, if you are wanting those extra control features, the Hydras would be the way to go.

The good part is that both are excellent LED lights, so you can't really go wrong.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

[jr_austin]

Great, thank you.
If I go for the Hydras I guess I can put a third one if I feel I need more power (please correct me if not possible); btw, if I go for the MaxSpect Razor, which one in your opinion promotes healthier SPS, 10K or 16K? Thank you!

[MarineDepot]

Hi jr_astin,

Yes, you can indeed just add a third if you want more power/light.

As for the Razor, either light would have more than enough intensity for health and growth of your SPS. We would recommend the 16000K to bring out the best coloration.

[Terrp]

I'm setting up a 48x24x21 105g DSA neo rimless tank. I'm deciding between the hydra 26 and hydra 52. From the above posts, it sounds like two 26's would be fine for a mixed reef. What if I'm going mostly SPS with some LPS? Would two 26's still work, or would you recommend three 26's or two 52's? I'll be using the EXT tank mounts, so I don't want to start with two 26's and find I need to get behind the tank to try moving and adding mounts later.

[MarineDepot]

Hi Terrp,

Thank you for your inquiry. Two 26's is indeed sufficient for a mixed reef. However, we feel that you will be happier with two 52's. In addition to the extra intensity, having 4 light pucks with two 52's will give you better coverage than 2 light pucks on two 26's. This will be especially helpful in minimizing shading as your SPS corals grow.

[oohnoo]

Could use a little help in picking the right LED Hydra (26 or 52) I have a 15 gal (24x12x12) but with the DSB it's more 9"-10" depth. Have few various SPS an LPS but would love to get more with the right lighting.
And at what height should it be mounted?

[MarineDepot]

Hi oohnoo,

With those dimensions, it is actually a little tricky. The Hydra 26 definitely has enough light and coverage for your tank. However, due to the single-puck design, it is going to have a noticeable amount of light spillage front to back as it is trying to cover a 24X24 area. If you don't mind the light spillage, the Hydra 26 would definitely work fine for your aquarium.

On the other hand, the Hydra 52 with the two light pucks, will allow you to bring the lights closer to the tank and reduce the amount of light spillage. Having two separate pucks will do a better job covering a rectangular area as you get less light spillage and less shadowing.

For the Hydra 26, you will want to mount the light 10"-12" above the aquarium. For the Hydra 52, 6" - 9" should do the trick.

If price is not a factor, the Hydra 52 would be the better option. However, the Hydra 26 can definitely do the job as well.

[oohnoo]

You got me a little confused as the Hydra 26 has 2 pucks with 13 LED's and the Hydro 52 has 4 pucks.

For the optional mounting rail kit fora 24" tank, how high above the tank does it place the units?

[MarineDepot]

Hi oohnoo,

You are correct, sorry about the confusion. The rail kit mounts the lights about 6" above the aquarium. If possible, hanging the lights would be better as it gives you the option to set the lights at the exact height that works best for your aquarium.