AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo - Page 9

MarineDepot · 02/15/2016, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan edge

Reefer 350 sps build... 3×26hds or 2×52hds? +what's up with mounting options

Two Hydra 52HD's should work great. As for mounting, we would recommend using the EXT rail along with the hanging kit. Or, the 48" standard rail kit along with the Parallel Mount Kit.

andrewbram · 02/17/2016, 05:43 PM

What would you recommend for a few 150 cube 36x36 it will have plenty of sps

GOSKN5 · 02/17/2016, 09:03 PM

Gonna need two 52s imo

andrewbram · 02/17/2016, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOSKN5

Gonna need two 52s imo

Are you running the hd how do you like the spread of light

MarineDepot · 02/18/2016, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewbram

What would you recommend for a few 150 cube 36x36 it will have plenty of sps

A 36X36 cube for SPS is actually a little difficult to light as many of the LED's are design for 24" x 24". Depending on how packed the aquarium is, you may be able to get away with two Hydra 52 HD's and having them elevated a little higher. If the tank is pretty packed, then you many need additional fixtures.

One good option would be using two of the 27" 15,000K MaxSpect Razors. Control-wise, the Razor features just a simple two channel controller that allows you to input 6 time set points, so it is not as feature-rich as the Hydra. However, due to it's larger size, it will do a better job covering 36" and the LED chips used, the spectrum and power output is great.

andrewbram · 02/18/2016, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarineDepot

A 36X36 cube for SPS is actually a little difficult to light as many of the LED's are design for 24" x 24". Depending on how packed the aquarium is, you may be able to get away with two Hydra 52 HD's and having them elevated a little higher. If the tank is pretty packed, then you many need additional fixtures.

One good option would be using two of the 27" 15,000K MaxSpect Razors. Control-wise, the Razor features just a simple two channel controller that allows you to input 6 time set points, so it is not as feature-rich as the Hydra. However, due to it's larger size, it will do a better job covering 36" and the LED chips used, the spectrum and power output is great.

That you I will look at those. Also would 4 26 hd provide good coverage and par. I am open to all options as this will be a forever build

MarineDepot · 02/18/2016, 11:01 AM

Four Hydra 26's would be a great option as well. Coverage and par should be excellent. Initial cost is a bit higher using four fixtures, but in the long run it is probably not as significant relative to the overall cost.

GOSKN5 · 02/18/2016, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewbram

Are you running the hd how do you like the spread of light

I have two 26hds over a 24x24x30 tank... great spread... you could get away with 3 26s imo

nchin · 03/23/2016, 12:36 PM

I am about to setup a 48x30x16 inch tank. How many AI 26's would I need to light this tank? I am probably going to be going for a mixed reef with a focus on zoas and lps with very small amount of sps (if any)

thanks

MarineDepot · 03/23/2016, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nchin

I am about to setup a 48x30x16 inch tank. How many AI 26's would I need to light this tank? I am probably going to be going for a mixed reef with a focus on zoas and lps with very small amount of sps (if any)

thanks

Assuming the 30" dimension is front to back, it would be tough for a Hydra 26 to cover. You may end up needed 4 Hydra 26's. We would recommend going with two Hydra 52's instead to ensure you can sufficiently provide enough light coverage.

nchin · 03/24/2016, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarineDepot

Assuming the 30" dimension is front to back, it would be tough for a Hydra 26 to cover. You may end up needed 4 Hydra 26's. We would recommend going with two Hydra 52's instead to ensure you can sufficiently provide enough light coverage.

yup 30" front to back. Thank you for the response, would you out of curiosity be able to recommend a cheaper alternative to the AI 52?

MarineDepot · 03/24/2016, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nchin

yup 30" front to back. Thank you for the response, would you out of curiosity be able to recommend a cheaper alternative to the AI 52?

Glad we can help. The MaxSpect Razor 20.5" would be a very good, and cheaper, alternative. However, the Razor does come with a much more simple 2-channel built-in controller.

JoeBatt · 04/02/2016, 06:34 AM

Probably a tough one for you MarineDepot but Hydra 52 vs Radion G3 Pro? Which would you go with? PM me if needs be since I guess its a little sensitive

Thank You

MarineDepot · 04/04/2016, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeBatt

Probably a tough one for you MarineDepot but Hydra 52 vs Radion G3 Pro? Which would you go with? PM me if needs be since I guess its a little sensitive

Thank You

It's a tough call as both are great lights. If the price is not a factor, we'd go the the Radion Pro as we do like having the two larger pucks over the four smaller pucks. Having that extra yellow spectrum is a bonus as well.

However, the Hydra 52 is $150 cheaper. So, it does give you a more value and can make a significant difference if multiple fixtures are needed.

MHG · 04/10/2016, 05:17 PM

So will a swingle 52 cover a sps dominant 60 gal cube. Right now I am running about 180 watts of Cree xpe's at or around 75% each channel. It gets me about 380 par on my rock work. My canopy is low so I need to build a higher one so aside from how many hydro 52, how high up.

MarineDepot · 04/11/2016, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MHG

So will a swingle 52 cover a sps dominant 60 gal cube. Right now I am running about 180 watts of Cree xpe's at or around 75% each channel. It gets me about 380 par on my rock work. My canopy is low so I need to build a higher one so aside from how many hydro 52, how high up.

A single Hydra 52 should have no trouble covering a 60 gallon cube. We would recommend having 10"-12" from the bottom of the light fixture to the top of your aquarium.

JoeBatt · 04/20/2016, 11:03 AM

I have just installed 2 Hydra 52 lengthwise along my RedSea 350.

I am looking for the layout option on the web interface so I can try and configure the lights to simulate a sunrise/sunset from one side of the tank to the other. Please see the attached files one is from my screen and it doesn't appear to have the layout option, the second is a screenshot of what I expected it to look like from the manual and it shows the layout option.

Secondly I don't appear to have the weather option.

MarineDepot · 04/20/2016, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeBatt

I have just installed 2 Hydra 52 lengthwise along my RedSea 350.

I am looking for the layout option on the web interface so I can try and configure the lights to simulate a sunrise/sunset from one side of the tank to the other. Please see the attached files one is from my screen and it doesn't appear to have the layout option, the second is a screenshot of what I expected it to look like from the manual and it shows the layout option.

Secondly I don't appear to have the weather option.

In the interests of efficiency, we would recommend contacting AI directly for support for this issue.

You can fill out their detailed contact form, reach them by phone at 515-233-5105 or via email at support@aquaillumination.com.

JoeBatt · 04/20/2016, 02:40 PM

I already did thanks but they have not got back to me

MarineDepot · 04/20/2016, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeBatt

I already did thanks but they have not got back to me

Well that's not good. How long ago did you contact them? Did you purchase the fixtures from us?

JoeBatt · 04/21/2016, 12:21 AM

5 days ago....I don't live in the US so I cant purchase from you guys Im afraid. I am often in the US with work and tried to get a delivery to my hotel but you couldn't do it.

MarineDepot · 04/21/2016, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeBatt

5 days ago....I don't live in the US so I cant purchase from you guys Im afraid. I am often in the US with work and tried to get a delivery to my hotel but you couldn't do it.

The reason we do not ship to hotels is because the likelihood of fraud is so much higher. We apologize for the inconvenience!

Waiting 5 days for a simple response is too long, in our opinion.

Have you tried the telephone number on their Help Page or gotten in touch with the store you bought the lights from so they can work as an advocate for you to help get your problems resolved?

That is what we would recommend as next steps. While you're waiting in the meantime, you might try asking other AI users on forums you participate in for advice.

JoeBatt · 04/22/2016, 09:46 AM

I did try to buy from Marine Depot but ended up having to go through Amazon

(I'm a pilot and the aquarium products are so expensive in the UAE where I am based so buy overseas on trips)

As for the problem I was having, eventually they got back to me and apparently the features of layout, sunrise/sunset, local weather and cloud sweeps are not available on the HD lights! Only on the Director interface.....

I have expressed my displeasure to Aqua Illuminations since I have not seen anywhere on their web literature that these are excluded on the HD lights....in fact everything I have seen points to these features. Since these are the top of the range AI lights in their catalogue I am pretty annoyed. The 'extra' HD par is of far less use than these features to me.

MarineDepot · 04/22/2016, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeBatt

I did try to buy from Marine Depot but ended up having to go through Amazon

(I'm a pilot and the aquarium products are so expensive in the UAE where I am based so buy overseas on trips)

As for the problem I was having, eventually they got back to me and apparently the features of layout, sunrise/sunset, local weather and cloud sweeps are not available on the HD lights! Only on the Director interface.....

I have expressed my displeasure to Aqua Illuminations since I have not seen anywhere on their web literature that these are excluded on the HD lights....in fact everything I have seen points to these features. Since these are the top of the range AI lights in their catalogue I am pretty annoyed. The 'extra' HD par is of far less use than these features to me.

Now that you mention it, that does sound familiar. I relayed your feedback to our assistant customer support manager so he can share it with our team the next time some inquires just to be safe.

I've observed other other hobbyists sharing screenshots of their light schedules online; perhaps some may be willing to share what settings have working for them if you poke around a bit.

JoeBatt · 04/22/2016, 10:51 AM

Just for your own info MarineDepot the HD lights do not have the following features despite it saying they do on their website........

1) Layout so Sunrise/Sunset movement across the tank is not possible.
2) Local weather
3) Cloud movement across the aquarium.

04/10/2016, 05:17 PM	#215
MHG Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,919	So will a swingle 52 cover a sps dominant 60 gal cube. Right now I am running about 180 watts of Cree xpe's at or around 75% each channel. It gets me about 380 par on my rock work. My canopy is low so I need to build a higher one so aside from how many hydro 52, how high up. __________________ MHG (LIRA Member) 60G Cube, Kessil 360's

02/17/2016, 05:43 PM	#202
andrewbram Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 337	What would you recommend for a few 150 cube 36x36 it will have plenty of sps

02/17/2016, 09:03 PM	#203
GOSKN5 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 686	Gonna need two 52s imo

02/18/2016, 11:01 AM	#207
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Four Hydra 26's would be a great option as well. Coverage and par should be excellent. Initial cost is a bit higher using four fixtures, but in the long run it is probably not as significant relative to the overall cost.

03/23/2016, 12:36 PM	#209
nchin Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 10	I am about to setup a 48x30x16 inch tank. How many AI 26's would I need to light this tank? I am probably going to be going for a mixed reef with a focus on zoas and lps with very small amount of sps (if any) thanks

04/02/2016, 06:34 AM	#213
JoeBatt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Dubai Posts: 98	Probably a tough one for you MarineDepot but Hydra 52 vs Radion G3 Pro? Which would you go with? PM me if needs be since I guess its a little sensitive Thank You

04/20/2016, 02:40 PM	#219
JoeBatt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Dubai Posts: 98	I already did thanks but they have not got back to me

04/21/2016, 12:21 AM	#221
JoeBatt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Dubai Posts: 98	5 days ago....I don't live in the US so I cant purchase from you guys Im afraid. I am often in the US with work and tried to get a delivery to my hotel but you couldn't do it.

04/22/2016, 09:46 AM	#223
JoeBatt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Dubai Posts: 98	I did try to buy from Marine Depot but ended up having to go through Amazon (I'm a pilot and the aquarium products are so expensive in the UAE where I am based so buy overseas on trips) As for the problem I was having, eventually they got back to me and apparently the features of layout, sunrise/sunset, local weather and cloud sweeps are not available on the HD lights! Only on the Director interface..... I have expressed my displeasure to Aqua Illuminations since I have not seen anywhere on their web literature that these are excluded on the HD lights....in fact everything I have seen points to these features. Since these are the top of the range AI lights in their catalogue I am pretty annoyed. The 'extra' HD par is of far less use than these features to me.

04/22/2016, 10:51 AM	#225
JoeBatt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Dubai Posts: 98	Just for your own info MarineDepot the HD lights do not have the following features despite it saying they do on their website........ 1) Layout so Sunrise/Sunset movement across the tank is not possible. 2) Local weather 3) Cloud movement across the aquarium.