AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo

MarineDepot · 12/26/2013, 12:59 PM

Joe from our tech team runs 3 AI Hydra LED lights over his reef. So who better to try out Aqua Illumination's latest innovation, the Hydra FiftyTwo?

Find out what makes the FiftyTwo so special in Joe's review — Aqua Illumination Hydra FifityTwo: That's a LOT of light!

Read Aqua Illumination Hydra FifityTwo: That's a LOT of light!

VJV · 01/22/2014, 03:53 PM

Hi,

I just ordered a 300l (75g) tank. It is a German EHEIM INCPIRIA marine measuring 100x50x55cm (roughly 40x20x22 inch).

I'm thinking about upgrading the light and the hydras seem like good option but have the following questions:

1 - for such a tank would you recommend two Hydras or one Hydra 52 would be enough.

2 - if I go for one Hydra 52, how can I place it parallel to the front of the tank. I would like to avoid bolting a EXT rail to the side of the tank for aesthetic reasons. It would be ideal if I could bolt it to an EXT rail perpendicularly, and bolt the rail to the back of the aquarium. Though I do not think there is a way to do that.

Thanks

Kind regards

MarineDepot · 01/22/2014, 07:05 PM

For a 40" long aquarium, we would recommend two of the standard Hydra's for a more-even coverage.

A single Hydra 52 would need to be mounted parallel to the front of the aquarium and will leave the two ends of the aquarium darker.

VJV · 01/23/2014, 02:27 AM

Thanks!

moondoggy4 · 01/23/2014, 12:39 PM

Can these lights be controlled by a 3 rd party controller I have one that can handle 8 separate channels I would like to use it on a Led light, I have a 120 tank 4x2x2 with all softies and acans, mostly fish only with eye candy.

MarineDepot · 01/23/2014, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

Can these lights be controlled by a 3 rd party controller I have one that can handle 8 separate channels I would like to use it on a Led light, I have a 120 tank 4x2x2 with all softies and acans, mostly fish only with eye candy.

I just confirmed with AquaIllumination directly.

Hydra modules are only controllable via wireless so none of the ALC or 0-10v type devices will work. The only compatible devices with the wireless lights (Hydra, Hydra Fiftytwo, Vega) are:

• AI Director
• AI New Controller
• Neptune Systems Apex with AWM (AI Wireless Module)

moondoggy4 · 01/23/2014, 01:44 PM

Thanks since I have three controller lucky one is a Apex so it will work thanks.

VJV · 01/27/2014, 02:26 AM

Hi,

Regardless of coverage, how close to the water can the Hydras sit? I would like to keep them hidden inside the edge of the tank so I guess that could mean they would be 1-2 inches above water line. Would this create potential electronic damage or corrosion?

Kind regards

Vasco

MarineDepot · 01/27/2014, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJV

Hi,

Regardless of coverage, how close to the water can the Hydras sit? I would like to keep them hidden inside the edge of the tank so I guess that could mean they would be 1-2 inches above water line. Would this create potential electronic damage or corrosion?

Kind regards

Vasco

We actually reached out to AI directly to field your question. Here is what they told us:

There will certainly be an increased risk of potential electronic damage due to the distance. Fish splashes, humidity, salt creep from bubbles popping at the surface etc will all be a higher risk of causing problems with that distance. There is no way to know how much this will effect the light because every tank is going to be different, if somehow he created an environment with very little humidity and salt creep (impossible?) then it should be fine.

The light generally do fine with splashing, but if you get enough humidity and salt in the air you can end up with problems.

Sorry for the vague answer, there is no cut and dry response to this.

VJV · 01/27/2014, 03:41 PM

Thank you very much for the quick reply. I believe the bottom line is that it is not recommended and will most likely lead to problems.

Thanks again.

Kind regards.

MarineDepot · 01/27/2014, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJV

Thank you very much for the quick reply. I believe the bottom line is that it is not recommended and will most likely lead to problems.

Thanks again.

Kind regards.

You're very welcome. We always enjoy talking tank, so hit us up anytime you have a question. If we don't know the answer, we'll find it out for you.

VJV · 02/18/2014, 02:31 AM

Hi, back on the subject of lighting. Would you say that the pro version of the new Gen3 radion xr30w with the 120 degrees wide optics would be enough to light the entire tank? Just as a reminder, the tank measures 100x55x55cm, or some 42x22x22 inches.

Thank you very much

MarineDepot · 02/18/2014, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJV

Hi, back on the subject of lighting. Would you say that the pro version of the new Gen3 radion xr30w with the 120 degrees wide optics would be enough to light the entire tank? Just as a reminder, the tank measures 100x55x55cm, or some 42x22x22 inches.

Thank you very much

For a tank that is 42" long, you would still need two of the Gen3 Radion XR30w Pro in order to get complete coverage. With only one fixture, you would end up with shadows and dark spots in the aquarium.

VJV · 02/18/2014, 03:50 PM

Thanks!

Knishfish · 03/03/2014, 07:58 PM

How many Hydra 52's would I need for a 7' x 2' x 2' SPS tank? In what configuration? i.e. ( - - - ) or ( | | | ) How high off the surface do you recommend?

MarineDepot · 03/04/2014, 01:36 PM

Hi Knishfish,

3 fixtures should work very nicely for your aquarium. As for orientation, I personally prefer perpendicular ( I I I ) as it seems to reduce shadows. However, it does depend on on the amount of rock you have and how it is laid out. We would recommend going with the 72" Rail Kit along with the Hanging Kit so you can position the lights exactly where you want them. 10" - 12" above the water level should work nicely for hanging.

Knishfish · 03/04/2014, 04:00 PM

Much appreciated - thanks for the response.

I'm also planning on going for the Apex. Are there any other components you would recommend, either from the Apex side or the AI side?

MarineDepot · 03/04/2014, 05:08 PM

The AXM module with work great with the Apex and the Hydra Fifty Two. Those along with the lights, rail kit and hanging kit should be everything you need: and a VERY nice set up at that

swclown · 03/05/2014, 03:08 PM

I just ordered a 96" x 24" x 25" new tank. I'm planning on ordering Hydra 52s. The tank will be a mix of SPS and soft but it will be a while before I have the amount of SPS that would require a lot of light.
I'm know 4 would be ideal but would 3 suffice? with the option of adding another?

MarineDepot · 03/05/2014, 03:20 PM

it sounds like a very nice tank you have on order! I'm sure the fish will appreciate the 8' swimming room.

Starting out with 3 would definitely be fine. There will be some areas that will be a little darker, but you can easily get around that by placing soft corals in those areas. You can also elevate the light a little higher to get a broader coverage (may around 15"), then lower the light back down to about 10" once you get the fourth fixture.

swclown · 03/07/2014, 10:23 AM

Thank you. I'm very excited about the new tank!!

I'm probably going to order the lights today from MD but I'm a little upset with you guys. I've done a LOT of business with you guys for the past 10-15 years. You guys used to send me a free t shirt with large orders but I haven't seen one in years!! I want my freakin t-shirt!!

and a coffe mug and a new Vortech PH

( :

MarineDepot · 03/07/2014, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swclown

Thank you. I'm very excited about the new tank!!

I'm probably going to order the lights today from MD but I'm a little upset with you guys. I've done a LOT of business with you guys for the past 10-15 years. You guys used to send me a free t shirt with large orders but I haven't seen one in years!! I want my freakin t-shirt!!

and a coffe mug and a new Vortech PH

( :

Let me know your shirt size along with a recent order # (or email address—can be by PM)... just need some way to look up your account. I'll get one out ASAP so you can look like a fine, upstanding reefer once again!

We're sort of in a transitional period between our old site and our new site; we used to have a banner prompt you to select your shirt size when your cart contents are over $250. I thought this was still in play on the old site, but I tested it a moment ago and can see that it's not in action.

Most importantly: THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE ALL THESE YEARS!

Next time you place an order over $250, just include your shirt size in the order notes and we'll send you our latest print. We've already got a couple designs we're considering for when the Some Assembly Required prints run out!

Jeff @ MD

swclown · 03/07/2014, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarineDepot

Let me know your shirt size along with a recent order # (or email address—can be by PM)... just need some way to look up your account. I'll get one out ASAP so you can look like a fine, upstanding reefer once again!

We're sort of in a transitional period between our old site and our new site; we used to have a banner prompt you to select your shirt size when your cart contents are over $250. I thought this was still in play on the old site, but I tested it a moment ago and can see that it's not in action.

Most importantly: THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE ALL THESE YEARS!

Next time you place an order over $250, just include your shirt size in the order notes and we'll send you our latest print. We've already got a couple designs we're considering for when the Some Assembly Required prints run out!

Jeff @ MD

thanks!! I'm good now though. I ordered the lights today from Dan and he is sending a shirt ( : I'm still going to need to order one more light, ext rails, and a hanging kit so stay tuned!! thanks for your help!! ( :

MarineDepot · 03/07/2014, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swclown

thanks!! I'm good now though. I ordered the lights today from Dan and he is sending a shirt ( : I'm still going to need to order one more light, ext rails, and a hanging kit so stay tuned!! thanks for your help!! ( :

Dan the Man aka The Fish Whisperer? He's one of our most knowledgeable staffers! Glad to hear he got you squared away.

Curtispants · 04/26/2014, 10:49 AM

I have a quick question...

I'm planning a 24"X24"x20X tank that is 50 gallons. I was looking around RC and saw people suggest the AI LED lighting but there are two options, a 52 and a hydra. For a 24" tank that is only 20" tall, could either do the job? I plan on having an sps piece or two, maybe a clam...I want to be able to house anything I want pretty much. I don't want my light to limit what I can keep. That said, I'm confused about how I'd mount them. I only want one fixture and I want it to sit horizontal to the front of the tank. I'm also contemplating the Apex with the module that will control the fixture. The module will control either of these fixtures correct?

Thank you in advance for all of my pita questions!

12/26/2013, 12:59 PM	#1
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	AI Hydra vs. Hydra FiftyTwo Joe from our tech team runs 3 AI Hydra LED lights over his reef. So who better to try out Aqua Illumination's latest innovation, the Hydra FiftyTwo? Find out what makes the FiftyTwo so special in Joe's review — Aqua Illumination Hydra FifityTwo: That's a LOT of light! Read Aqua Illumination Hydra FifityTwo: That's a LOT of light!

01/22/2014, 03:53 PM	#2
VJV Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 368	Hi, I just ordered a 300l (75g) tank. It is a German EHEIM INCPIRIA marine measuring 100x50x55cm (roughly 40x20x22 inch). I'm thinking about upgrading the light and the hydras seem like good option but have the following questions: 1 - for such a tank would you recommend two Hydras or one Hydra 52 would be enough. 2 - if I go for one Hydra 52, how can I place it parallel to the front of the tank. I would like to avoid bolting a EXT rail to the side of the tank for aesthetic reasons. It would be ideal if I could bolt it to an EXT rail perpendicularly, and bolt the rail to the back of the aquarium. Though I do not think there is a way to do that. Thanks Kind regards

01/22/2014, 07:05 PM	#3
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	For a 40" long aquarium, we would recommend two of the standard Hydra's for a more-even coverage. A single Hydra 52 would need to be mounted parallel to the front of the aquarium and will leave the two ends of the aquarium darker.

01/23/2014, 02:27 AM	#4
VJV Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 368	Thanks!

01/23/2014, 12:39 PM	#5
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Can these lights be controlled by a 3 rd party controller I have one that can handle 8 separate channels I would like to use it on a Led light, I have a 120 tank 4x2x2 with all softies and acans, mostly fish only with eye candy.

01/23/2014, 01:44 PM	#7
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Thanks since I have three controller lucky one is a Apex so it will work thanks.

01/27/2014, 02:26 AM	#8
VJV Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 368	Hi, Regardless of coverage, how close to the water can the Hydras sit? I would like to keep them hidden inside the edge of the tank so I guess that could mean they would be 1-2 inches above water line. Would this create potential electronic damage or corrosion? Kind regards Vasco

01/27/2014, 03:41 PM	#10
VJV Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 368	Thank you very much for the quick reply. I believe the bottom line is that it is not recommended and will most likely lead to problems. Thanks again. Kind regards.

02/18/2014, 02:31 AM	#12
VJV Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 368	Hi, back on the subject of lighting. Would you say that the pro version of the new Gen3 radion xr30w with the 120 degrees wide optics would be enough to light the entire tank? Just as a reminder, the tank measures 100x55x55cm, or some 42x22x22 inches. Thank you very much

02/18/2014, 03:50 PM	#14
VJV Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 368	Thanks!

03/03/2014, 07:58 PM	#15
Knishfish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 73	How many Hydra 52's would I need for a 7' x 2' x 2' SPS tank? In what configuration? i.e. ( - - - ) or ( \| \| \| ) How high off the surface do you recommend?

03/04/2014, 01:36 PM	#16
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	Hi Knishfish, 3 fixtures should work very nicely for your aquarium. As for orientation, I personally prefer perpendicular ( I I I ) as it seems to reduce shadows. However, it does depend on on the amount of rock you have and how it is laid out. We would recommend going with the 72" Rail Kit along with the Hanging Kit so you can position the lights exactly where you want them. 10" - 12" above the water level should work nicely for hanging.

03/04/2014, 04:00 PM	#17
Knishfish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 73	Much appreciated - thanks for the response. I'm also planning on going for the Apex. Are there any other components you would recommend, either from the Apex side or the AI side?

03/04/2014, 05:08 PM	#18
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	The AXM module with work great with the Apex and the Hydra Fifty Two. Those along with the lights, rail kit and hanging kit should be everything you need: and a VERY nice set up at that

03/05/2014, 03:08 PM	#19
swclown Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 507	I just ordered a 96" x 24" x 25" new tank. I'm planning on ordering Hydra 52s. The tank will be a mix of SPS and soft but it will be a while before I have the amount of SPS that would require a lot of light. I'm know 4 would be ideal but would 3 suffice? with the option of adding another?

03/05/2014, 03:20 PM	#20
MarineDepot Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,129	it sounds like a very nice tank you have on order! I'm sure the fish will appreciate the 8' swimming room. Starting out with 3 would definitely be fine. There will be some areas that will be a little darker, but you can easily get around that by placing soft corals in those areas. You can also elevate the light a little higher to get a broader coverage (may around 15"), then lower the light back down to about 10" once you get the fourth fixture.

03/07/2014, 10:23 AM	#21
swclown Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 507	Thank you. I'm very excited about the new tank!! I'm probably going to order the lights today from MD but I'm a little upset with you guys. I've done a LOT of business with you guys for the past 10-15 years. You guys used to send me a free t shirt with large orders but I haven't seen one in years!! I want my freakin t-shirt!! and a coffe mug and a new Vortech PH ( :

04/26/2014, 10:49 AM	#25
Curtispants Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Wherever Uncle Sam sends me! Posts: 78	I have a quick question... I'm planning a 24"X24"x20X tank that is 50 gallons. I was looking around RC and saw people suggest the AI LED lighting but there are two options, a 52 and a hydra. For a 24" tank that is only 20" tall, could either do the job? I plan on having an sps piece or two, maybe a clam...I want to be able to house anything I want pretty much. I don't want my light to limit what I can keep. That said, I'm confused about how I'd mount them. I only want one fixture and I want it to sit horizontal to the front of the tank. I'm also contemplating the Apex with the module that will control the fixture. The module will control either of these fixtures correct? Thank you in advance for all of my pita questions!