210 reef upgrade lighting

[Hunt4bigbucks]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

 

[oreo54]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

Do you want tank mounting or would you consider suspending the lights?

 

[Hunt4bigbucks]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

Do you want tank mounting or would you consider suspending the lights?

I will be suspending the lights. I will have a partial copy above the tank that limits me to about 12 inches above the water surface.

 

[gabelex14]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

I don't think one AI Hydra 64 is gonna cut it in a 72" long, especially at the depth. I think you're headed down the right path with running the Hydra 32's on the ends. I would imagine you would run into shading issues for you SPS. (Speaking from experience). I have a 75g mixed reed that started with two AI Prime's and it was enough PAR. I had to add two Hydra 32's and now im in a good place.

Also you may have to add a supplement light bar to help with shading.. probably gonna be my next step

 

[oreo54]

I will be suspending the lights. I will have a partial copy above the tank that limits me to about 12 inches above the water surface.

How about a hybrid approach? These are on sale and are 72W each of RGB + royal blue leds.
Aquaticlife Coral cover.
$2.76/watt

Still need to choose main lights but 3 x72-ish is 216 starting watts.
Keep in mind you more than likely will not use all the wattage.

Good thing, fanless and good spread.
LED Distribution:

• 450 nm: 56
• 472 nm: 40
• 525 nm: 32
• 620 nm: 16

Bad thing probably 120 degree lensing so toe in a bit . Will help with overall par and spread, not so much for penetration but that's what the main lights are for.
6 power bricks (can be condensed)

AquaticLife HM Electronics Coral Cover 24

The AquaticLife HM Electronics Coral Cover 24

www.marineandreef.com

The CONCEPT is fine, actual use, do due diligence


Keep in mind matching t5 w/ led isn't an "exact" science due to the differences in tech.

 

[Hunt4bigbucks]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

I don't think one AI Hydra 64 is gonna cut it in a 72" long, especially at the depth. I think you're headed down the right path with running the Hydra 32's on the ends. I would imagine you would run into shading issues for you SPS. (Speaking from experience). I have a 75g mixed reed that started with two AI Prime's and it was enough PAR. I had to add two Hydra 32's and now im in a good place.

Also you may have to add a supplement light bar to help with shading.. probably gonna be my next step

I’m tempted to get 2 more hydra 32’s instead of one hydra 64. That would give me 4 hydra 32’s to start. Spacing would be tricky with the plastic braces but I was thinking 2 of the lights spaced closer together in the middle opening, pushed towards the braces and then 1 32 each end. Start there and add supplemental lights if needed down the road.

 

[gabelex14]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

I don't think one AI Hydra 64 is gonna cut it in a 72" long, especially at the depth. I think you're headed down the right path with running the Hydra 32's on the ends. I would imagine you would run into shading issues for you SPS. (Speaking from experience). I have a 75g mixed reed that started with two AI Prime's and it was enough PAR. I had to add two Hydra 32's and now im in a good place.

Also you may have to add a supplement light bar to help with shading.. probably gonna be my next step

I’m tempted to get 2 more hydra 32’s instead of one hydra 64. That would give me 4 hydra 32’s to start. Spacing would be tricky with the plastic braces but I was thinking 2 of the lights spaced closer together in the middle opening, pushed towards the braces and then 1 32 each end. Start there and add supplemental lights if needed down the road.

I use the HMS dual light rail system and I like it. Is the tank cross braced? As a side note I'm a fan of AI and use their lights if I didn't mention it previously

 

[Hunt4bigbucks]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

I don't think one AI Hydra 64 is gonna cut it in a 72" long, especially at the depth. I think you're headed down the right path with running the Hydra 32's on the ends. I would imagine you would run into shading issues for you SPS. (Speaking from experience). I have a 75g mixed reed that started with two AI Prime's and it was enough PAR. I had to add two Hydra 32's and now im in a good place.

Also you may have to add a supplement light bar to help with shading.. probably gonna be my next step

I’m tempted to get 2 more hydra 32’s instead of one hydra 64. That would give me 4 hydra 32’s to start. Spacing would be tricky with the plastic braces but I was thinking 2 of the lights spaced closer together in the middle opening, pushed towards the braces and then 1 32 each end. Start there and add supplemental lights if needed down the road.

I use the HMS dual light rail system and I like it. Is the tank cross braced? As a side note I'm a fan of AI and use their lights if I didn't mention it previously

Tank is cross braced.

 

[gabelex14]

Here is my situation. I currently have a 60 breeder mixed reef which is 48x16x16. I am currently in the process of upgrading to a 210 72x24x29 high. My current tank has (2) AI Hydra 32 HD lights which have been great and I would like to use them on the new tank but have some concerns about the ability of the hydra to get light all the way to the sand bed. I want to run a mixed reef, soft coral and lps dominant with some sps up higher on the rock work.

I have came up with several ideas for lighting. Keep in mind the new tank has 2 plastic center braces I have to consider for light placement.

1. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase a Hydra 64. Do a 32 on each end and the 64 in the middle. Upgrade cost would be about 800.

2. Keep my (2) Hydra 32’s and purchase 2 more Hydra 32’s. Do a 32 on each end space the 2 new hydras in the middle the best I can without placing over the braces. Upgrade cost would be about 900.

3. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reef breeder meridian 11’s. Upgrade cost about 1500.

4. Scrap the hydras and try (3) reefi uno 2.1’s. Upgrade cost about 1800.

5. Scrap the hydras and try (3) radion xr30’s. Upgrade cost about 3k.

Major concerns are fan noise and sufficiently lighting the tank. Would the hydras need to be turned up so high that the fans would be running all the time? Anyone have the hydras on a 29 deep tank? Obviously cost matters as well, but will consider all options.

Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

I don't think one AI Hydra 64 is gonna cut it in a 72" long, especially at the depth. I think you're headed down the right path with running the Hydra 32's on the ends. I would imagine you would run into shading issues for you SPS. (Speaking from experience). I have a 75g mixed reed that started with two AI Prime's and it was enough PAR. I had to add two Hydra 32's and now im in a good place.

Also you may have to add a supplement light bar to help with shading.. probably gonna be my next step

I’m tempted to get 2 more hydra 32’s instead of one hydra 64. That would give me 4 hydra 32’s to start. Spacing would be tricky with the plastic braces but I was thinking 2 of the lights spaced closer together in the middle opening, pushed towards the braces and then 1 32 each end. Start there and add supplemental lights if needed down the road.

I use the HMS dual light rail system and I like it. Is the tank cross braced? As a side note I'm a fan of AI and use their lights if I didn't mention it previously

Tank is cross braced.

I feel like you're gonna waste light if you go to other the 64's. The 32's you could space better with the cross braces.

 

[rtparty]

Sell the Hydras and get 3 Nicrew Gen 2 200s. Might need the narrow lens to push to the sand bed