AI Hydra 26 in a CADLights Versa 42

[Jaysushi]

Hey Reefers! I am planning on ordering a CADLights Versa 42 aquarium within the next week or two. I wanted to know your opinions whether the AI Hydra 26 will be suitable for this tank. I want to make sure it will provide proper coverage.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Ty Hamatake]

One would definitely leave some shadowing on the ends, though two should work just fine! My tank is 18" deep as well and I recently had some problem shadowing from front to back so I added a T5 retrofit. Overall though, am very satisfied with my Hydra 26s.

Also, I'm assuming you'll be getting the HDs, unless you're buying from ebay/amazon or something, which have a higher output than mine (originals) and may be fine by themselves. Either way I'd suggest getting two.

 

[Jaysushi]

Thanks for the reply!
What about instead of getting two Hydra's to try and save a bit of coin. Would two AI Primes be good too?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Thanks for the reply!
What about instead of getting two Hydra's to try and save a bit of coin. Would two AI Primes be good too?

I guess the original question should've been, what are you planning on stocking the tank with as far as corals go?

 

[Jaysushi]

I plan on doing a mixed reef, with more favoring lps.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

I plan on doing a mixed reef, with more favoring lps.

I don't have any experience with Primes, but two should be fine for a mixed tank!

 

[Jaysushi]

That might be the route I go then. Thanks again

 

[Ty Hamatake]

That might be the route I go then. Thanks again

Yeah man, definitely. You may want to ask around for another opinion though. Like I said, I don't have any experience with the Primes.

 

[Jaysushi]

I will. If anyone else has any opinions or suggestions please let me know.