Ai Hydra 32 for 50g

kxnji · May 23, 2023

Hi! I recently upgraded to a Waterbox 50.3 and was wondering if an Ai Hydra 32 would be a sufficient Light source? I’m planning on having a mixed aquarium with lots of sps, lps and soft corals. Will the Ai Hydra 32 have enough coverage for the corals to thrive? or should I go for two smaller lights (Ai Prime 16)?
Thanks!

SPS2020 · May 23, 2023

I'm overkill and would go for two 32HDs, if you are planning on any Acros in the future. FWIW, I have four 32HD's and four T5's over my 100g (48").

Hats_ · May 23, 2023

Agree, 1 hydra32 wont have enough spread, youd be better off getting 2 primes than 1 hydra32. 3 primes or 2 hydra32s is ideal

iamacat · May 23, 2023

I have a 75g IM but the same 35.4”

I have 3 Hydra 32

nereefpat · May 24, 2023

3 feet is tough to light with a single LED fixture, unless it's a big panel like a Reefbreeders Photon.

shakacuz · May 24, 2023

i have 2 hydra 32hd's + reefbrite kits on both over my 40B.

Hooz · May 25, 2023

I have a JBJ 65g AiO, which is roughly the same dimensions as your Waterbox. I have three Hydra 26HDs. Three Primes would probably do it for most people (two for a softie/LPS tank), but I have some high end SPS going in this tank, so I figured more is better. I can always turn them down, but more lights means less shadowing.