AI Hydra 52 v 52 HD

[Mariette]

Can’t find info on the NON HD version. Didn’t know they existed. Have a chance to buy 2 used for dirt cheap. Anyone have info on them? Needed for 5 foot 110g tank that’s 22 inches deep. Softies, low light needing LPS, zoas, nems. Anyone heard of them or have experience growing corals w them?

 

[w2inc]

I have owned them both. They both grow coral. I had a fan go out on a non HD and when I replaced it, on of the lights had burned out. Old fans on old lights are a bit of a concern to me. I think they are under $20 to replace. I would probably want to do that if I bought a used set. I also had a ballast go out on one of the older ones. $35 ish. Go generic if you have to replace one, the company does.

I like the extra lights in the HD, but I can't say that they are a pivotal difference in coral growth. As long as you have controllable blue light your corals will look cool.

Some of the older models came with the option for a 53 or 90? degree lens. IMHO I think they are not a good call even if you have a 30 inch tall tank. The narrow lens would be a dealbreaker for me.