Hydra 26 Hyper Drive

RareEarthCorals

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Lighting is personal, researching the right light for you is a difficult task. I have researched many lights and find that many dont have wireless access, individual led control, good software, or smart phone apps. The search has been a long one, and I have gone back and forth many times.

Aqua Illumination has been around for sometime, and they have some of the best products catering to a wide array of hobbyist. I research products until I am comfortable that I will be happy with my purchase, and know that it will meet my needs, all at value that satisfies my investment.

At MACNA, Aqua Illumination, released the updated Hydra 26 Hyper Drive. An updated version of the original Hydra 26. It looks the same but similarities ends at looks. It meets the needs of hobbyist that are looking for control. Finally a 7 channel light with wireless smartphone control in the 75-100 watt category (90 watts). No more buying wireless access points to integrate your light into your wireless environment. It uses the same AI prime smartphone application many are familar with. It has 7 channel control of the color spectrum, allowing the user the ability to manipulate the power "hyper drive" of each color channel. Hyperdrive allows you to push that channel driver pass 100%, while other channels like red and green are lowered to perfect your color spectrum. You can hyper drive blues, whites, violets, and even UV pass 100%. No other light group allows you that much control with built in wireless smartphone access from anywhere in the world.

I wanted a light with wireless smartphone access in the 75-100 watt category (90 watts). Powerful enough to keep any coral anywhere in my tank. This along with individual color channel control. My search is over. I will do a review of the light when it is delivered.

**This is not a paid advertisment and there is no benefit to me. I do not own AI products. This is my first purchase of Aqua Illumination Hydra 26 HD. Do your research and feel confident when you select your lighting for your aquarium it is right for you. This meets the needs I have set forth within my pricepoint.
 
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RareEarthCorals

RareEarthCorals

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For those interested Marine Depot has these lights open for preorder today, maybe delivered by the end of the month (loosely).
 
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RareEarthCorals

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I did my preorder and pricing has also been released $349.00 with free shipping from Marine Depot. Now starts the wait hopeful by the end of the month my patience will be rewarded.
 

vuqdao

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So these are not able to color match with the regular Hydra 26s? I just bought a couple and was going to get more. I hope there is a way to do that
 
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RareEarthCorals

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So these are not able to color match with the regular Hydra 26s? I just bought a couple and was going to get more. I hope there is a way to do that

Speculations is AI will allow Hydra users the ability to upgrade, dont quote me last price I heard was $150.00. Upgrade not trade in!
 
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RareEarthCorals

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It could, but if your thinking an sps 60gal cube dominate tank. I would look at the Hydra 52 HD. If you want to stay in the AI family. All the same features. I believe they are coming in at $599.00

There are others out there that would be overkill, but enough to handle anything you throw at it. I like the Orpheck Atlantik for a 60 Gal cube since it is such a strong light, but it also has its drawbacks. I.E no Iphone application. Its fine if you have android but not Apple???They say it will come one day (been talking about it since last year) and another $150 to add it. I dont want to wait that long or spend more money over the $650 cost of the light. It is a great light with tons of features and would be a great light for an android user over a 60gal cube.
 

totion

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This light looks really nice, but the AI rail system to hang them is too pricey. A DIY hanging mecansim solves that.

They have a single module hanging kit for around $25. It is different from the ext hanging kit. So for only 1 light the hanging kit isn't too pricey and looks very nice imo
 

nanoman28g

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They have a single module hanging kit for around $25. It is different from the ext hanging kit. So for only 1 light the hanging kit isn't too pricey and looks very nice imo
That sounds reasonable. Do you have to hang it from the ceiling?
 
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RareEarthCorals

RareEarthCorals

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Ok, tons of research and reading until my eyes were bloodshot. These setting will be my starting point, so it may not be were you want to be or reach your personal goals, but I feel it is best for me. Your results may vary.

UV 35 NM 300
Violet 35 NM 380
Royal Blue 60 NM 420
Blue 100 NM 460
(Chlorophyl B)
Green 20 NM 500
Deep Red 30
NM 620(Chlorophyl A)

Cool White 60 Full Spectrum

The will be a three month ramp up starting at 40% of the above spectrum ramping to 100% by month three.

Keep in mind this is for growth and not just looks. Im sure other settings will acheive a better look but will it acheive growth, health, and coloration? Please share!!!
 
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RareEarthCorals

RareEarthCorals

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I found this spectrum on Orphek website and if anyone has researched optimum lighting spectrum I would say Orphek understands it best.

image.jpeg
image.png
 

jeff669

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what do you mean with the nm 300? what does nm mean i cant go past 100 percent?
 

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Do you use lunar for night? your recommended settings are the 100 percent settings during day? What about ramp down does AI director automatically lower settings as night comes? Sorry I am very new to LED lighting and don't understand fully.
 

jeff669

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Ok I set my lights to your specs. You mention 3 month ramp up of 40 percent then to 100 percent. Beings i have been using these lights for a few weeks can i just go ahead and use your full lighting specs at each colors intensity today. I had everything prior at 60 percent all colors at the peak of day.
 

GnarleyMarley

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This may b a dumb question but if the channel goes over 100% to say 135% isn't 135% really 100%? Kinda like going to a restaurant that dosent sell small instead they have lg, xl, &super lg is really small, xl is lg, and super is xl?
 

GnarleyMarley

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This may b a dumb question but if the channel goes over 100% to say 135% isn't 135% really 100%? Kinda like going to a restaurant that dosent sell small instead they have lg, xl, &super lg is really small, xl is lg, and super is xl?
 
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RareEarthCorals

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Up to you how you run your lights. My schedule is just a guide. Ramp up and down times is up to you. My suggestion is read, as much as I did! That way you know how and why. You can then decide whats right for you.

Any new lighting schedule should be tempered overtime for your corals to adjust.
 

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