Lighting question.

beginnerreefer04 · Nov 20, 2023

Hello, I have two ai hydra 32’s and I’m running a mixed reef. My tank is a 36x24x24 I am wondering what level I should set my lights at. I am going to rent a par meter but until then where should I be sitting.

Enchanted Reefs · Nov 21, 2023

They seem really high up there. Probably 75%. I would lower them and turn them down to 60%

Fish Styx · Nov 21, 2023

beginnerreefer04 said:
Hello, I have two ai hydra 32’s and I’m running a mixed reef. My tank is a 36x24x24 I am wondering what level I should set my lights at. I am going to rent a par meter but until then where should I be sitting.

The manufacturer's reccomended height for the Hydra 32 is 8 -10" above the waterline. The picture and my old eyes make it difficult to see if there is coral in your tank. If there is, I would move them down slowly so that you don't shock anything and adjust the intensity accordingly.

beginnerreefer04 · Nov 21, 2023

Fish Styx said:
The manufacturer's reccomended height for the Hydra 32 is 8 -10" above the waterline. The picture and my old eyes make it difficult to see if there is coral in your tank. If there is, I would move them down slowly so that you don't shock anything and adjust the intensity accordingly.

They are mounted exactly 14 inches above the water line. This was tested to be the most even spread of light for the hydra 32 by brs. I do have corals I have one Acan and another sps can’t remember the name and have created a collection of lps and zoas. I had them at 30% as to not burn anyone since I haven’t had a par meter. Considering everyone has said 60-75% I have moved them to 50% for tomorrow I will rent a par meter soon

Enchanted Reefs · Nov 21, 2023

beginnerreefer04 said:
They are mounted exactly 14 inches above the water line. This was tested to be the most even spread of light for the hydra 32 by brs. I do have corals I have one Acan and another sps can’t remember the name and have created a collection of lps and zoas. I had them at 30% as to not burn anyone since I haven’t had a par meter. Considering everyone has said 60-75% I have moved them to 50% for tomorrow I will rent a par meter soon

You seem to have a ton of light spillage though. Did brs have the exact same tank as yours? Other wise I would lower them. Your tank seems pretty tall and the rock is pretty down low I don’t think you will have an issue if you lower them. I keep my lights 8” above the surface for the purpose of minimizing light spillage and having the light blasting my eyes because I personally find it quite annoying