Lighting Question

[mbsloan]

I know this is probably dumb.

I am starting a new reef tank. Have tons of freshwater experience but this will be my first saltwater.

Got a 63” Peninsula. Getting the lighting setup. I am going to go with 3-4 AI Hydra 44HD’s.

Which orientation are those supposed to be mounted? They are 11x6. My tank is 63x24. Should the 11” side go towards the width of the tank or the length of the tank.

All my planted grow lights are “blade style” so wanted to get these lights right so I can get some coral into this tank!

 

[tbrown]

It's really entirely up to your preference. The coverage is supposed to be 30" x 30" square so turning it 90 degrees shouldn't affect the lighting.

 

[Shirak]

The spread on AI hydra are not great. I used 3 on my 55g. With the dimensions of your tank you would best mount them with the 11” side parallel with the 24” width IMO. And you would need 4 to cover the 63” dimension. AI are overpriced…. App is nice but I would look into Reefi uno which I have and they are amazing or some other brands. Check out the lighting forum.