Mitras LX7 Vs Hydras 52

[bwmalloy]

I am currently researching the upgrade of my lighting from MH to LED. I have 180g mixed reef tank with standard dimensions of 72" x 24" x 24". After all the research over the last 3 weeks, I have narrowed my search down to the Hydras 52 and the Mitras LX7. For my tank I will need 3 fixtures. The Mitras will total ~$650 more than the Hydras not including hanging kits, etc.

Are the Mitras worth $650 more? What do I get for that extra money that makes it worth it? $650 is a significant amount of money for me.

 

[gcarroll]

The Mitras is a more powerful light. A more fair comparison would be 4 - Hydra 52 HD vs. 3 - Mitras LX7

 

[gus6464]

^x10000

Reflector always beats optic. Hydra is a hotspot machine whereas the mitras will have less color banding and more even spread of light.

 

[gcarroll]

Good point gus. Forgot to mention that.

 

[gcarroll]

^x10000

Reflector always beats optic. Hydra is a hotspot machine whereas the mitras will have less color banding and more even spread of light.

Also i might add that I like the led puck spacing on the Mitras as the pucks are spaced around the perimeter rather than down the middle which should help reduce shadowing.

 

[gus6464]

Also i might add that I like the led puck spacing on the Mitras as the pucks are spaced around the perimeter rather than down the middle which should help reduce shadowing.

Yeah the mitras casts a considerably larger blanket of even light throughout compared to the Hydra. It's really just a better light overall. Not even the Radion g4 compares.

 

[bwmalloy]

Thanks, gus and gcarroll. I need to spend more time considering.....er..... I mean, saving.

 

[Velcro]

Saw a mitras in person for the first time this week. Probably the best led color blending I've seen (under kessil of course).

 

[bwmalloy]

Looks like I have decided on the Mitras. Most likely going with 3 fixtures. Any thoughts on the cheapest place to get them?

 

[bwmalloy]

An update on this, 2 months later. I settled on the Current Orbit Marine Pro Dual 72". It is installed and doing great for the last 2 weeks. I had one minor programming issue but it was user error. I have started at 40% and only this morning did I move my blues up to 45% intensity. I love this LED fixture except for the user interface. I think for that much money, I'd like to have some controllability using an app or USB connection to a computer.

 

[gcarroll]

Wow, didn't expect to see that kind of update. What made you choose the Current over the GHL and AI?

 

[bwmalloy]

Money. I really wanted those Mitras but I ended up saving myself $1.2k and getting plenty of light for ANYTHING I want to grow in my tank. Since I've got 180g, 72" wide X 24" length, I needed at least 3 Mitras fixtures. I ended up finding the Marine Pro on Reeftec.com for far less than I found it on other links. And, there customer service was great with questions.

Anyone know how to tag someone in these posts? mcarroll helped me out BIG TIME with working me through this "rebuild." He expelled a lot of myths for me.

 

[gcarroll]

Money. I really wanted those Mitras but I ended up saving myself $1.2k and getting plenty of light for ANYTHING I want to grow in my tank. Since I've got 180g, 72" wide X 24" length, I needed at least 3 Mitras fixtures. I ended up finding the Marine Pro on Reeftec.com for far less than I found it on other links. And, there customer service was great with questions.

Anyone know how to tag someone in these posts? mcarroll helped me out BIG TIME with working me through this "rebuild." He expelled a lot of myths for me.

@mcarroll

 

[GoVols]

An update on this, 2 months later. I settled on the Current Orbit Marine Pro Dual 72". It is installed and doing great for the last 2 weeks. I had one minor programming issue but it was user error. I have started at 40% and only this morning did I move my blues up to 45% intensity. I love this LED fixture except for the user interface. I think for that much money, I'd like to have some controllability using an app or USB connection to a computer.

Well, We meet again. :)

You saved the money and as you know, I've ran the OMP in the past. With that said I don't put them in the league with AI's and if it were me I'd gone with the GHL Mitra 7's all the way.

The OMP is a nice light for the money, if they fit the niche your looking for.

 

[bwmalloy]

Yah, that's exactly the key... $. I was able to get the light performance I wanted for a really good price. And, I figured that after I go through the pain of acclimation and get a setting I like, I won't be messing with the programming much. So, the user interface issue is really only a problem now and for the next few months. At least, I hope.....

 

[GoVols]

Yah, that's exactly the key... $. I was able to get the light performance I wanted for a really good price. And, I figured that after I go through the pain of acclimation and get a setting I like, I won't be messing with the programming much. So, the user interface issue is really only a problem now and for the next few months. At least, I hope.....

I just hope they can fulfill your reefs lighting needs.

Please keep us updated.

Regards, GoVols

 

[bwmalloy]

Will do. I need to get some better pics of the overall display but these are the pics of the lights installed.

 

[GoVols]

Will do. I need to get some better pics of the overall display but these are the pics of the lights installed.

Good Call!
You've got them resting just above the water line. :)

 

[bwmalloy]

Yah, I was going to hang them from the canopy because I wasn't sure of the legs would make it to both sides of the tank but they worked perfectly. And, this allows me to bring it close to the water so I can get the depth I want. I need to get a light meter to see how far down the light is penetrating but I'm sure it's pretty good. I would really love to get one of those nice PAR meters but I can't justify the cost.

 

[GoVols]

Yeah, They're a lot of $$$$$$$$$$.

My local reef club lets us share a meter. :)