Will Hydra 26 HD cover.....

Robert's Reef · Oct 13, 2018

Hello everyone. An old Hydra, (it has four pucks and 5 channels in each puck), the blue channels are no longer working on one of the fixtures. AI doesn't have any replacement pucks and therefore has offered me a discount on the HD model. (I'm staying with Hydras because my current configuration utilizes their hanging and mounting kits and therefore it'll be easy to switch the old for the new. And also I like the fixtures.)

My 100 gal. tank has a length of 48", 24"W and 20" tall. The fixtures hand 10" above the water level and are separated 7.5".

Do you think that 2 Hydra 26 HDs would be a good replacement for these 2 old 4 puck hydras?

Thanks, Robert

hanas · Oct 13, 2018

Not sure what kind of corals you have but I would recommend 2 - 52’s over that tank. My tank is primarily SPS and I’m running 3 - 52Hds over it and the tank size is 48” x 28” x 24H.

With just 2 - 26’s, you’ll have a lot of shadowing.

SilverCityReef · Oct 13, 2018

I just bought a Hydra 26 off someone earlier today for my 40B and I know I'm gunna need at least 2 to keep high enough par throughout tank for SPS and my tank measurements are only about 36x18x17. I may go with 3 on mine just to avoid overworking the units and create an even spread.

Coastie Reefer · Oct 13, 2018

SilverCityReef said:
I just bought a Hydra 26 off someone earlier today for my 40B and I know I'm gunna need at least 2 to keep high enough par throughout tank for SPS and my tank measurements are only about 36x18x17. I may go with 3 on mine just to avoid overworking the units and create an even spread.

3 26’s on a 40B will boil the water. Two is plenty.

hanas · Oct 13, 2018

Agreed, you won’t need more than 2 over a 40B. You can grow anything you want, anywhere with 2.

SilverCityReef · Oct 13, 2018

Coastie Reefer said:
3 26’s on a 40B will boil the water. Two is plenty.

hanas said:
Agreed, you won’t need more than 2 over a 40B. You can grow anything you want, anywhere with 2.

Thank you guys. I was just worried about overworking the lights or having too much of an uneven spread.

Buddy1234 · Oct 13, 2018

Robert's Reef said:
Hello everyone. An old Hydra, (it has four pucks and 5 channels in each puck), the blue channels are no longer working on one of the fixtures. AI doesn't have any replacement pucks and therefore has offered me a discount on the HD model. (I'm staying with Hydras because my current configuration utilizes their hanging and mounting kits and therefore it'll be easy to switch the old for the new. And also I like the fixtures.)

My 100 gal. tank has a length of 48", 24"W and 20" tall. The fixtures hand 10" above the water level and are separated 7.5".

Do you think that 2 Hydra 26 HDs would be a good replacement for these 2 old 4 puck hydras?

Thanks, Robert

I have a 70 gallon Cad Lights 36"x24"x18" with 2 Hydra 26HD and it is barely enough. I am thinking of adding more light. So for a 48" I think it would not be enough. You would be better with Hydra 52's.