Upgrade lighting? 60 gallon cube

[dcw1sfu]

Hey guys currently in my 60 cube that is a mixed reef SPS dominant I'm running a single non controllable Reef radiance dm-155e

http://reefradiance.com/old-dm-155e.html

Wondering if upgrading this light would help increase coral growth and color.

If so what is your recommendation without breaking the bank at over $700

[Coral Hoarder]

I would look at the ever grow fixtures love mine but I prefer t5 over LEDs any day

[dcw1sfu]

Would T5 alone be enough light for SPS in a 24 x24 x24 and if so what fixture would you recommend.

Are evergrow apex controllable? I was looking at the hydra 52 dunno if that's over board or if theres a better option that would have better coverage.

[Coral Hoarder]

O for sure! aslong as you had 4 or 5 bulbs and went with the bluer end of the spectrum there's lots of fixtures out there only thing is I wouldnt go for any thing plastic
Try the teck lights ati or Hamilton I'm running a 6 bulb Hamilton over my 30 only using four bulbs grows sps great

No idea if there apex controllable I don't own a controller haha perhaps some one can chime in here

Hydra 52 s look awsome in terms of specs and from the tanks iv seen they are pretty cool LEDs

[dcw1sfu]

So you currently run t5 in conjunction with your evergrow?

[Coral Hoarder]

I have a 30 gallon with t5 four bulb
And a 29 with an ever grow d120

[dcw1sfu]

ok thanks for the info.

Hmm wonder if the Hydras alone would be a good upgrade or if I should just go all in for the Hydra 52's

[ReEf BoSs]

Hydra 52 is probably overkill look at hydra or hydra 26 with director and ext mount. My opinion its the best bang for buck, nicest look. I say over kill on the hydra 52 because most people do not run there lights at 100 percent.

[dcw1sfu]

Ok thanks for the input. If i went with either the hydra or hydra 52 do i need any aditional items to hook them up to my apex or just the Apex AXM module.

[duncangweller]

I have a hydra 52 over my 93 cube with ext mount and I like it. You don't need anything extra with the apex either. It is programmed for AI equipment.

[dcw1sfu]

I have a hydra 52 over my 93 cube with ext mount and I like it. You don't need anything extra with the apex either. It is programmed for AI equipment.

Hmm this seems the most tempting. So I don't even need to purchase the apex Ai module. I'm assuming that although it's gonna be overpowered for me it also has a better spectrum and UV then the original hydra?

[duncangweller]

Oops....I lied. I just double checked and turns out I bought an apex AI AWM module. Sorry for getting your hopes up

[ReEf BoSs]

Hmm this seems the most tempting. So I don't even need to purchase the apex Ai module. I'm assuming that although it's gonna be overpowered for me it also has a better spectrum and UV then the original hydra?

I beleave they are the same spectrums. Hydra 52 just has double of the hydra 26 leds at a slightly less power per led. Which should give you a bit more control like more blues to get more blue output over all , while turning down greens, white and reds with the extra leds.

Hydra is 20 leds 95 watts
Hydra 26 is 26 leds 95 watts
Hydra 52 is 52 leds 135 watts