AI Hydra or Vega??

[Phil]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Here is a quick comparo...

Vega Color 95W max power
4 - Cree XM-L Cool White
8 - Cree XP-E Royal Blue
2 - Cree XP-E Blue
2 - OSRAM OSLON Deep Blue
2 - Cree XP-E Green
2 - OSRAM OSLON Deep Red

Vega Blue 95W max power
4 - Cree XM-L Cool White
8 - Cree XP-E Royal Blue
4 - Cree XP-E Blue
4 - OSRAM OSLON Deep Blue

Hydra 95W max power



I like the fact that the Hydra has UV and is $100 less. We have not been selling many Vegas since the Hydra came out. IMO the Hydra is the best LED you can buy for the money. Are there better units out there, yes, but you're not going to pay $400!

Ray

U can buy the upgrade kits for the sols can't u ray?

[Acrowhora]

I'd personally go with the Hydra(good price point and color spectrum)had the Vega color,and I didn't like it,I ended selling it.im planning to upgrade to a bigger tank and keeping the Hydra in mind(also t5s) just waiting for boss' aka the wife approval.

[waynemah]

I have 6 Hydras over my tank.


Switched from a DIY setup looking for better coverage. Programming is pretty easy and there IS a difference in look when you mess with the colors. The nice feature is the spectrum coverage in the UV - Blue area. It's as programmable as you need them to be. Running higher violet and UV really makes the LPS POP! While some of the SPS reacted poorly (slightly darker coloration).

I wish they went away with the red's and greens and replaced them with neutral white and another royal blue... The color separation increases along with the algae. Neutral white would have enough red and green in it, while providing more light to better balance the blue.

Expect to place these lights about 12" - 15" above your water. The spread is ok when you put lots over your tank... But I believe the SOL has better overall coverage.

I'll leave you all with a crappy iPhone picture of the tank with the lights...

[Reef Supplies]

@ Wayne, your tank looks fantastic man! I love the aquascape.

@ Phil, It's an expensive upgrade. Speaking as a hobbiest I would much rather sell the SOL's and upgrade to Hydra. You can easily get 200-225 for used SOL's so it will end costing you less/same than upgrading.

Ray