Calling all Kessil fans for IM20 help

[AudioJunkie]

Thanks to everyone that chimed in with recommendations, I now have lots more to ponder over

I’ll update y’all whenever I make my final decision!

 

[AudioJunkie]

Hey!!

Just wanted to give everybody an update.

I decided to go with the single 360

It was between the Kessil, Blade, or a Quanta Helix bar and it was actually a tough decision I thought probably too long and hard about

Since this tank is going in our living room I wanted more of a “sleek” and “elegant” look, which the Kessil does an excellent job of with it being a small pendant. This tank is also only 20 gallons, I only plan to have a handful or corals, so wall to wall even coverage is not needed.

Another reason is tank access. I feel it will be much easier to work in the tank and not have to fiddle with bars that span and sit on the tank.

Finally, I did decide I want controllability. I wanted a light that has spectrum and time controllability. Granted, I need a $100 dongle for the Kessil, but I would need multiple Helix bars to mix spectrum and then they are either on or off. The Blades have good controllability but alas, it is a bar that will sit on the tank.

So, after that long winded post, I feel like the Kessil would be the best light for my situation.

Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[minus9]

Hey!!

Just wanted to give everybody an update.

I decided to go with the single 360

It was between the Kessil, Blade, or a Quanta Helix bar and it was actually a tough decision I thought probably too long and hard about

Since this tank is going in our living room I wanted more of a “sleek” and “elegant” look, which the Kessil does an excellent job of with it being a small pendant. This tank is also only 20 gallons, I only plan to have a handful or corals, so wall to wall even coverage is not needed.

Another reason is tank access. I feel it will be much easier to work in the tank and not have to fiddle with bars that span and sit on the tank.

Finally, I did decide I want controllability. I wanted a light that has spectrum and time controllability. Granted, I need a $100 dongle for the Kessil, but I would need multiple Helix bars to mix spectrum and then they are either on or off. The Blades have good controllability but alas, it is a bar that will sit on the tank.

So, after that long winded post, I feel like the Kessil would be the best light for my situation.

Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated!

Check FB marketplace and here for a used dongle, they pop up all the time.

 

[MKEnovice]

Hey!!

Just wanted to give everybody an update.

I decided to go with the single 360

It was between the Kessil, Blade, or a Quanta Helix bar and it was actually a tough decision I thought probably too long and hard about

Since this tank is going in our living room I wanted more of a “sleek” and “elegant” look, which the Kessil does an excellent job of with it being a small pendant. This tank is also only 20 gallons, I only plan to have a handful or corals, so wall to wall even coverage is not needed.

Another reason is tank access. I feel it will be much easier to work in the tank and not have to fiddle with bars that span and sit on the tank.

Finally, I did decide I want controllability. I wanted a light that has spectrum and time controllability. Granted, I need a $100 dongle for the Kessil, but I would need multiple Helix bars to mix spectrum and then they are either on or off. The Blades have good controllability but alas, it is a bar that will sit on the tank.

So, after that long winded post, I feel like the Kessil would be the best light for my situation.

Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for updating, I'm currently in the same dilemma for a 25 lagoon.

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

I have an IM20 on order and the last piece of the puzzle is lighting.

I’m stuck betwixed a single A360X or dual A160WE’s

I feel like I’ll be able to run the 160’s closer to the tank with lower power while the 360 would have to be mounted higher and cranked up a tad more. However, I also feel the single light would be better aesthetically.

As far as control, I’m not really concerned with the fancy controllers ATM. But, if I ever wanted to get fancy, the 360 has the Wi-Fi dongle available for app control while the 160’s are only controllable through the spectral controller.

The tank will not be setup until the beginning of October as we have a week long vacation planned at the end of September so I have plenty of time to save up for the $78 extra it would be for the dual 160’s.

As far as plans for the tank, I’m a noob and will only be doing a handful of beginner corals like some zoa, duncan, blasto and a hammer.

Sorry for the long post but I’d really appreciate some input from all of you!

One thing to consider is that Kessils are a very compact single-point light source, which creates a sharp, pronounced shimmer because there isn’t much fill light to soften it. With two overlapping pucks, you can end up doubling the shimmer lines, which many people may find chaotic or distracting. I'd wager 80% of reefers would prefer the shimmer from one 360.

Two fixtures would provide better coverage and help reduce the shadowing that compact light sources are known for, but less important with the corals you mentioned.

I also always had trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi dongle and much preferred using the Spectral Controller.

 

[AudioJunkie]

One thing to consider is that Kessils are a very compact single-point light source, which creates a sharp, pronounced shimmer because there isn’t much fill light to soften it. With two overlapping pucks, you can end up doubling the shimmer lines, which many people may find chaotic or distracting. I'd wager 80% of reefers would prefer the shimmer from one 360.

Two fixtures would provide better coverage and help reduce the shadowing that compact light sources are known for, but less important with the corals you mentioned.

I also always had trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi dongle and much preferred using the Spectral Controller.

Good thing I went with the one 360! I don’t want it too distracting sitting in the living room

I’m actually wanting the shadowing I think it would just add to appeal and the look of the tank. I’m just planning on 4 fish and a handful of corals, definitely not a packed coral machine.

I’ll check out the spectral controller a little more, thanks for the tip!

Also, I’m digging your SR content, excited for these daily videos and really excited for the SR150 content!!

 

[MichaelReefer]

Personally id go bigger and run the light on a lower setting, also if you ever get a bigger tank (which you will eventually lol) you can use it.

Nevermind- you already did.

if you have spill-over, check out Printed Reefs magnetic shades. I added them to my 360s, helped a lot.

 

[AudioJunkie]

Personally id go bigger and run the light on a lower setting, also if you ever get a bigger tank (which you will eventually lol) you can use it.

Nevermind- you already did.

if you have spill-over, check out Printed Reefs magnetic shades. I added them to my 360s, helped a lot.

I already have a Tideline 47

This one is for my daughter because she really wants “goldie” fish (she calls clownfish goldie fish ), this smaller tank I’m able to get going a lot sooner than I can get the Tideline going.

I’ll definitely check them out, thanks!!