Choosing among the Kessil lights for an Acro dominant setup

[flyfisher2]

I'm looking for advice on a Kessil light choice. The tank is 60 X 24 X 24. It will be an Acropora dominant set up. I've spoken to hobbyist and read numerous threads recommending the Kessil A360's, the ap 700's, or the AP9X for mixed reefs and or combined in a hybrid set up with T5's, LED strips like the Orphek Blue strips or ReefBrights when going for the extra coverage needed in Acro dominant reefs. I'd rather not have to supplement with a secondary light source.
Would the a500 be adequate for this type setup without the need for supplemental lighting in a tank this size if sufficient height were obtained ?
I'd love to hear from people who are actually using the lights and can share their experience with these lights. Thanks in advance reefers!

 

[flyfisher2]

Nice! Orpheks don't have great blending and spread when mounted below 14" or so. If you ever decide to move back to LED bars, then check out Quanta Pro bars. With Kessil's, you'll need to cover acropora on all sides to minimize shading, all point source lights are like this, regardless of brand.

I'm really liking what I'm seeing in terms of coral response with the T5's and the Kessil's at the moment. Kinda the best of both worlds. I guess time will tell.

 

[minus9]

I'm really liking what I'm seeing in terms of coral response with the T5's and the Kessil's at the moment. Kinda the best of both worlds. I guess time will tell.

My best sps nano tank was lit by Kessil/T5. It's a great combo for sure.

 

[Seansea]

Do the t5s knock down da bomb shimmer the the kessils give. Thinking of adding a couple led strips just to supplement by dont want it muting the shimmer

 

[flyfisher2]

Do the t5s knock down da bomb shimmer the the kessils give. Thinking of adding a couple led strips just to supplement by dont want it muting the shimmer

It's 4 bulbs and they do soften it a bit and in the process, fill every nook and cranny with light. I leave the kessils on after the t5's go out and the shimmer and contrast is amazing. They are my 6 to closing lights.

 

[flyfisher2]

 

[flyfisher2]

I wish I could post video to show you difference in shimmer but it’s not working for me
I’m sure I’m doing something wrong

 

[Seansea]

Tks. Think i might add a strip just to fill in. Mine is a mixxed reef and the actual spot light style works good for keeping sps right under light and and lps and softies off to the side. Gives a high light to low light effect

 

[flyfisher2]

Tks. Think i might add a strip just to fill in. Mine is a mixxed reef and the actual spot light style works good for keeping sps right under light and and lps and softies off to the side. Gives a high light to low light effect

post pics, would love to see it.

 

[Seansea]

Only 5 1/2 months old

Got the stylo and monti right under the hot spot and lps off to side. The jack o lantern and cyphastrea in middle and growing like crazy. Think i put euphyllia to high. Might move em.

 

[flyfisher2]

Only 5 1/2 months old

Got the stylo and monti right under the hot spot and lps off to side. The jack o lantern and cyphastrea in middle and growing like crazy. Think i put euphyllia to high. Might move em.

Looking good and even more so for such a young tank. Why do you want it move the Euphyllia?

 

[Seansea]

The hammers dont open completeyl and right next to them is prime acro real estate right under the kessil

 

[flyfisher2]

Go slowly and and watch closely. You don't want to bake them. I've done that.

 

[Seansea]

ok tks for the heads up. Does look like some little stalks are growing off side so dont want to hurt the baby hammers. Not a 100% i want to move them to be honest

 

[Genvid]

I have two Kessil AP9X on RedSea 350, but I still use it for LPS. I like corals.

 

[Seansea]

I have two Kessil AP9X on RedSea 350, but I still use it for LPS. I like corals.

Nice tank bro.

 

[Genvid]

Nice tank bro.

Thank you, I have been studying for a long time, almost two years, I have lost a lot. But I am still learning every day.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Only 5 1/2 months old

Got the stylo and monti right under the hot spot and lps off to side. The jack o lantern and cyphastrea in middle and growing like crazy. Think i put euphyllia to high. Might move em.

If you need a hand anytime, I am 15 minutes from you in Newport. Tank looks good! I also run Kessils.

 

[Seansea]

If you need a hand anytime, I am 15 minutes from you in Newport. Tank looks good! I also run Kessils.

Tks bro. About to hit up this cherry coral in livonia live sale.

But if you cuttin some frags on those sweet corals in your tank some time let me know so i can get a nugget.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Tks bro. About to hit up this cherry coral in livonia live sale.

But if you cuttin some frags on those sweet corals in your tank some time let me know so i can get a nugget.

Can't go wrong with Cherry Coral! Todd and Brett will take care of you. I always have frags. I just don't list sales on here as I don't ship.