JBJ 45 with Kessil 360 N light issue

[ENARP]

I have a JBJ 45 with a Kessil 360 N. It is positioned in the center of the tank. My problem is that everything is growing towards the light in the center of the tank. This is causing crowding and shadowing problem. I apparently need a light with more tank coverage. My Kessil is on a Kessil arm mounted in the center of the back and my tank has a BRS net cover. It appears that I need a light which covers more of the tank without concentrating everything towards the center. I need a light with a fixture that will attach to the back of the tank and still allow me to remove the filter baskets on each end of the AIO back and also allow me to continue to use the top screen cover. I guess I need to see what other JBJ 45 owners have.

 

[mcarroll]

I guess I need to see what other JBJ 45 owners have.

Always good to take a look around for ideas!

I'd suggest either a pair (or more) of smaller lights such as the A160's (Kessil recommends two or three as minimum) or a strip-LED solution like the Orbit Pro. Depending on your mounting situation and corals/clams you keep, you might want a DUAL unit, but a single can get the job done. Two Orbit IC's should work well too.

Really, anything that spreads the watts out over the surface more than your single puck currently does will be better.

 

[Bob Escher]

I saw those A160 on a innovative Marine 30 gallon and it had two on it. I was not at all impressed with them.
They really disPointed me as I was looking at them

I have a Zetlight 6500 that I like a lot and it does fine
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/zt-6500a-led-light-apex-ready-zetlight.html

I am thinking about getting a Radion xr30. Think that would be great on the tank

 

[Mpierce]

Maybe add an a80 to each side.

 

[427HISS]

Just to make positive, are you sure it's not the "N", narrow series ?

 

[Chrisfish]

I have the jbj 30 gal AIO and am using the kessil 360 and the 160 tuna blue , felt like I was getting to much shadowing with just the 360. FWIW:)

 

[Maacc]

I have a maxspect razor 180 watt with a T5 retro fit currently on my jbj 45. If you want to keep the kessil, I would definitely add 1 more probably the we version. I had a 160 we to go with my Maxspect to try and keep a clam before my melanurus wrasse vetoed my idea. :mad:

 

[ENARP]

I am not sold on keeping the Kessil. It has been a great light, but the coverage is questionable. In order to not have to totally rearrange all of my equipment, I need a light with a central connection point and more tank coverage. The current Kessil light is on the Kessil arm that is connected in the center of the back of the tank. I need a light with a single center connection point. Wife is not going to let me hang stuff from the ceiling or the wall! Not sure
if you can see where the arm is connected in this picture, but need suggestions on a light that attaches similar.

 

[Reefmon]

Following along. I'm working on a jbj 45 and thought about a kessil. I'm glad I came across the thread

 

[ENARP]

I emailed Kessil and they responded saying that the 360N series only had an 18" coverage and that adding a second light was recommended. Not sure if I want to add another Kessil 360w or just replace this light with another. I prefer not to use anything that would require installing a wall mounted bracket or one that has brackets that rest on the sides of the tank. Really need one with a bracket that attaches to the back of tank as the Kessil does. So I may be stuck adding another Kessil because of that. Any suggestions on a rear mount light that has a 24" coverage?

 

[Bob Escher]

They told me the Same thing. Did you look at the ecotech's or the AI Hydra's I like both
I have a Zetlight 6500 on my 45 does a pretty good job and only running it at 30% for white is 60%
It doesn't have a back bracket but brackets across the tank
Another one is AI Prime HD's I'm very impressed with them you would need two though
I have seen it on a 24x20 but depth wasn't too hot ( one only)

 

[ENARP]

After looking online I am thinking my best decision may be a 360W. I have the mount and the programmer already and I can just remove the existing and mount the new one. Already wired and programmed. See how much coverage improves. If it is not adequate, buy another mount and daisy chain the lights. Opinions? Making a Mistake?

 

[mcarroll]

Keep in mind the need to lower the 360W when you get it. Usually 3-4" off the water is plenty.

 

[Bob Escher]

Wow my LFS has 360's on their frag tanks and they are super high about 18 inches from the water

 

[mcarroll]

Maybe they are N models?

If they are W's maybe they're trying to cover multiple tanks or something?

At any rate, it makes sense in retail to keep the lights up off the tanks for viewing and for access.

At home, keeping the light in the tank is my priority. That means placing the light based on the angle of the lenses and minimizing light-spill. ;)

 

[Bob Escher]

True probably for viewing

 

[Maacc]

With your mounting preference definitely another kessil. 2 lights angling in to reduce shadowing.

 

[ENARP]

Just thinking....If I go with 2 lights, would another 360 N , giving me 2 "N' lights, be better than having one "N" and one "W"? Seeing that the W would have to be lower.......

 

[mcarroll]

Having them matched would be very ideal, no matter which you decide on. :)

 

[ENARP]

Ok....New Kessil 360 N will be here tomorrow.... Controller has two ports so the new light will be on the same schedule as the first. When I double the amount of light in the tank...how long before I will see negative affects on things. I am asking this because low and behold I have to go out of town on business the weekend of Easter for a week. Should I wait till I get back to change things or will I see what is happening in a weeks time. Just my luck going to be within a few blocks of Reefapalooza at the wrong time. Story of my life!