Kessil 360x with 35 degree reflector, my attempt at hidden lighting

[WDKegge]

Currently in the process of rebuilding my tank and am switching to kessils, was curious if anyone had par numbers, or experience mounting the a360x's at 2 and 1/2 feet above a tank. I will be using kessil's 35 degree narrow reflector.

I was inspired by my LFS new display tank:

I've attempted to ask this question in several other places but I feel as if people don't understand that I will be using the VERY NARROW reflector that kessil sells, not their 55 degree one. I currently use this on a mangrove tank that I have



Also has anyone ever mounted theirs inside a can light? The idea is that I'm going to tuck the lights completely into the ceiling so that you won't actually see the lights. I plan on drilling holes in the top of the can light retrofit housing, NOT THE LIGHT ITSELF.

 

[shwareefer]

I'm absolutely sure I watched a BRS video where Randy and Ryan ceiling mounted a 360x and narrow reflector and had par data, but I can't find it now. This isn't it, lol.

 

[dedragon]

I would look into 2 a500x in the future (if par is low or a light dies), these are meant to be mounted higher

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[dedragon]

You may want to add a simple usb computer fan in the top angled down at the fins to let fresh air in to each kessil light. Those housings to mount the kessil unit in the ceiling could cause hot air to recirculate and cause overheating problems down the line if not cleaned out regularly (possible problem but not definite)

 

[dedragon]

looks amazing though, definitely might look at that route in the future, do the lights blind you if you look up though?

 

[oreo54]

I'm absolutely sure I watched a BRS video where Randy and Ryan ceiling mounted a 360x and narrow reflector and had par data, but I can't find it now. This isn't it, lol.

Actually that gives one a semi-decent way of calculating (though roughly as you will see in a bit)
First this:


The 35 degree equiv to that is at 21.5"..
The 130 degree equiv is 3"and not 8" .
Due to the painted back glass the par table numbers in back is skewed low by light loss from the lack of reflection
in glass (long story)


Of course you are looking at 30" height..
Within short ranges PAR loss is more linear than logarithmic.

Soo a guesstimation on their setup is about 185 PAR at the water surface.
For one light of course.
Spread is about 19" (assuming a point light source, dia of lens comes into play here a bit, as does losses)

PAR at depth of course will depend on how deep the tank is but this would be a starting point.
And how many spread out (and overlapping) makes a big difference.

I know all an approximation prone to some error but should give you a ballpark est. of what you have.
Your LFS never took measurements?

Data using a 500x:

BRStv Investigates Kessil A500X LED Light

Ryan and Randy dive deep into the performance data in our latest BRStv Investigates episode focused on the brand NEW Kessil A500X LED Lights.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Keep in mind a lot of the above is for a "balanced" lighting i.e f/b coverage at all depths.
As you can see from the 500x it is for max par at depth and sub-optimal coverage at the surface.
Technically that would be "fixed" by increasing the # of lights.

BTW 500x is about twice the wattage as a 360x
divide by 2..