I'm about to pull the trigger on this light with spectral controller. Was really hoping to see some Fathers Day sales on it but no dice. In any event I'm curious about durability. Anyone have this light going for more than 3 years? I'm not even sure if it's been out for that long.
Kessil A160 Durability
- Thread starter Vinh
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I've been running 160's for 7ish months on my current tank. Actually one of the lights was on my previous tanks so it is over 2 years old.
I have a set of A160s running now with the controller. But upgrading to the AP700 coming in today. The A160s are great lights. Had them for about 5 months. I love them. Just wanted the stronger AP700. My soft corals and bird nests do great with these lights. Will be selling them.
First tank the light was setup on. 27 Gallon Marineland Cube -
This was a transition tank. 20 Gallon long with the BADFISH AIO kit installed -
Kessil Gooseneck VS 8020 Mount I made
Couple videos I've done on the light and mounting options.
This was a transition tank. 20 Gallon long with the BADFISH AIO kit installed -
Kessil Gooseneck VS 8020 Mount I made
Couple videos I've done on the light and mounting options.
I asked Kessil what the expected lifespan for these lights. I was surprised by the answer and was expecting closer to 10 years although they did say even more. I figure 10 hours a day x 365 days a year x 10 years = 36,500 hours. No where near the common number of 50,000. I'm guessing it's more the drivers and such that fails before the LED lights.
From Kessil customer support:
"With proper maintenance, I suggest reviewing your user manual, these lights are capable of lasting up to 5 years or even more! In general, LED lights has a burning life span of 50,000 hours in its optimal environment. We have many customers who have shared their experience with us and most customers have the lights up to five years. However, you have to keep in mind that this depends on the regular maintenance for the lights and its environment."
From Kessil customer support:
"With proper maintenance, I suggest reviewing your user manual, these lights are capable of lasting up to 5 years or even more! In general, LED lights has a burning life span of 50,000 hours in its optimal environment. We have many customers who have shared their experience with us and most customers have the lights up to five years. However, you have to keep in mind that this depends on the regular maintenance for the lights and its environment."
In all honesty I am so deep into this reef tank, if a $200 light fails I am doing good! haha It would be more devastating if the tank cracked and water got on all of my equipment AND my home, and even more devastating if my tank crashed and I lost all of the coral and fish I have. Since the livestock is live the highest priority goes to making sure they have the absolute best environment I can provide.
Yeah I'm seriously reconsidering going back to my original decision to go with the A80. This is going over a 10 gallon standard nano so it will be sufficient for my needs. Kessil is telling me that they have small tanks with SPS doing very well under the A80 (with the caveat that it does depend on the type of SPS though). I may try beginner SPS at some point which is why I initial considered the A160 but I think the A80 will be fine. I do think heat is the biggest enemy with LED fixtures and the heat sink design of the A80 seems very efficient.
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