Kessil AP9X for SPS

[Anthrax15]

I'm currently in the process of putting together a tank build and was looking for some opinions in regards to Kessil lighting. The tank will be a 40g mixed reef and I was considering going with the Kessil AP9X for total coverage and the set-and-forget-it style lighting it provides. If I didn't end up getting the Kessil, I was going to go with 2x Ecotech XR15's. I prefer the royal blue/actinic style look and was curious how SPS coloration/growth has been going for people using either the AP9X or A360X Tuna Blue lighting.

Im looking to avoid the blanket lighting look where everything kinda blends together, similar to if you only ran metal halides.

1. Are you using only Kessil lighting or supplement lighting like T5 for full coloration?
2. Are you getting good growth out of your colonies in comparison to other LED brands?
3. Are you running a more actinic deep blue/royal blue light schedule with good success?

 

[reefwiser]

I had better luck with the Ecotech than the kessil’s with SPS. You will need a Par meter to get the right levels of light across the tank. I used an Ecotech XR 30 on a 40 gallon.

 

[flyfisher2]

I am using both lights on the same size tanks. I am a fan of both for different reasons. As far as growth goes, They both grow corals. Please note that the tank with the XR15's is a year older and therefore more mature than the one with the Kessil. As it stands XR15's Gen 5 give me a more uniform and even blanket of light. My chalices, and SPS in general are doing well with it.
The Kessil lights have a more dramatic effect. The contrast is more intense and the lights give a more exciting view. Going back to growth, This tank has all my acro frags since January of this year. All (over 40) have encrusted and are showing growth. I enjoy looking at this tank a bit more. Not sure if it's the sticks or just the way it looks. The daylight and the shimmer remind me of snorkeling in the Caribbean. Ultimately it's a matter of choice. Your taste factors in greatly and from what you wrote you favor the blue which is awesome yet different under both lights. I would say that if you're looking for a 'set it and forget it' light which will give you excellent results then the XR15 is the light I would recommend. The Kessil is fantastic to view but I've already seen that the very thing I like about it will become an issue as the corals continue to grow and lighting supplementation with LED strips will be necessary. I've already installed two Orphek strips which I turn on for a couple hours in the evening just to see more pop.

 

[Superlightman]

I am using both lights on the same size tanks. I am a fan of both for different reasons. As far as growth goes, They both grow corals. Please note that the tank with the XR15's is a year older and therefore more mature than the one with the Kessil. As it stands XR15's Gen 5 give me a more uniform and even blanket of light. My chalices, and SPS in general are doing well with it.
The Kessil lights have a more dramatic effect. The contrast is more intense and the lights give a more exciting view. Going back to growth, This tank has all my acro frags since January of this year. All (over 40) have encrusted and are showing growth. I enjoy looking at this tank a bit more. Not sure if it's the sticks or just the way it looks. The daylight and the shimmer remind me of snorkeling in the Caribbean. Ultimately it's a matter of choice. Your taste factors in greatly and from what you wrote you favor the blue which is awesome yet different under both lights. I would say that if you're looking for a 'set it and forget it' light which will give you excellent results then the XR15 is the light I would recommend. The Kessil is fantastic to view but I've already seen that the very thing I like about it will become an issue as the corals continue to grow and lighting supplementation with LED strips will be necessary. I've already installed two Orphek strips which I turn on for a couple hours in the evening just to see more pop.

Which give the best colors?

 

[flyfisher2]

Good question…
I’m running the AB+ program and everyone says the colors are awesome. I have the Pro. I know you are leaning to the Blue so I’d imagine the pop would be even more noticeable.
If you were talking contrast, sharpness, detail.
I’d give it to the Kessil.
The attached pics are all under the Radions
I just took these.

 

[flyfisher2]

This is the other tank with the Orphek blue strips
Again, just took these.
Note: I’ve used orange filter on all of these pics

 

[Anthrax15]

Good question…
I’m running the AB+ program and everyone says the colors are awesome. I have the Pro. I know you are leaning to the Blue so I’d imagine the pop would be even more noticeable.
If you were talking contrast, sharpness, detail.
I’d give it to the Kessil.
The attached pics are all under the Radions
I just took these.

I think this post is what decided it for me. I really like that AB+ schedule everyone goes with and the color pop and general look the light Radion gives off is what I’m looking for. I was going to go with Kessil and add some extra Reefbreeder lights for extra pop but if I can get everything in one light, I’m gonna go with some XR15 Blues.

Thanks for the information everyone

 

[Superlightman]

I have not had good results with the ab+ on the radion g5 and it was too blue to my taste, I had to run them with and green to 100% to get good results and ad t5.Personally, the g5 deceived me.

 

[Sean Clark]

An AP9X would be perfect for anything you want to grow in your 40g. The emphasis on eliminating shadowing and "blanket" lighting is missing the point of keeping a mixed reef. I want high light and low light corals in my mixed reef. I have not personally used an AP9X but I do have two AP700 fixtures over a six foot tank and successfully ran one AP700 over a four foot mixed reef with power to spare.

#BlanketsAreBad
#ShadowsForReefTanks

 

[flyfisher2]

I agree that the apx9 would work for the 40. I run two over a 150 and they are doing great. I have a pair of AP700's in the box with I used briefly but had internet issues with so I keep them as backup lights. Over all I love Kessil. But I love the Ecotech's too and wait!!
Here Come the Get 6's!!!!
I'd take look at those closely before I finalized my decision.

 

[Sean Clark]

G5 G6 G7 G8 is your coral dieing?

 

[flyfisher2]

Ryan didn't pick me for a freebie. I'm gonna be enjoying the lights I have for a very looooong time.
Corals are doing just fine. Don't jinx me! LOL

 

[Superlightman]

I agree that the apx9 would work for the 40. I run two over a 150 and they are doing great. I have a pair of AP700's in the box with I used briefly but had internet issues with so I keep them as backup lights. Over all I love Kessil. But I love the Ecotech's too and wait!!
Here Come the Get 6's!!!!
I'd take look at those closely before I finalized my decision.

Should read the threads on the g6 here and in Facebook lol it seems to be more a downgrade..

 

[MaD_ReefeR]

Been looking into this light recently, making my list for my soon to arrive 50g lagoon (30x24x16). Looked briefly into the radions, but would prefer to keep to one unit if possible. Reef breeders photon is another option I am considering, it seems the more I look around the harder this decision is becoming

 

[Anthrax15]

Should read the threads on the g6 here and in Facebook lol it seems to be more a downgrade..

How so?

 

[Neurovet]

@flyfisher2 Can you share your AP9x lighting schedule?

 

[flyfisher2]

@flyfisher2 Can you share your AP9x lighting schedule?

Nothing special on my end. Trying to find a happy medium which primarily is good for the corals and at the same time not hard on the eyes. I favor white daylight over the deep blues so this is where I'm at presently. I hope it helps

Color
Intensity
Violet
Red
Green

9:00AM. 0-1-1-0-0
10:00AM 3-10-15-0-0
12:00 PM 20-30-20-0-0
1:00 PM 50-30-50-0-0
2:00 PM 50-40-50-0-0
3:00 PM 70-45-50-0-0
4:00 PM 65-40-40-0-0
7:00 PM 10-30-30-0-0
7:01 PM 0-0-0-0-0
At this point Orphek OR3- Blues come on for two hours and all off at 9:00 PM.
My corals are mounted about half way up the tank and these settings are based on the distance from the lights . I had been a little more aggressive previously but noticed a couple of acros starting to lighten up so I backed down. The lights are about 12 inches over the water surface.