Kessil Control Options

BostonBlenny

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 28, 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
1
Location
MA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi all, recently joined R2R, and starting to research equipment for my first build.

For any users of the Kessil lights. Do you 100% need a controller? Or would it be feasible to set preferences using the dials on top, then just use a smart power strip to program on and off for the day? I’m aware I’d be losing ramp up features.

Specifically thinking of a Kessil 160 with a Kasa smart power strip over a Waterbox 20 aio.

Thanks!
 

ADAM

@AK_Reefs on Instagram
View Badges
Joined
Dec 23, 2007
Messages
5,627
Reaction score
6,924
Location
Nashville NC
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Yes, you could set color and power dials an use a basic off/on timed switch
 

Bear22

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 16, 2025
Messages
364
Reaction score
305
Location
USA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Not super familiar with the 160. If the 160 can be controlled to access the individual channels (violet, red, green) then getting the controller might be a worthwhile investment, as being able to tweak the channels will give you the ability to get the most "pop" out of the corals.
 

oreo54

5000 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 18, 2017
Messages
6,874
Reaction score
4,081
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Not super familiar with the 160. If the 160 can be controlled to access the individual channels (violet, red, green) then getting the controller might be a worthwhile investment, as being able to tweak the channels will give you the ability to get the most "pop" out of the corals.
The 160?. .
 

painter1982

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 19, 2025
Messages
1,080
Reaction score
878
Rating - 0%
0   1   0
Hi all, recently joined R2R, and starting to research equipment for my first build.

For any users of the Kessil lights. Do you 100% need a controller? Or would it be feasible to set preferences using the dials on top, then just use a smart power strip to program on and off for the day? I’m aware I’d be losing ramp up features.

Specifically thinking of a Kessil 160 with a Kasa smart power strip over a Waterbox 20 aio.

Thanks!
I have a360xe’s on my reef tank. I use a spectral x controller to dial in the color and timing exactly how I want it. With the controller all five are exactly the same. I have a single 160 on my 13g bta tank. I use an old style timer and the nobs on the light to adjust color and intensity. I prefer the controller but would not spend the money to upgrade the bta single light.
 
OP
OP
B

BostonBlenny

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 28, 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
1
Location
MA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi all, recently joined R2R, and starting to research equipment for my first build.

For any users of the Kessil lights. Do you 100% need a controller? Or would it be feasible to set preferences using the dials on top, then just use a smart power strip to program on and off for the day? I’m aware I’d be losing ramp up features.

Specifically thinking of a Kessil 160 with a Kasa smart power strip over a Waterbox 20 aio.

Thanks!
I have a360xe’s on my reef tank. I use a spectral x controller to dial in the color and timing exactly how I want it. With the controller all five are exactly the same. I have a single 160 on my 13g bta tank. I use an old style timer and the nobs on the light to adjust color and intensity. I prefer the controller but would not spend the money to upgrade the bta single light.
Awesome, appreciate the insight 👍🏼
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHAT AMOUNT OF LIVE ROCK AND SAND SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED FOR OPTIMAL BIODIVERSITY/FILTRATION?

  • 100% live rock + bagged sand

    Votes: 34 27.9%
  • 100% dry rock + 100% live sand

    Votes: 42 34.4%
  • 50/50 live/dry rock, 50/50 live/bagged sand

    Votes: 27 22.1%
  • 75% live rock, 25% live sand

    Votes: 11 9.0%
  • 25% live rock, 75% live sand

    Votes: 8 6.6%
Back
Top