Kessil Controller X HELP!
- Thread starter mech63s
- Start date
- Tagged users None
GoVols
Cobb / Webb - 1989
Reef Squad Leader
Excellence Award
Reef Tank 365
MTRCMember
Article Contributor
Hospitality Award
R2R Research
My Tank Thread
I just adjusted their preset program, then selected that preset as my main program.
Once selected it should show on your home screen.
MightyMO
"The Algae made me do it!!!"
I finally got mine to run my adjusted preset 1 program after 6+ hours of messing with it. Set my lunar period up and that didn't run like I wanted to last night. Still needing a decent schedule for my set up. Currently in conversation with @Dana Riddle in regards to Kessil SpectralX controller and a single Kessil A360x puck light. I have already seen improvement in my tank from the last set up I was running, just want it tweaked for my tank and the controller doesn't have the most friendly ease of use. Keep in mind I am an industrial automation tech who has to frequently reprogram drives and troubleshoot PLC's to keep a industrial plant running. So not happy with ease of programming on this device...
Dana Riddle
2500 Club Member
Background on this tank, per conversations with MightyMO. One Kessil A360x Tuna Blue is mounted over a 54 gallon bow front tank (24" water depth.) Egg crate material is the cover. The A360x is rated at 90 watts, and Kessil says the light is sufficient for an area 30 x 30 inches. Comments?
minus9
5000 Club Member
I just used (and have always used) their tuna blue program, but edited it to my liking. It was pretty simple to do. Although, I tried to run an a80 from the 0-10v port with a different program, but it only worked the first day. I think they need a better, more detailed manual. I know there's a 20 minute YouTube video on programming the x, just need to watch it.
minus9
5000 Club Member
I probably wouldn't use eggcrate, screen or mesh top seem better for minimal light reduction and less fish injuries if they jump. One light mounted no higher than 8" should be good for a mixed reef. If you need more par at the bottom, then adding a second light and using the narrow reflector would probably give you better results.
MightyMO
"The Algae made me do it!!!"
I own a narrow reflector also, but need the coverage on it. I will be forced to use the egg crate lid for the time being. I have watched YouTube videos untill my eyes have bled. Lol
Got a basic schedule in place, looking for a better tailored program to the size, depth and corals in my tank. Intensity/color/Photo period/ramp up and down...
Got a basic schedule in place, looking for a better tailored program to the size, depth and corals in my tank. Intensity/color/Photo period/ramp up and down...
minus9
5000 Club Member
What's your current schedule? Intensity?And I plan on getting a 2nd puck, just have to get finances in order after this group of upgrades I did. Plus not sure how I will mount a 2nd fixture above this tank...
minus9
5000 Club Member
I've been running Kessil's for the past five years and I've always used a 12hr cycle. I would start with a 6hr peak, then maybe work your way up to an 8hr peak. For me the color is set to 30% with the 360x's, but I used 25% with my 160's. During peak hours I use 100% violet and no red or green. Rent or borrow a par meter and map your tank where your corals are (and spots where you want them), this will give you the opportunity to move or add corals to suitable locations. If you need to increase intensity, 5% every two weeks should be fine, just wait a week or two and observe your corals.
Dana Riddle
2500 Club Member
Here's a review I wrote on the a 360x. As a footnote, don't place the Kessil directly upon the egg crate - the light will melt it.
www.reef2reef.com
Kessil 360X Testing
A Kessil 360X was suspended 6" off the water surface. Testing showed maximum PAR generated at about 50% on the Color dial, and 100% on intensity. No water surface agitation. Measurements made with an Apogee MQ-510 quantum meter at a depth of 17 inches.
www.reef2reef.com
minus9
5000 Club Member
I tend to keep the programming simple myself. Start time > ramp to peak> midday point for increasing intensity in smaller increments> end peak(ramp down)> end. I find if you have changes to color in short periods of time that the light "jumps" in color too much.
Here's what I have for reference.
Time> color> intensity> violet (no R or G)
7:55>0>0>0
10:15>30>85>100
14:00>30>90>100
17:45>30>85>100
20:05>0>0>0
Here's what I have for reference.
Time> color> intensity> violet (no R or G)
7:55>0>0>0
10:15>30>85>100
14:00>30>90>100
17:45>30>85>100
20:05>0>0>0
MightyMO
"The Algae made me do it!!!"
Will this schedule work for mixed reef??? And do you think I should run it through an acclimation period??? If so how long at what percent???
minus9
5000 Club Member
The schedule yes, but you'll have to set the intensity based on your corals. Color is a personal preference, but the intensity should only increase in small increments over a period of time.
Start with your current intensity and wait a week or two between adjustments. The key is go slow and observe. I can't stress that enough.
Start with your current intensity and wait a week or two between adjustments. The key is go slow and observe. I can't stress that enough.
MightyMO
"The Algae made me do it!!!"
I just installed this light 2 days ago. Lighting has been chaotic these past couple of days due to missing controller at first, and now messing with programming yesterday and today... I do appreciate all your help... I have a mixed reef 2-3 sps, 1 lps, euphellia, zoas mushrooms and xenia...
minus9
5000 Club Member
You should be fine. You have a fairly deep tank, so I think you have the room to bump things up a little. Once you set a program, leave it alone and observe. Your corals will tell you if they are happy or not. I kinda treat lighting as if there's only an on/off switch (old school method) with the ability to ramp up and down. I don't buy or use lights with crazy features, clouds, storms, etc, but do realize that utilizing a lunar cycle can be beneficial, which is the only creator I would probably use? Having said that, having a cloud feature during peak intensity could have some benefits? I'm just not there yet.
Similar threads
