Lighting for a 10g tank.

[brett_schn]

I have a standard size 10g tank that was folwr but now I want to make it a softie and lps tank. I kind of want either t5s or a kessil a160. What do u think I should do. What do u recommend and why. I don't want to spend more than $300 but I would love cheaper. What would give me the best growth and color.thanks and happy Reefing

 

[lennyd19]

I have a kessil A80 on a 10gal. I think is a great light and design. Make sure to get the spectral controller and mounting arm
I will say if you want total coverage of the tank go t5. The light kinda dyes out on the sides. But I really like the way it looks. Also if all you are keeping is softies it will be plenty of light on the edges. Total cost should be a little over $200. Hope this helps.

 

[brett_schn]

I have a kessil A80 on a 10gal. I think is a great light and design. Make sure to get the spectral controller and mounting arm
I will say if you want total coverage of the tank go t5. The light kinda dyes out on the sides. But I really like the way it looks. Also if all you are keeping is softies it will be plenty of light on the edges. Total cost should be a little over $200. Hope this helps.

The kessil a80 is only good for a 14x14" tank if it's a mixed reef so I would go with a used a160 or a150. Or I could do a prime but I really love the coloration kessil produces

 

[SashimiTurtle]

I've been doing the same research you are. I'm setting up a 14g Fusion and want one compact LED fixture over it. I'll be going SPS dominant so I need powerful. The A80 seems to be really weak, and only good for LPS in a small area. The AI Prime HD is the same cost, more powerful and has better control over the spectrum.

Kessil A80 $129
Gooseneck $30
Spectral controller $100
Total $259

AI Prime HD $225
Gooseneck $30
Total $255

 

[brett_schn]

I've been doing the same research you are. I'm setting up a 14g Fusion and want one compact LED fixture over it. I'll be going SPS dominant so I need powerful. The A80 seems to be really weak, and only good for LPS in a small area. The AI Prime HD is the same cost, more powerful and has better control over the spectrum.

Kessil A80 $129
Gooseneck $30
Spectral controller $100
Total $259

AI Prime HD $225
Gooseneck $30
Total $255

What's ur budget. U could go with a xr15g4 pro or a kessil a160

 

[SashimiTurtle]

The XR15g4 is still just a 15 watt light and it's $400 for just the light. AI Prime HD is 55 watt and can put out 100 par 24" deep. My tank is 13" tall so I'll only have about 10" of water with sand and space at the top of the tank. I have though about the A160WE but it's the same cost as the AI Prime HD, and I'd still have to get the controller for another $100. I've also seen lots of reviews on the Kessil LEDs saying they are very underpowered, but they sparkle real pretty.

 

[Vinh]

I have a 10 gallon standard and am also considering A80 or A160. I had an AI Prime that died after only 18 months. Can't bring myself to spend more $$$ on AI.

I can't seem to find out how long Kessil warranty lasts but AI was only 1 year.

 

[brett_schn]

The XR15g4 is still just a 15 watt light and it's $400 for just the light. AI Prime HD is 55 watt and can put out 100 par 24" deep. My tank is 13" tall so I'll only have about 10" of water with sand and space at the top of the tank. I have though about the A160WE but it's the same cost as the AI Prime HD, and I'd still have to get the controller for another $100. I've also seen lots of reviews on the Kessil LEDs saying they are very underpowered, but they sparkle real pretty.

U don't need the controller for the kessil

 

[brett_schn]

I have a 10 gallon standard and am also considering A80 or A160. I had an AI Prime that died after only 18 months. Can't bring myself to spend more $$$ on AI.

I can't seem to find out how long Kessil warranty lasts but AI was only 1 year.

I would go for the a160 or another prime. Your choice. One of the co owner at my lfs has run a prime non hd since it released its going fine. He added a prime hd to another one of his tanks at release and still going strong.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

U don't need the controller for the kessil

I don't want to have to turn my light on and off every day.

 

[brett_schn]

I don't want to have to turn my light on and off every day.

$20 digital timer. Do u have an aquarium controller? I turn my cheap lights on and off every day

 

[SashimiTurtle]

$20 digital timer. Do u have an aquarium controller? I turn my cheap lights on and off every day

I could use a wall timer, but then I don't get the ramp that I want. No aquarium controller, or I wouldn't even be thinking about the Kessil controller. If I had the money for an Apex, I'd probably go with an A160WE or maybe the A360NE.

 

[Capitanpingaloca]

I just bought an AI prime hd for my 12 gallon zoa tank, so far I'm pretty happy with it