(Discussion) What Radions would be considered a fair trade for Kessils?

Molter · 05/25/2017, 07:34 AM

I have two almost new Kessil A360WE Tuna Blue lights with goosenecks, 90 degree adapters, spectral controller and extension cord.
While I LOVE the shimmer, I had a ReefBreeders Photon before and I think the deeper blue was preferable, in how it lights my coral.
Unfortunately, based on the location of my tank, hanging a light would be a major eyesore so I'm stuck with something that I need to mount.
I love the way that Radions look, and I know that they're significantly pricier than Kessils, so I wanted to get your thoughts on what generation would be considered a fair trade, and if it's even worth it to get older lights.
For what it's worth, I have zero budget, so selling the Kessils then spending more money to cover the difference is completely out of the question.

Thanks for y'alls thoughts and advice.

(Regarding controlling them, I have an Apex with WXM, so I wouldn't need a ReefLink).

ktownhero · 05/25/2017, 08:19 AM

Probably Gen3 xr15s. You know the Reefbreeders comes with mounting legs, right ?

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Molter · 05/25/2017, 08:26 AM

Yeah, I've seen the legs, but I just don't like them.
Kinda ruins the appeal of the rimless look.
Damn shame, too. I absolutely love those lights.

Molter · 05/25/2017, 08:27 AM

Also, it looks like the XR15 and XR30 both cover a 24" area?
Not sure I understand that, and if it is true, it makes me feel like the XR15 really wouldn't be worth it for a 75 gallon tank.

ca1ore · 05/25/2017, 08:44 AM

The Kessils are just as blue as the RB if you adjust the spectrum knob.

Molter · 05/25/2017, 08:45 AM

I've played around with it a lot, but I feel like the tuna blue is a lighter shade.
Maybe I'm crazy, but the corals just don't look the same to me under Kessils.

Celtic_Fox · 05/26/2017, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molter

Also, it looks like the XR15 and XR30 both cover a 24" area?
Not sure I understand that, and if it is true, it makes me feel like the XR15 really wouldn't be worth it for a 75 gallon tank.

I believe they list the XR30s as 24" by 36" - so half again as much coverage as the XR15s.

I put three XR15s over a 48" tank, and I'll be using the same three when I upgrade to a 59" tank.

Molter · 05/26/2017, 10:11 AM

Got it, so I'd just need to XR30's for a 48" tank.

smatter · 05/26/2017, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molter

I've played around with it a lot, but I feel like the tuna blue is a lighter shade.
Maybe I'm crazy, but the corals just don't look the same to me under Kessils.

They look better!

ca1ore · 05/26/2017, 12:36 PM

The coverage claims for the Radions make no sense to me. ETM recommends 24x24 for the 30 but 18x18 for the 15, yet the former has double the diodes of the latter. For a 48" tanks, I'd think either three 15 or two 30.

BryanCaruso · 05/26/2017, 09:14 PM

Well for what it's worth I have one gen 4 xr30 pro on 3 foot the xr30 reg 32" and the pro 36" spread

ktownhero · 05/27/2017, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

The coverage claims for the Radions make no sense to me. ETM recommends 24x24 for the 30 but 18x18 for the 15, yet the former has double the diodes of the latter. For a 48" tanks, I'd think either three 15 or two 30.

The pucks on the xr30 aren't spaced out to maximize coverage. Hence why the ratings are like that.

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ca1ore · 05/27/2017, 07:50 AM

Yes I understand that, but they still make no sense. I'd expect the 30 to be 18x24 for example.

05/25/2017, 07:34 AM	#1
Molter Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 288	(Discussion) What Radions would be considered a fair trade for Kessils? I have two almost new Kessil A360WE Tuna Blue lights with goosenecks, 90 degree adapters, spectral controller and extension cord. While I LOVE the shimmer, I had a ReefBreeders Photon before and I think the deeper blue was preferable, in how it lights my coral. Unfortunately, based on the location of my tank, hanging a light would be a major eyesore so I'm stuck with something that I need to mount. I love the way that Radions look, and I know that they're significantly pricier than Kessils, so I wanted to get your thoughts on what generation would be considered a fair trade, and if it's even worth it to get older lights. For what it's worth, I have zero budget, so selling the Kessils then spending more money to cover the difference is completely out of the question. Thanks for y'alls thoughts and advice. (Regarding controlling them, I have an Apex with WXM, so I wouldn't need a ReefLink).

05/25/2017, 08:44 AM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	The Kessils are just as blue as the RB if you adjust the spectrum knob. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

05/26/2017, 12:36 PM	#10
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	The coverage claims for the Radions make no sense to me. ETM recommends 24x24 for the 30 but 18x18 for the 15, yet the former has double the diodes of the latter. For a 48" tanks, I'd think either three 15 or two 30. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

05/27/2017, 07:50 AM	#13
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Yes I understand that, but they still make no sense. I'd expect the 30 to be 18x24 for example. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

05/25/2017, 08:19 AM	#2
ktownhero Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,426	Probably Gen3 xr15s. You know the Reefbreeders comes with mounting legs, right ? Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

05/25/2017, 08:26 AM	#3
Molter Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 288	Yeah, I've seen the legs, but I just don't like them. Kinda ruins the appeal of the rimless look. Damn shame, too. I absolutely love those lights.

05/25/2017, 08:27 AM	#4
Molter Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 288	Also, it looks like the XR15 and XR30 both cover a 24" area? Not sure I understand that, and if it is true, it makes me feel like the XR15 really wouldn't be worth it for a 75 gallon tank.

05/25/2017, 08:45 AM	#6
Molter Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 288	I've played around with it a lot, but I feel like the tuna blue is a lighter shade. Maybe I'm crazy, but the corals just don't look the same to me under Kessils.

05/26/2017, 10:11 AM	#8
Molter Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 288	Got it, so I'd just need to XR30's for a 48" tank.

05/26/2017, 09:14 PM	#11
BryanCaruso Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	Well for what it's worth I have one gen 4 xr30 pro on 3 foot the xr30 reg 32" and the pro 36" spread