Help me choose my lights

Chris918 · 07/15/2020, 08:53 AM

Hello friends.

I recently ordered a Waterbox Frag System. It was on sale due to them discontinuing it for a slightly taller model. I like shallow tanks anyway so it all worked out.

The tank is 24 x 24 x 12.

I'd like to use LED lighting on this aquarium and it will be an SPS dominant system. Now we get to lighting options and I'm struggling to find the best option. I have Kessil lights already. I hear back and forth about how they may not be powerful enough to grow SPS. That and people bring up the shading issue. I bring up Kessil because I have an A360WE and 2 A160 lights. I already own them so of course no money out of pocket is an attractive option. Is that enough light though and will it give good results with SPS growth and coloration? I would hope 3 fixtures would eliminate shadowing.

I've also looked at the Radion G5, Kessil AP700 and Kessil A360x but I'm open to other options. The reason I shy away from the 360x somewhat is because it doesn't seem to be more powerful than the Kessil A360WE and it just offers a wider spread and better cooling. It isn't any brighter and unless I buy the controller I don't get access to the red, green and UV channels. $100 extra per light and another $100 controller for basically a light I already own is iffy.

With all that being said, I'd love some feedback. This tank is shallow and not very big so hopefully I'm not out a ton of cash if the Kessils I have in storage won't get the job done. Please share your experiences and offer advice if you can.

Thanks very much

Uncle99 · 07/15/2020, 05:34 PM

IMO, hybrids of LED and T5 provide an excellent defused light for all corals.

Pokerman11 · 07/16/2020, 02:22 PM

I would buy an Aquatic Life Hybrid t5 fixture. It is designed to mount your Kessils. The 360 for sure, not sure about the 160s but perhaps you can figure out a way. Then you have best of both world.

IF the Kessils don't work out then you can switch them to RAdion's or other Kessils while still using the t5s

07/15/2020, 08:53 AM	#1
Chris918 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 174	Help me choose my lights Hello friends. I recently ordered a Waterbox Frag System. It was on sale due to them discontinuing it for a slightly taller model. I like shallow tanks anyway so it all worked out. The tank is 24 x 24 x 12. I'd like to use LED lighting on this aquarium and it will be an SPS dominant system. Now we get to lighting options and I'm struggling to find the best option. I have Kessil lights already. I hear back and forth about how they may not be powerful enough to grow SPS. That and people bring up the shading issue. I bring up Kessil because I have an A360WE and 2 A160 lights. I already own them so of course no money out of pocket is an attractive option. Is that enough light though and will it give good results with SPS growth and coloration? I would hope 3 fixtures would eliminate shadowing. I've also looked at the Radion G5, Kessil AP700 and Kessil A360x but I'm open to other options. The reason I shy away from the 360x somewhat is because it doesn't seem to be more powerful than the Kessil A360WE and it just offers a wider spread and better cooling. It isn't any brighter and unless I buy the controller I don't get access to the red, green and UV channels. $100 extra per light and another $100 controller for basically a light I already own is iffy. With all that being said, I'd love some feedback. This tank is shallow and not very big so hopefully I'm not out a ton of cash if the Kessils I have in storage won't get the job done. Please share your experiences and offer advice if you can. Thanks very much

07/15/2020, 05:34 PM	#2
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	IMO, hybrids of LED and T5 provide an excellent defused light for all corals.

07/16/2020, 02:22 PM	#3
Pokerman11 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North East Ohio Posts: 221	I would buy an Aquatic Life Hybrid t5 fixture. It is designed to mount your Kessils. The 360 for sure, not sure about the 160s but perhaps you can figure out a way. Then you have best of both world. IF the Kessils don't work out then you can switch them to RAdion's or other Kessils while still using the t5s