AI Hydra 32HD or Kessill a360x

[adumb112]

Hi there. Looking for opinions on a lighting upgrade for my IM lagoon 25g.

I’ve had a AI Hydra 26 (non-HD) over the tank for about 3.5yrs. The tank is 90% LPS/softies.

I really like the look of the Kessill shimmer and I would need to by a new mount and the dongle.

Thoughts?

 

[susan ingram]

In my limited knowledge I like the look of Kessils on tanks. I have the AI Primes on my QT but wish I had kessils. Let's bump it and see what folks say

 

[1ByLand2BySea]

Those are both great lights. And yes Kessil makes a better shimmer.
If you like the idea of playing around with the different color channels, you may not have that level of control with Kessil. Yet the plus side is that it takes the guess work out of creating a proper spectrum with Kessil.

 

[adumb112]

Those are both great lights. And yes Kessil makes a better shimmer.
If you like the idea of playing around with the different color channels, you may not have that level of control with Kessil. Yet the plus side is that it takes the guess work out of creating a proper spectrum with Kessil.

Thanks for that input. I really never messed with the settings of my HYDRAS once I brought them up to full power for my tank. It seems like the Kessils optimal mounting height is around 8-9" vs the HYDRAS at 12-14". Will this reduce the light splash on the walls?

 

[Palegic]

Kessil has too much shimmer alone without supplimental lighting imo. Any reason you are not looking at the Radion XR15 blues

 

[adumb112]

Kessil has too much shimmer alone without supplimental lighting imo. Any reason you are not looking at the Radion XR15 blues

Not really. My only excuse is that my LFS always has pushed the AI products.

 

[Palegic]

Not really. My only excuse is that my LFS always has pushed the AI products.

In my opinion the latest Radions have superior color spectrum more closely modeled after T5 spectrum and has the slight edge on growing coral. I know waterbox and wwc use them exclusively. The Radion will give you a whole lot more PAR, with less energy usage.

 

[62518161]

Those are both great lights. And yes Kessil makes a better shimmer.
If you like the idea of playing around with the different color channels, you may not have that level of control with Kessil. Yet the plus side is that it takes the guess work out of creating a proper spectrum with Kessil.

You do have red,green and violet if you have the control or dongle.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Hi there. Looking for opinions on a lighting upgrade for my IM lagoon 25g.

I’ve had a AI Hydra 26 (non-HD) over the tank for about 3.5yrs. The tank is 90% LPS/softies.

I really like the look of the Kessill shimmer and I would need to by a new mount and the dongle.

Thoughts?

I am a very dedicated AI supporter, I will say go 32HD. I have three and love them.

 

[topjimmy]

You do have red,green and violet if you have the control or dongle.

I like kessil because I don't have to mess with every color.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I like kessil because I don't have to mess with every color.

The AI App is so easy to use that it doesn't even take any more time. Not to mention the customization is crazy good.

 

[62518161]

I am a very dedicated AI supporter, I will say go 32HD. I have three and love them.

I like kessil because I don't have to mess with every color.

I agree. Just pointing out the option is there.

 

[Mr.Z]

I’ve got a tank with an AI Prime and one with an A360x. I definitely prefer how the coral look with the Kessil. The shimmer was a bit overwhelming at first, but I intentionally limit surface agitation so I get calm, long shimmer lines, which I think looks fantastic.

Given your tank is only a 25 gallon, the par from Kessil should be plenty. I’d say Kessil is the better option.

Buttt, if you already have the Hydras, I’d stick with them and not spend more money.

 

[adumb112]

Thanks for all the input!

 

[Santacruzwaterdaddy]

I am a very dedicated AI supporter, I will say go 32HD. I have three and love them.

Is that a 525?

 

[uhgster1]

I am a very dedicated AI supporter, I will say go 32HD. I have three and love them.

Me too!

 

[MichaelReefer]

Is that a 525?

525XL, yerp.

 

[Santacruzwaterdaddy]

525XL, yerp.

How was the build quality on it? Liking it so far? considering this or a waterbox. Thx

 

[MichaelReefer]

How was the build quality on it? Liking it so far? considering this or a waterbox. Thx

Love it. Went from a Red Sea 250 to the 525XL. Fits perfect in my living room, its that perfect in-between size. Not too small, but big enough to have fun with and opens up your fish options.

 

[Santacruzwaterdaddy]

Love it. Went from a Red Sea 250 to the 525XL. Fits perfect in my living room, its that perfect in-between size. Not too small, but big enough to have fun with and opens up your fish options.

Thanks really appreciate it, ya I like the size right now I just have a pet smart aqeon 125 but it’s 6 feet so hard to give up more room.