Apex EL & Kessil A360 Lighting Question

[Rogerga]

OK, so I have spent the last couple of days searching through this wonderful forum and I still have some questions/clarifications I need. I have the Apex EL and I am looking at getting two Kessil A360's for my DT. Is it correct that the Apex EL requires the use of the VDM module to control the intensity and spectrum of the Kessils? Does it also require the Kessil to Apex cord? Once those questions are answered, does the Apex then control the Kessil lights fully just like if you were to purchase the spectral controller from Kessil? Like for instance, dimming, moonlighting, etc......

 

[WillH]

Side note, if you are looking for moonlight, be aware the kessil lights only dim to 10%, which is still pretty bright for moonlighting.

 

[pelphrey]

OK, so I have spent the last couple of days searching through this wonderful forum and I still have some questions/clarifications I need. I have the Apex EL and I am looking at getting two Kessil A360's for my DT. Is it correct that the Apex EL requires the use of the VDM module to control the intensity and spectrum of the Kessils? Does it also require the Kessil to Apex cord? Once those questions are answered, does the Apex then control the Kessil lights fully just like if you were to purchase the spectral controller from Kessil? Like for instance, dimming, moonlighting, etc......

You will need the VDM model to control the a360we version lights, you wouldn't need the spectral controller. Like @William Henry mentioned you can't use them as moon lights. 10% and below is OFF. You will need the apex to vdm cable and then a standard 3.5 mm audio cable to jump from light to light. You won't need 2 of the VMD cables, the lights have an input and output.

If you truly want moon lights look at adding the lunar sim module and a string of LED's that neptune offers.

 

[Rogerga]

Thank you. I just learned that the new 360x will not be apex compatible. I was also told that even with the VDM and the 360w lights that the apex will only control off/on and ramp up/down. Should I be concerned about not controlling the spectrum with a reef tank or is it something that you just set and forget manually?

 

[pelphrey]

Thank you. I just learned that the new 360x will not be apex compatible. I was also told that even with the VDM and the 360w lights that the apex will only control off/on and ramp up/down. Should I be concerned about not controlling the spectrum with a reef tank or is it something that you just set and forget manually?

The current line up of kessils only have 2 options for control ability. That is color and intensity. Each one is controlled separately on the apex and you create set points to ramp them up and down.

 

[madweazl]

Thank you. I just learned that the new 360x will not be apex compatible. I was also told that even with the VDM and the 360w lights that the apex will only control off/on and ramp up/down. Should I be concerned about not controlling the spectrum with a reef tank or is it something that you just set and forget manually?

That is all there is to control on the A360s. My opinion, lights that are highly adjustable create more problems for LED users and I wish more companies followed Kessil's approach (think we'd see a lot fewer horror stories).

 

[Rogerga]

So the Kessil spectral controller and the apex with VDM and cable will allow the same control ability?

 

[madweazl]

So the Kessil spectral controller and the apex with VDM and cable will allow the same control ability?

Yes, as will the two knobs on the top of the array.

Edit: not the case for the A360X; though I'm sure there will be a module to control them at some point too.

 

[Rogerga]

Great help guys. One last thought point. Considering I like the new A360X's better, if I purchased the Kessil X controller to control them would this be a ridiculous idea? Plug the power into an outlet on my Apex 832B and set a fallback to off if say the temp rose too high or my return pump went off, basically an emergency thing to turn my lights off. Yes, I realize I will have the additional controller of the Kessil that I have to put somewhere but it would allow me to control and at least have an emergency turn off function right for what appears to be a better light than the A360W? Your thoughts? Also, Kessil says if using the spectral controller the light will come on at 5% instead of 10% or 13% if using an apex. Would 5% be low enough for lunar lighting?

 

[BedrockIOMC]

thats why i wouldnt have a kessil

 

[Rogerga]

thats why i wouldnt have a kessil

Which part? And what would you recommend?

 

[madweazl]

Great help guys. One last thought point. Considering I like the new A360X's better, if I purchased the Kessil X controller to control them would this be a ridiculous idea? Plug the power into an outlet on my Apex 832B and set a fallback to off if say the temp rose too high or my return pump went off, basically an emergency thing to turn my lights off. Yes, I realize I will have the additional controller of the Kessil that I have to put somewhere but it would allow me to control and at least have an emergency turn off function right for what appears to be a better light than the A360W? Your thoughts? Also, Kessil says if using the spectral controller the light will come on at 5% instead of 10% or 13% if using an apex. Would 5% be low enough for lunar lighting?

The 5, 10, or 13% are all actually coming on at the same voltage regardless of the number you see. The A360WE is not capable of being a lunar light (nor do I think there is any need for it).

 

[BedrockIOMC]

Which part? And what would you recommend?

I am a person that like to be able to adjust more and have more options myself. But hey to each their own right? I guess it would all depend on what will be in the tank and then size, money and all that good stuff. I would have to say if you are going to have SPS in the tank and its a smaller tank then I would go with Ecotech Radison for that and maybe a few sets with a larger tank. I have been really looking at the kessil AP700 for a larger tank but having got to play with one in real life so not sure how much of a adjustment they have to I'm not sure on them yet. Now if you are just going with LPS or softies or even a fish only tank I would have to go with my Current IC LEDS. I have them on my Red Sea and love them. I have my Power heads and flow pump all hooked in together on the "Loop" system that current has and I use a app on my phone to control them. there are all kinds of setings with these and the can adjust the white, red, green, and blues on them. They even have a thunderstorm setting on them. You set the time on it and dont even need to have them hook to your Apex. If you want to see my set I have a video on youtube that shows them for a little bit. The video isnt about the lights but you can see how they look in my Red Sea. Let me know what you think. And if you have any more questions about them Im here. The lights are shown on the preview of the video LOL thats cool.

 

[clark griswold]

I have an ApexEL and a360we with vdm. I’m very happy with it so far.

If I really need moonlight in the future I’ll get a LSM module. I’m intrigued by the new Kessil but not enough to buy until this one goes out.

 

[clark griswold]

OK, so I have spent the last couple of days searching through this wonderful forum and I still have some questions/clarifications I need. I have the Apex EL and I am looking at getting two Kessil A360's for my DT. Is it correct that the Apex EL requires the use of the VDM module to control the intensity and spectrum of the Kessils? Does it also require the Kessil to Apex cord? Once those questions are answered, does the Apex then control the Kessil lights fully just like if you were to purchase the spectral controller from Kessil? Like for instance, dimming, moonlighting, etc......

No acclimation mode on the VDM. There is one the spectral. But it’s super easy to ramp up intensity using VDM.

 

[Deiblerj]

I don’t see the point in having both vdm and spectral controller. Just choose one. I have the spectral controller for my 360s and looking into apex el. I won’t be buying the vdm though. So what if I have two controllers to manage. Personally I think it looks cooler having more controllers to display “ohh lights and shiny things!” Kind of approach

 

[ca1ore]

There is no material difference to the way apex or the dedicated kessil controller dim down the lights. Both cut off well before zero. Kessil has claimed that the new lights go completely down to zero. We shall see.