Considering Kessil A80 for nano setup. How many?

[Mavric]

I'm looking forward to getting rid of the hood + LED that came on my Fluval Evo 13.5. I was considering the Kessil A80s which are in my price range. Would one be sufficient for soft corals and LPS? Would you recommend the Tuna Blue or Tuna Sun? Is there any other sub-$200 options to consider other than a used AI Prime?

 

[JoshH]

A brand new AI Prime will barely put you over $200.... $199.99 regular price not on sale (Most places offer free shipping, so the only thing extra you might pay is taxes) I know @Crabs Mcjones has drunk the Kessil koolaid and might be able to give you some tips on a flavour that's best for you

 

[Montiman]

I use 2 a80s on my 12 long and am very happy. I would definitely go with the blue. The sun is a freshwater light.

 

[Crabs McJones]

You'll want to go with the tuna blue. The Tuna Sun more geared towards freshwater planted tanks so it incorporates more of the red, green, and white spectrum. The tuna blue is going to have your royal blue, blue, and near uv spectrum for corals. A single A80 on your tank would do great for softies and low light LPS

 

[Mavric]

You'll want to go with the tuna blue. The Tuna Sun more geared towards freshwater planted tanks so it incorporates more of the red, green, and white spectrum. The tuna blue is going to have your royal blue, blue, and near uv spectrum for corals. A single A80 on your tank would do great for softies and low light LPS

Perfect! Thanks!

^^ Love that setup! Plan on getting a 20L after I move in a few months. 13.5 will become my QT at that point

 

[JBKReef]

Kessil koolaid fan here as well. People RAVE about an A80 over the IM10 Nuvo which is a bit shorter than the 13. But I've seen people keep SPS in the Nuvo 10's. For the larger spread of a 13.5 LPS and under will be just fine. You might get an inch of shadowing towards the front and back of the tank. But for keeping the glass clean you would want to keep corals away from there anyways.

 

[Montiman]

Keep in mind that on my tank pic I posted it is a 12 long so each a 80 is covering an 18in wide area. I initially thought I would have to add a third A80 but the coral are all happy so I’m sticking with 2

 

[Ranjib]

A80 is 15 watts, so thats less than 1.5 watts per gallon for your tank. I would recommend going for at least 3 watts per gallon, then you dont have to run the light 100% all the time. Another thing to remember is the formfactor of the tank, 13.5 is rectangular. I think its safer to get AI prime or at least couple of a80 (or may be one a160)