Diffuse Kessil H380

BigHildy53 · Sep 10, 2017

Oh how the details matter. I have a Kessil H380 for my refugium. However, it's only 6-8 inches off the water; due to limited cabinet space. It bleached/burnt the cheato that was directly underneath it. For now I'm using a Gyre XF150 to create movement. This is in the refugium section of a Trigger Systems emerald 39. Is there a good way to diffuse the light so that it spreads out more and cuts back on the spotlight I currently have?

Brew12 · Sep 11, 2017

Following along... I am in a similar situation.

Fringe09 · Sep 11, 2017

I don't have any Chaeto yet. I initially had mine setup 13" above the water. One of the guys from BRS said to have it around 6" to 7" above the water as that's what they have it set at. Not sure now.

Brew12 · Sep 11, 2017

Fringe09 said:
I don't have any Chaeto yet. I initially had mine setup 13" above the water. One of the guys from BRS said to have it around 6" to 7" above the water as that's what they have it set at. Not sure now.

Just like most things, Chaeto can adapt to very high light levels. The issue is how to diffuse the light long enough to get it to adapt. In your case, you could start it at 13" and lower it when the chaeto adjusts.

Fringe09 · Sep 11, 2017

Brew12 said:
Just like most things, Chaeto can adapt to very high light levels. The issue is how to diffuse the light long enough to get it to adapt. In your case, you could start it at 13" and lower it when the chaeto adjusts.

Thank you for the tip. Appreciate it.

TritonsGarden · Sep 11, 2017

No expert here so take this with grain of sand (or salt) but maybe shorten the lighting duration to avoid oversaturation then gradually increase it?

BigHildy53 · Sep 11, 2017

My cheato ends up as a mat in the upper part of the water. I've added a powerhead to help move the cheato around. My original statement may not have been clear enough, it burns one section, but the other sections grow fine, or appear to be.

I contacted Kessil with an idea. I asked one of the AP700 diffusers would work on the H380. They said it would but i'd have to find a way to mount it. Thoughts?

Gablami · Sep 12, 2017

The diffusers do drop PAR about 30%, FYI. They use magnets on each side to stay in place. Maybe you could glue a couple small magnets on the H380 to couple the diffuser? The diffuser is relatively light.

Kyl · Sep 12, 2017

Does the H380 not have an intensity knob?

Brew12 · Sep 12, 2017

Kyl said:
Does the H380 not have an intensity knob?

Nope, it has a 3 position switch. Off, grow, bloom.

Kyl · Sep 12, 2017

Good to know as I was thinking of jumping on the H380 bandwagon in the future, but the height would be pretty close. I can see why a diffuser is a huge thing for this application then!

Oberst Oswald · Sep 13, 2017

What I do is float a Pyrex bowl under the light beam to defuse the center hot spot. Chaeto and floating plants will quickly grow around the bowl and hold it in place in a short time if there is enough nutrients. The supermarket baking section has a stack of these bowls in 4 sizes to suit your needs.

Brew12 · Sep 13, 2017

Oberst Oswald said:
What I do is float a Pyrex bowl under the light beam to defuse the center hot spot. Chaeto and floating plants will quickly grow around the bowl and hold it in place in a short time if there is enough nutrients. The supermarket baking section has a stack of these bowls in 4 sizes to suit your needs.

That is a great idea, but not nearly complicated or expensive enough to work in a reef tank.

Oberst Oswald · Sep 13, 2017

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 13, 2017

Any idea what voltage it runs? You can get external controllers in 12 and 24v pretty cheap.
I'm running 12v diy leds and a current orbit on a current controller.
You can also stack frosted glass or acrylic. You can also look for photographic ND filters (neutral density) that go on cameras. Theyre cheap since digital came in. Comes in .3 .6 .9 and 1.2. You'll prob best with two .3's they won't change the color of the light as there nutral unlike a diffusion.
Same would go for diffusions for cameras. Cool thing. They're round and come in different sizes and densities.

Welders glass inserts also work, look for the acetylene and not arc welding.