Experience, tips, tricks, pros, cons etc with Kessil 360

[s550]

I am starting a 72x18x22 125 gallon tank. One problem I am running in to is finding a light source to cover 72" of sand. I've decided for now that I want to go with possibly 2 or 3 Kessil"s. My question is would the maximum spread of only 60" be sufficient or should I really consider spending another $400 for the extra 20" of extra light I'd gain? Requesting any experience, pro's, cons, tips, with this set up.

Also curious with the controllability of having 3 separate lights. Does one controller work for all 3 units or would only one controller work per unit. And finally could you substitute Kessils controller with something like Reefkeeper Lite? Are they compatible?

 

[Cherish.merenda]

Before I upgraded to the ap700 I had 3 kessil A360WE over my 210. I would say go with at least 3 over your tank if you can. I would just buy the spectral controller it's pretty cheap and you can daisy chain each light module. Makes setting the schedule way easier.

 

[mtraylor]

To get even spread you will need 3 over the tank. I agree.

 

[GoVols]

I'd go with two AP700's and call it a day.

And, Welcome to the R2R family.

Regards, GoVols

 

[Scorpius]

Shadowing is an issue with the 360 series due to point source lighting. I would suggest a t5/led hybrid which is the route I'm currently working on.

 

[ca1ore]

Shadowing is an issue with these lights, though only once tanks get overgrown. Otherwise they perform well. For a tank 18" wide and 22" inches tall you might also consider the 160. I ran three over a similar sized tank and got excellent growth. You daisy chain them off a single controller.

 

[GoVols]

I would suggest a t5/led hybrid which is the route I'm currently working on.

I agree and that's what I run. Best of both worlds.

If I ever go all out led, then the Giesemann Futura-S would be at the top of my short list and the AP700 just does not fit my tanks specs. One unit is too small and two is too big.

Two Ap700's would be perfect for OP's tank and he would have no shadowing or hot spot issues.

On a 72" wide tank the 360's are just not the right tool to do the job and that's why Kessil makes the AP700's.