Going from an older kessil a350 to something modern?

[pmarsh]

I have had my a350 tuna since it's release in 2012. I never ran a par test but it "feels" like it is losing intensity.

Has anyone gone from a 5+ year old led system to something recent? Any huge differences beyond things like wifi, apps?

Thanks!

 

[talh]

I can't contribute much to this discussion, but I have an old Maxspect R420R and looking for the same advice. I will be watching this thread today.

 

[andrewkw]

My a350 is still working great and growing coral. Actually out of the 3 kessils I've used only my a360 has issues. Also have an a360we.

 

[dantimdad]

The amount of intensity does drop over the years. But, it depends on the brand how much.

Buy a cheap LUX meter from amazon and post the numbers from the measurement at the water surface.

It can give an idea about how the light is doing.

Surely, someone has a measurement of a newer kessil they can post for comparison.

 

[talh]

So I ended up ordering an AI twentysix HD. It is supposed to get delivered tomorrow and I will update you how I like it after a few days.

 

[pmarsh]

So I ended up ordering an AI twentysix HD. It is supposed to get delivered tomorrow and I will update you how I like it after a few days.

Great let us know what you think. I'm looking into lux meters.

 

[talh]

Great let us know what you think. I'm looking into lux meters.

So, I got the light last week but made the mistake of getting the single arm mount kit which didn't work for my tank (it is rimmed and single arm kit only works on rimless). That delayed me for a few days until the double arm mounting kit got in. Also wasted a few days in between considering building my own mount but after figuring the cost of supplies to build one, it would only be about 20% more money to buy the kit.

I finally got the light mounted and set up the lighting schedule. I will report back on Friday and let you guys know how it goes. First impressions are high, the features on it are great. Was easy to mount and program. Looks good too. Notable improvement in lighting over my Maxspect R420R; I don't have a par reader but can tell visually it's much stronger. I turned on the acclimation mode which decreases the power of the lights and gradually increases over a two week period so the corals can adjust.

 

[pmarsh]

@talh how are things almost 2 months later? Still liking it?

 

[talh]

@talh how are things almost 2 months later? Still liking it?

Really liking the twentysix HD. I've set it and forgot about it. Corals are growing and they look amazing. It grows everything fast though. If I miss my weekly water change the glass will be covered in algae very quickly. Because of work I missed the water change this weekend and by Tuesday I'm sure the family will be complaining the tank looks bad.

I'll get some photos for ya when I get around to cleaning and water change. Hopefully next weekend. (I'm out of town for work still)

 

[talh]

@talh how are things almost 2 months later? Still liking it?

Really liking the twentysix HD. I've set it and forgot about it. Corals are growing and they look amazing. It grows everything fast though. If I miss my weekly water change the glass will be covered in algae very quickly. Because of work I missed the water change this weekend and by Tuesday I'm sure the family will be complaining the tank looks bad.

I'll get some photos for ya when I get around to cleaning and water change. Hopefully next weekend. (I'm out of town for work still)