Kessil a160we on a 48x24x24

mr.kurt · May 2, 2019

Was given a 120 gallon tank buy a fellow reefer. He gave me all of his lighting as well in his lighting were three kessil a160we lights. They probably should be the bigger lights but this is what was given to me. can I get away with two or should I use the three. Or should I upgrade and get one more to make it 4. There also is a cross brace on the top of the tank so if anything I would have to have the third light off center. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BestMomEver · May 2, 2019

I assume your tank is 5’ long. That being the case, I would use all three lights. Put them up and look at it for a bit. You can always get another later or just add some t5’s.

Btw, I’m not sure if I welcomed you before but if I didn’t, welcome to the reef!

mr.kurt · May 2, 2019

BestMomEver said:
I assume your tank is 5’ long. That being the case, I would use all three lights. Put them up and look at it for a bit. You can always get another later or just add some t5’s.

Btw, I’m not sure if I welcomed you before but if I didn’t, welcome to the reef!

mr.kurt said:
Was given a 120 gallon tank buy a fellow reefer. He gave me all of his lighting as well in his lighting were three kessil a160we lights. They probably should be the bigger lights but this is what was given to me. can I get away with two or should I use the three. Or should I upgrade and get one more to make it 4. There also is a cross brace on the top of the tank so if anything I would have to have the third light off center. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tank is 48x24x24

BestMomEver · May 2, 2019

mr.kurt said:
Tank is 48x24x24

Ok... sorry I didn’t read carefully enough. I would still use all three. Let me preface by saying that my knowledge of Kessill lights is limited. But what I gather from reading, Kessill lights are not as bright/powerful/broad reaching as some of the other brands. I could be REALLY wrong about that but that’s what I’ve heard talking to others and researching. That being said, I think you should use all three.

DangerDave · May 2, 2019

What are you trying to accomplish? Is it going to be fish and softies? Probably fine then. Is it going to be a mixed reef, I would add a 4th at a minimum but I think your going to need more light. If your looking to be SPS dominated, there isn't going to be enough light with the 160s.

madweazl · May 2, 2019

Depends on what you want in the tank. If it's going to be light demanding corals (e.g. acroporas), you'll likely need five (or more) 160s. If you're going to keep less demanding corals, three or four will likely be enough. I've been using Kessils for about three years now and wouldnt recommend fewer than four but you'll just have to see how it goes if it's cost prohibitive at this point.

JBKReef · May 2, 2019

Something else to consider would be keeping the three lights, and buy some 48 inch T5's to suppliment the light. Get the hybrid approach, blanket of light and par from the t5's while the shimmer and intensity from the kessils.

The aquatic life fixture and light brackets is only ~$100 more than what a 4th Kessil would cost and if you were to use some of the DIY options for t5 retrofits you could come away even cheaper than the 4th kessil.

madweazl · May 2, 2019

JBKReef said:
Something else to consider would be keeping the three lights, and buy some 48 inch T5's to suppliment the light. Get the hybrid approach, blanket of light and par from the t5's while the shimmer and intensity from the kessils.

The aquatic life fixture and light brackets is only ~$100 more than what a 4th Kessil would cost and if you were to use some of the DIY options for t5 retrofits you could come away even cheaper than the 4th kessil.

Actually what I'm running but the PAR from the AquaticLife Hybrid is quite poor compared to other T5 setups. The AquaticLife Hybrid only produced 21% more PAR than our two bulb LET retrofit that it replaced. It is a relatively clean fixture and I've had good results with it (I have A360WEs).

JBKReef · May 2, 2019

madweazl said:
Actually what I'm running but the PAR from the AquaticLife Hybrid is quite poor compared to other T5 setups. The AquaticLife Hybrid only produced 21% more PAR than our two bulb LET retrofit that it replaced. It is a relatively clean fixture and I've had good results with it (I have A360WEs).

On a smaller scale I almost went with the LET retrofit but went with the Reefbrite Supra Slimline T5's. I didnt want to deal with the wiring (which I have been told is very simple) but I kind of wanted the just plug and play.

I am adding 2- single bulb 24" T5's over my lagoon, currently only lit by 2 A80's.

mr.kurt · May 3, 2019

Thanks everyone for your response. It's very helpful. Lighting is confusing and manufacturers promise the world but most times fall short. I was told by kessil 2 lights would work great for that tank. I didn't really believe that because I had 3 from my friend. I tested with a third and could totally see how 3 is the way to go. But a 4th would be even better. I think for now I will stay with 3 save up to buy a bigger better more powerful light. Setting up tank this weekend. I really appreciate all your help.