Kessil A160WE vs. A360W-E Intensity Comparison? I have both...

DentistReefer413 · Jun 23, 2017

I've owned the A160WE for about two months now - I LOVE it. But I wanted just a little more power, and upgradeability for if I decide to upgrade to a larger tank...

I was running the A160WE at about 50% color and 100% intensity for 9 hours a day and everything was happy. What would be a rough equivalent intensity for the A360W-E the same distance from the water level?

Also, I bought the Kessil Controller, so I'll be messing around with schedules... Just interested in a baseline comparison of intensities between both.

Thanks in advance!

Mal11224 · Jun 23, 2017

I think the only way you can make a comparison is with the help of a par/lux meter. I had the a160's and replaced them with an ap700 for the same reason. I wanted more power. The a360 lights are good. The spectral controller has an acclimation program that might be useful. This way you can acclimate the corals to the new light without harming them. Even though your tank is used to an LED light, a stronger LED can bleach corals easily.

DentistReefer413 · Jun 23, 2017

You're absolutely right - a PAR meter would be exactly what I'd need for the comparison... The AP700 is awesome looking! I thought about purchasing that for a minute, but I don't think I'll upgrade to a tank larger than 50gal, so I couldn't justify the $$$.

I currently have the A360 intensity set at 35%, just seems a tad less than 100% intensity on the A160. But like you said, I don't want to bleach anything!

Mal11224 · Jun 23, 2017

DentistReefer413 said:
You're absolutely right - a PAR meter would be exactly what I'd need for the comparison... The AP700 is awesome looking! I thought about purchasing that for a minute, but I don't think I'll upgrade to a tank larger than 50gal, so I couldn't justify the $$$.

I currently have the A360 intensity set at 35%, just seems a tad less than 100% intensity on the A160. But like you said, I don't want to bleach anything!

I love the ap700. It is a great light and very strong. I am seeing better growth on my corals, which I wasn't seeing with the a160. The a360 will be great for you. You can always increase the intensity little by little. LED lights are very deceptive. You may think that they aren't bright enough but will bleach corals very quickly. Good luck. Nice tank by the way.

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 23, 2017

A Lux meter is $15 on Amazon.
The a 360 is about 35000 lux at peak intensity and white setting at 12 in as I recall.

I'm not 100% sure as I've not metered it but the 160 should be about half that or 20,000 lux at the same distance.

The ap700 is 35000 lux at 12in at full.

And +1 on acclimation @Mal11224 go slow.

In general devide lux by 60 = par. A rough estimate.