Kessil AP700 enough for a RS Reefer 425?

[nim6us]

I'm just looking for some advice on my lighting setup. I've got a RS Reefer 425, it's roughly 4 feet long almost 2 feet deep. I purchased a Kessil AP700 based on their website saying that one AP700 should be enough to cover the entire tank.

This is the biggest tank I've owned, and my first serious stab at having corals with my fish. I'm concerned as it looks like I'll have to mount the AP700 quite high to cover the whole tank. Should I be okay? I'm debating selling the AP700 and getting 2x Hydra 26's instead. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experience to contribute.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'm just looking for some advice on my lighting setup. I've got a RS Reefer 425, it's roughly 4 feet long almost 2 feet deep. I purchased a Kessil AP700 based on their website saying that one AP700 should be enough to cover the entire tank.

This is the biggest tank I've owned, and my first serious stab at having corals with my fish. I'm concerned as it looks like I'll have to mount the AP700 quite high to cover the whole tank. Should I be okay? I'm debating selling the AP700 and getting 2x Hydra 26's instead. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experience to contribute.

An AP700 will cover that tank, but you'll have some shadowing at the edges. This post from Boom Corals should help, he put an AP700 over his frag tank.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tell-me-your-experience-with-kessil-lighting.326111/page-3

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's perfect for that tank.
12 to 14 in probably.

 

[nim6us]

Thanks Salty.. was just looking for some reassurance as it's my first big build. I kept seeing all these other builds running 2 AP700's, and I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of selling a kidney to buy a second unit

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Thanks Salty.. was just looking for some reassurance as it's my first big build. I kept seeing all these other builds running 2 AP700's, and I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of selling a kidney to buy a second unit

No worries. Def keep the kidney for other hobbies.

Where more pucks or sources do reduce shading, this is probably the most impressive even spread I've seen on a tank. And I'm no kessil fan boy.

 

[K100286]

I would think that you won't need to cover the entire 48 in. if you leave a 6-8 in.space on each end to clean the glass,and do other maintenance. The actual light would only need to cover around 36in. and this would be enough for some sps. I have 3 ap700's. and they will grow most corals. Just be careful with the intensity. Many people including me have killed and or burnt their corals. Start at 30-40 and work up slowly.

 

[nim6us]

Good advice!