Kessil decision on 20g cube...? Is the A80 enough?

[gunflintcamper]

Ok so my husband and I are new reefers with a 4’ 80g plus sump that just has a few fish so far...long term mixed reef plans...and we put two Kessil A360x on it with the dongle and cables...

This matters because I decided I wanted my own little tank also and just purchased the WB 20 Cube. Now I absolutely love the look of the Kessils which is why we bought them for the other tank...we chose Kessil based on a little A80 on a 10g at the LFS.

So...is an A80 enough for the 20g? Eventually would like Anemones in there. Or will I need to upgrade down the road? I’d really like to not spend the extra money on the bigger light!

The reason I mention the first tank, is I’m wondering if we are going to wish we had a third light on it anyway? If so...maybe I buy that for the cube now....and something new will come out for the cube by the time I need to give it up for the bigger tank?

I realize the Kessil A160 Is the middle ground I’m just not a fan of the popcan look.

 

[Juka087]

A80 is not even enough for my nuvo 10. I would use the a160.

 

[gunflintcamper]

A80 is not even enough for my nuvo 10. I would use the a160.

Well that’s it then...if it’s not keeping a 10 happy it won’t work. I just was hoping the first comment would be more like “love it on my 20!” And so here goes more monies. I tried. LOL

 

[reefiniteasy]

Ok. So I used an a80 on my BioCube 16 that is roughly 14 inches square. I used it at 100% intensity. I now use an a160 on my BioCube at 35% intensity which is equivalent to the 100% on the a80. Here are the par readings of the 35% intensity maybe 10 inches off the rock (4 inches from light to water). Maybe this will help. My a80 was enough to grow lps and sps. I only went to the a160 because I had it from another tank. Both are great lights.


Edit: these PAR readings are from the a160.

 

[gunflintcamper]

Ok. So I used an a80 on my BioCube 16 that is roughly 14 inches square. I used it at 100% intensity. I now use an a160 on my BioCube at 35% intensity which is equivalent to the 100% on the a80. Here are the par readings of the 35% intensity maybe 10 inches off the rock (4 inches from light to water). Maybe this will help. My a80 was enough to grow lps and sps. I only went to the a80 because I had it from another tank. Both are great lights.

This helps a lot thank you!

I just wish the 160 was updated to be the more puck shaped than I wouldn’t have any question.

 

[Tamberav]

Simple answer is No.

 

[gunflintcamper]

Simple answer is No.

I usually like simple answers but not when it costs $300 more! Lol

 

[reefiniteasy]

This helps a lot thank you!

I just wish the 160 was updated to be the more puck shaped than I wouldn’t have any question.

Top Shelf Aquatics has 2 Kessil a80s sitting atop a IM Nuvo 20 in their store. The tank is gorgeous. If I had a tank with those dimensions I would do 2 a80s.

It all depends on the depth of the tank. The a80 can grow anything. Placement of coral is key. Here is my current tank. Mind you I am running my a160 at the a80 max intensity. I believe I could go back to the a80 with no issues if I chose to.

 

[gunflintcamper]

Top Shelf Aquatics has 2 Kessil a80s sitting atop a IM Nuvo 20 in their store. The tank is gorgeous. If I had a tank with those dimensions I would do 2 a80s.

It all depends on the depth of the tank. The a80 can grow anything. Placement of coral is key. Here is my current tank. Mind you I am running my a160 at the a80 max intensity. I believe I could go back to the a80 with no issues if I chose to.

Your tank is beautiful!
I appreciate the input!

 

[Tamberav]

I usually like simple answers but not when it costs $300 more! Lol

Haha well your display probably needs one more kessil at some point too which is probably something you don’t want to hear. Depending what corals you keep anyways.

Maybe toss a 360x on a 20 till the big tank grows in! Then move it over.

Otheriwse you could do multiple A80s.

 

[gunflintcamper]

Haha well your display probably needs one more kessil at some point too which is probably something you don’t want to hear. Depending what corals you keep anyways.

Maybe toss a 360x on a 20 till the big tank grows in! Then move it over.

Otheriwse you could do multiple A80s.

That’s kinda where I was leaning. Like if I have to spend the money anyway...might as well put the 360x on the little one till we see a need to move it and then start my dilemma all over. Haha