Kessil H380 vs. 160

[ca1ore]

Curious if anyone has had hands on experience with both? My H380 has crapped out (probably for the last time) and since it's discontinued, options appear to be either the 160 or the X. Really don't feel like spending $450 to grow algae, so I am considering the 160 …. but i am unsure that it will be sufficient. I've long given up on the amazon/ebay grow light special that last about six months.

 

[dank reefer]

I don't have experience with the 160, but i did have experience with the H80 then made the jump to the H380. The H80 was too small for my fuge area, and needed a higher wattage light which is why i went with the H380 ans skipped the H160 as I didn't want to have to buy the H160, and then buy the H380.

I did have my H380 crap out on me one day as it would turn on fine and within 1 minute or less the light spectrum would change color, and the light would get real dim. I took the light apart and with a paint brush i was able to take out salt creep build up and what ever else got caught in the fan (Looked like someone shave a 5 year old beard and put all the trimmings in the light) and the light has been working great since then.

Not sure what your light is doing, but give that a try and see it you can revive it.

 

[minus9]

I traded down from my H380 to the H160 and it's great. I initially set up my 90g as a Triton method tank, but changed after too many issues and found that the 380 was just too strong for my medium sized fuge. It was dropping nutrients too far and found myself supplementing to make up for the loss. The H160 is perfect for medium to small sized fuges, the ability to dial back the intensity is a major plus. If you have a huge bio load and large fuge, the H380 is perfect, but the H160 can handle a decent sized fuge. What size is your fuge?

 

[ca1ore]

I’ve taken the H380 apart a few times and replaced the fan twice. This time it’s the LED mechanism that appears kaput. Had it for 5 years, so that’s pretty good. Fuge is 24x24 so probably a stretch for the 160.

 

[minus9]

Yeah, that's a sizeable fuge for the 160. The H360x is a chunk of change for sure, especially for a fuge light. I agree with you on the Amazon lights, they just don't pack the punch that the Kessil's do. Time to sell some frags and fund the next purchase.

 

[Erick Armanii]

I’ve taken the H380 apart a few times and replaced the fan twice. This time it’s the LED mechanism that appears kaput. Had it for 5 years, so that’s pretty good. Fuge is 24x24 so probably a stretch for the 160.

If your looking to rebuild another h380 I’ll sell you mines for $50 bucks plus shipping.

I purchased it new from Brs.. set it up on my tank in February, a few weeks later it died. Reached out to kessil and they sent me a new one. Since this whole COVID thing was happening they told me just to keep it or throw it out.

Someone tech savvy could definitely fix it.

 

[ca1ore]

Appreciate the offer, however, when I said taken apart, I meant just for cleaning. Fan replacement is pretty basic also. Anything beyond that is, well, beyond me I’m afraid.