Kessil or ReefBreeder?

ReefSprinter · Jul 25, 2015

I am contemplating upgrading leds from the blue and white taotronics to possibly Kessil or ReefBreeders but I'm not 100% sold on either brand. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these lights and what they think are the pro's and con's. I currently have a 72G bowfront and but I am looking at upgrading to a 125 or bigger soon so either way I'm going to need to purchase at least one new light, any input is greatly appreciated.

Chris Adams · Jul 25, 2015

Few things

1) You need to consider the dimensions of the tank. You could probably get 3 reefbreeders for what you will pay for 2 kessil.
2) You will find people on both sides of fence. I did not like my kessil 360w but then again did not have controller and no way of telling what percentage I was running on it. No Par meter. Has come a long way since I had it but man the price. Replaced it with a reef radiance with built in controller. Was about half the price and still running it.
3) I like my leds but you should also plan ahead on how you will add T5's to make it hybrid. Seems alot of people are going that way with great results. I will be purchasing a t5 kit soon myself and add it to my led.
4) If you go strictly LED you really need to consider Hydras, radions

Anyways just my thoughts and experience. Hopefully others will chime in

Gooburz · Jul 26, 2015

That is the one thing that kills me with the Kessil's is the price, granted they are great lights but there are so many others out there that will give you great results as well for MUCH cheaper. Personally I'll be going with a Reefbreeders Photon fixture for my 80 breeder upgrade which will be the price of 1 Kessil a360we.

Daytonareefing · Jul 26, 2015

Between the two I would say reefbreeders but I have heard of people not liking the kessil's more than any other leds from my research but I have never used them. I have reefbreeder's and they do fine but I'm going to upgrade to all Hydra's 26's and keep the reefbreeder's for backups. Right now I only use Hydra's on my QT to try them out and I'm very happy with them.

kacrocorals581 · Jul 26, 2015

I have kessil and love them, I have also had similar light to reef breeders both grow corals I just can't do the disco ball effect with all kinda different colors and you don't get that with the kessil just one uniform color

ReefSprinter · Jul 26, 2015

I appreciate everyone's responses. I am trying to do as much research as possible before making a purchase and I'm glad I am, the more research I've done the more I find people referring me to Hydras and Radions rather than Kessil. I just wish there was a way you could test the lights like you do a car.

ReefSprinter · Jul 26, 2015

Daytonareefing said:
Between the two I would say reefbreeders but I have heard of people not liking the kessil's more than any other leds from my research but I have never used them. I have reefbreeder's and they do fine but I'm going to upgrade to all Hydra's 26's and keep the reefbreeder's for backups. Right now I only use Hydra's on my QT to try them out and I'm very happy with them.

How many Hydra 26's will you need for your 125?