Kessil/T5 combo suggestions

[LoneStarReef]

So I have two Kessil A360WE's on my 90 gallon reef. I am hoping to supplement with T5's. However, I have a rimless tank and I like the open top without a canopy. My Kessil's have the gooseneck mount. Any suggestions as to what light to use to supplement with T5 lighting? Trying to figure out how I can use both without the T5 getting in the way of the Kessil lights and creating shady spots.

 

[madweazl]

The AquaticLife Hybrid could be mounted from the A-Series Kessil but wouldnt work with the goosenecks due to weight. It isnt the most attractive fixture but is pretty nice for the money.

 

[tdileo]

You should be able to hang it from the ceiling using hooks and steel cable. I’ve always hung all of my lights that way.

 

[madweazl]

You should be able to hang it from the ceiling using hooks and steel cable. I’ve always hung all of my lights that way.

You can (assuming the AquaticLife), if you have short ceilings. The cable it comes with is insanely short but that is pretty easy to replace (dont loose the ball bearings in the fitting if you take it apart).

 

[LoneStarReef]

You should be able to hang it from the ceiling using hooks and steel cable. I’ve always hung all of my lights that way.

That's what I am probably going to do. I just want to make sure I find an aesthetically pleasing light as well. Somewhat modern looking to match my stand.

 

[LoneStarReef]

You can (assuming the AquaticLife), if you have short ceilings. The cable it comes with is insanely short but that is pretty easy to replace (dont loose the ball bearings in the fitting if you take it apart).

Great suggestion. Do you have this fixture? Curious to see what it looks like over a tank.

 

[leepink23]

Great suggestion. Do you have this fixture? Curious to see what it looks like over a tank.

This my aquatic life t5 hybrid with radions, the t5 has included brackets for kessil as well

 

[Jimbo662]

The only difference you'll see with the kessils compared to the pic above is the LED sit flush with the bottom of the fixture so the kesslis will stick up above several inches.

 

[Kyl]

For the price you won't beat the AL hybrid, and it will fit the Kessils as out of the box it comes with A360 brackets. Be aware they will stick up from the fixture, so aren't svelte like options using Radions / Hydras, etc. Given you're against a wall there are options to either hang it from the ceiling, those shelf style brackets or a DIY option using things like 80/20, etc.

If you're intending to go heavy SPS as your build thread suggests, adding the T5's will be a big help.

 

[madweazl]

Great suggestion. Do you have this fixture? Curious to see what it looks like over a tank.

I have one over the tank temporarily (purchased for our 150g) while I play with various lighting.

Dislikes
The finish is actually pretty good, the fit leaves a bit to be desired
Reflectors have a nice polish but are a simple ^ design and dont reflect nearly as well as something from the likes of ATI or even the LET retrofits due to the shape
The above mentioned hanging cables will work fine if you live in a hobbit house...
Cables exiting both sides vs a single cable off the back sucks but it cut the overall cost and is fairly easy to modify
End caps for the T5s are pretty cheesy
Edit: The power cords are short as well

Likes
It is light weight and easy to assemble
Simple integration of LEDs with T5s that looks pretty clean all said and done

 

[LoneStarReef]

This my aquatic life t5 hybrid with radions, the t5 has included brackets for kessil as well

Nice tank! Thanks for the pic.

 

[LoneStarReef]

I have one over the tank temporarily (purchased for our 150g) while I play with various lighting.

Dislikes
The finish is actually pretty good, the fit leaves a bit to be desired
Reflectors have a nice polish but are a simple ^ design and dont reflect nearly as well as something from the likes of ATI or even the LET retrofits due to the shape
The above mentioned hanging cables will work fine if you live in a hobbit house...
Cables exiting both sides vs a single cable off the back sucks but it cut the overall cost and is fairly easy to modify
End caps for the T5s are pretty cheesy
Edit: The power cords are short as well

Likes
It is light weight and easy to assemble
Simple integration of LEDs with T5s that looks pretty clean all said and done

Nice tank! Good to hear the pros/cons on the light. I agree...supplementing with T5's will help with SPS and I still get my Kessil shimmer. I will keep your light in mind but I think I want a different look. Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[Kyl]

Giesemann is apparently coming out with a BYOLed fixture this fall, so that should probably be a more refined look. Else, a canopy of some kind is kind of what your options are right now.

 

[LoneStarReef]

Giesemann is apparently coming out with a BYOLed fixture this fall, so that should probably be a more refined look. Else, a canopy of some kind is kind of what your options are right now.

Good to know. Thanks!