Kessil to supplement T5

Mr Fishface · Jun 22, 2019

So I am currently almost done transferring everything into my new 125 gallon tank. I have a 48" 8 bulb T5 system I have from my 75 gallon tank. When I put it on my new 125g, it actually looks pretty good - the light fills out nicely and I'm only using 4 bulbs. However I was thinking of adding a kessil at each end to give me that shimmer effect as well as keep the par up on that one foot section that isn't directly under a T5.

Since the area I am going to supplement is small could the a160 work? Would the 360 be better? I really want the shimmer effect in my tank so if the 160 will only shimmer a small part of the tank, that would be helpful to know too. Any advice is appreciated here!

Doostur · Jun 22, 2019

Cant beat the A360we for the money. Get a spectral controller. Get T5 blue plus bulbs. Dont go all nuts mix matching bulbs. If you want a slightly different lighting color, use your LEDs to adjust as you wish.

I have personally seen the T5+a360we setup and looks amazing. However I'd love to see more before and after data after data on color and growth over a 6 month time period.

On a 125, you'll want at least 2 kessils if not 3 depending on measurements.

Then run your kessils for 4-6 hours a day. If you have no ability to turn them on and off, hook them up to a wemo outlet and set your schedule through that. $20 bucks.

DancingShark · Jun 24, 2019

Here is my 125g with three kessils. It wasn't align properly I just throw it together to see how it looked.
360s dont know if the 160s have a smaller field of coverage.

Mr Fishface · Jun 25, 2019

DancingShark said:
Here is my 125g with three kessils. It wasn't align properly I just throw it together to see how it looked.
360s dont know if the 160s have a smaller field of coverage.

Wow thanks! Do you think that two 360s would provide the whole 125 with shimmer? I know the par would be neglible in the middle but my giant t5 system doesn't leave room for a third 360. I'm not worried about par dead center anyways.