Kessil Tuna Blue 80 Controller recommendations

[jabberwock]

Any thoughts/recommendations on a controller for this light? I can spend a $100 on the Kessil controller, but I am only going to have 1 light on my 25 gallon lagoon. Can I save a few bucks here? Thanks for looking!

 

[GoVols]

Any thoughts/recommendations on a controller for this light? I can spend a $100 on the Kessil controller, but I am only going to have 1 light on my 25 gallon lagoon. Can I save a few bucks here? Thanks for looking!

 

[jabberwock]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. No need to over complicate things. I already have one...

 

[GoVols]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. No need to over complicate things. I already have one...

I don’t know any other controller that runs a80s outside of their spectral controller

 

[jabberwock]

I don’t know any other controller that runs a80s outside of their spectral controller

Thanks, a $100 to turn it off and on seems a little ridiculous. I am fine without the dawn and dusk ramp up and down. I bet the fish and corals will be as well.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If you ever get a second (or even 3rd light— they are not all that powerful), you can run them off one controller. But I agree that if you don’t want differing ‘whiter’ and ‘bluer’ photo periods, an on/off timer will do the trick. Best wishes.

 

[jabberwock]

If you ever get a second (or even 3rd light— they are not all that powerful), you can run them off one controller. But I agree that if you don’t want differing ‘whiter’ and ‘bluer’ photo periods, an on/off timer will do the trick. Best wishes.

Thank you, I am standing up an IM 25 gal lagoon AOI. I think the one light will suffice. Not too worried about anything fancy or large. The lagoon is shallow. Only 12 inches deep. Just looking at fish and softies. I appreciate the input!

 

[Sean Clark]

A single A80 might be pushing the limits for a IM 25. I would apply that $100 controller money towards an a360x.

 

[jabberwock]

If you ever get a second (or even 3rd light— they are not all that powerful), you can run them off one controller. But I agree that if you don’t want differing ‘whiter’ and ‘bluer’ photo periods, an on/off timer will do the trick. Best wishes.

Good looking tank. I see you are running 3 lights. I am hoping one will be enough for my 25 gal lagoon. It is only 12 inches deep and 24 x 20. Do you think 1 will be enough?

 

[JumboShrimp]

I think it 'could' be enough on the 12" depth aspect (if not mounted too high above the water), at least for softies, but I honestly do not think the spread of light left-to-right will be sufficient.

 

[jabberwock]

I think it 'could' be enough on the 12" depth aspect (if not mounted too high above the water), at least for softies, but I honestly do not think the spread of light left-to-right will be sufficient.

I appreciate the info/data point, but no frowny face! This is a journey, I will adapt as necessary. Thank you!

 

[JumboShrimp]

By comparison, I used two (2) A80s on this 7-gallon All-in-One.

 

[Reef.]

If you are happy to have the same intensity and colour, then I would recommend an Amazon smart plug, rather than one of those with a dial.

The intensity would probably be fine without a ramp up or down, the decision is whether you are going to be happy with not having a change in colour throughout the day…you can always manually change the colour but that soon gets old fast.

 

[Chrisv.]

I appreciate the info/data point, but no frowny face! This is a journey, I will adapt as necessary. Thank you!

If it comes down to it, check out a used AI prime 16hd. I'm a little doubtful that an a80 will get you where you need to go, but your mileage may vary. A used prime won't cost much and the programming and controllability are fantastic.

 

[jabberwock]

Thank you all for the info. I am leaning towards a second A80 and the controller at this point. I accidentally purchased a Kessil mounting arm meant for larger lights. I modified it with a scrap piece of walnut as a bracket to work with the A80. I can just use a wider piece to accommodate 2 of them...

The good news is, that I am forced to go slowly due to a major home remodel that will take place before I get the tank wet. So I have time to adapt and fund changes like this. I appreciate all the feedback!

 

[jabberwock]

If you are happy to have the same intensity and colour, then I would recommend an Amazon smart plug, rather than one of those with a dial.

The intensity would probably be fine without a ramp up or down, the decision is whether you are going to be happy with not having a change in colour throughout the day…you can always manually change the colour but that soon gets old fast.

Thanks for the suggestion, but It's funny, I would much rather have a dial than Alexa. I make my living with technology, but I really want as little of it in my real life as is possible.

 

[Reef.]

Thanks for the suggestion, but It's funny, I would much rather have a dial than Alexa. I make my living with technology, but I really want as little of it in my real life as is possible.

I was thinking you had Alex already…not sure why I thought that, yeah any timer will work, I have found the dial timers do drift slightly, which shouldn’t be an issue and also can be a little noisy too, clicking away.

I would also look for a used controller, they are cheap now that the X controller is out and the Wi-Fi module.

 

[jabberwock]

I did get a second A 80. Looks real nice, but I am going to have wait for awhile to get the tank wet...

 

[jabberwock]

Tired of waiting on the remodel. I think the pair of 80s should work out. They are really high above the tank right now. The mounting arm is very adjustable, so I will have options to "dial it in". Any suggestions or advice?

 

[Reef.]

You could safely reduce the height my half.