Opinions on Lighting a Nano

[dbjonesjr]

I am looking at purchasing a light for my new build by the end of the day. It is essentially 12x12x12 and I will have a fair mix of corals in the tank. Does anyone have recommendations? My two main candidates are either the Aqua Knight or A80. I really wanted to try a Kessil but I just do not see how it could be worth the extra money, especially when considering the power differences. By the time I would be able to control the A80 I will basically be in a couple hundred more for a less powerful light.

If you could include a link to the light you are recommending, both advantages and disadvantages to the light, and maybe even a photo of what you are accomplishing, that would be very appreciated.

Edit: I was also looking at the Fluval Sea Marine Nano Bluetooth LED as it offers controlability for a reasonable price. But much like the Kessil I doubt it will have the power I am looking for.

 

[reefwiser]

Fluval Sea is a weak light I have tested them on club members tanks.
The aqua Knight is a cheap LED light don't look for a long life out of it.
I would buy a Kessil 160. If you keep your eye on the Used equipment section of the forum you should find one for sale. As people cycle thru lights fast on their aquariums trying to find that perfect light.
When it can take a coral 6 months to a year to really get adjusted to a light.

 

[dbjonesjr]

Fluval Sea is a weak light I have tested them on club members tanks.
The aqua Knight is a cheap LED light don't look for a long life out of it.
I would buy a Kessil 160. If you keep your eye on the Used equipment section of the forum you should find one for sale. As people cycle thru lights fast on their aquariums trying to find that perfect light.
When it can take a coral 6 months to a year to really get adjusted to a light.

That is definitely something I'd like to consider but I've purchased things off the forum twice and gotten screwed a time and a half.

 

[hart24601]

If you have a regular clamp fixture these are pretty solid lights and the price can't be beat although not dimmable:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/test-results-abi-23w-tuna-blue-led.608613/

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Sorry to hear you've had issues buying from other members. Most times that isn't the case. I've sold and purchased from tons of members with great success. I'd recommend an AI Prime, Kessil 160 or Ecotech XR15. All solid lights with great customer support and all the power you will need for several years.

 

[dbjonesjr]

If you have a regular clamp fixture these are pretty solid lights and the price can't be beat although not dimmable:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/test-results-abi-23w-tuna-blue-led.608613/

Thanks for the recommendation! Maybe I will start out with something like this and consider purchasing a Kessil if I find myself wanting more control. I will have to look into getting a goosneck for one and compare the cost.

Sorry to hear you've had issues buying from other members. Most times that isn't the case. I've sold and purchased from tons of members with great success. I'd recommend an AI Prime, Kessil 160 or Ecotech XR15. All solid lights with great customer support and all the power you will need for several years.

I know that what has happened to me isn't the case for everyone. I got both issues solved in the end but it was through a month or more of dealing with the seller or PayPal. I will have to keep my eye out for a good deal or just pony up the money.

 

[intricate_reefer]

I have this one on my little nano. Similar style led to a kessil but a lot more powerful then the A80. Full spectrum with 4 adjustable channels

https://www.amazon.com/Lomini-Aquar...=pixie+30+led&qid=1561073317&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

[dbjonesjr]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I've decided I'd like to spend the money now instead of later on a nicer light. What is everyone's preference between the AI Prime HD+ between Kessil A160WE? I like the shimmer and color of the Kessil but the light itself is $30 more and the controller is another $100.

 

[Iván Olalla]

You can check my build thread if you like, had experience with the a80, the prime and an Aqua lumini (current one) on the same footprint and keep a mixed reef!

 

[dbjonesjr]

You can check my build thread if you like, had experience with the a80, the prime and an Aqua lumini (current one) on the same footprint and keep a mixed reef!

Just got my solution in...

 

[Iván Olalla]

Just got my solution in...

Lol... overkill...kind of what i´m currentñy doing: adjusting a Maxspect Razor Nano to my 8 gallon!
If you can get some PAR readings it will help you a lot, i use a Seneye for my light adjustments!

 

[dbjonesjr]

Lol... overkill...kind of what i´m currentñy doing: adjusting a Maxspect Razor Nano to my 8 gallon!
If you can get some PAR readings it will help you a lot, i use a Seneye for my light adjustments!

I’ll be boring my local club’s meter this coming week. I’m not too worried about killing coral with this light. I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a bigger light as I’ll eventually be moving to a larger lagoon style tank like a Innovative Marine 25 after I get out of the dorms at school.

 

[Jay Z]

360x for a 12x12x12?

I’m done for the night.

 

[Iván Olalla]

I’ll be boring my local club’s meter this coming week. I’m not too worried about killing coral with this light. I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a bigger light as I’ll eventually be moving to a larger lagoon style tank like a Innovative Marine 25 after I get out of the dorms at school.

Sounds like a solid plan!

 

[Jay Z]

It still may be to bright on the lowest setting. If it is see if you can get a diffuser for it. Kessils major will cut the par almost in half. Will get you by until the bigger tank.

Looks almost as bright, just less par. Cuts some of the shimmer to if it messes with your eyes.

 

[dbjonesjr]

It still may be to bright on the lowest setting. If it is see if you can get a diffuser for it. Kessils major will cut the par almost in half. Will get you by until the bigger tank.

Looks almost as bright, just less par. Cuts some of the shimmer to if it messes with your eyes.

It’s a Kessil. I have serious doubts it will be to much PAR. I will take action if necessary!