What would you suggest?

kdc · May 3, 2018

Should I get new lighting that doesn't require a controller for my tank or replace the controller that I've never used but lost most of the parts for? I'm in the process of setting up my IM 25G Fusion Lagoon, it's 24"x20"x12". I was looking at the Kessil A360NE, but I'm not sure it would have enough spread, and two would probably overdo it. I plan on having a mixed reef, but light on the sps. The light I have is the AI Vega but it has never been used. We had a house fire a few years ago and I bought everything to replace what I lost but when we got orders to move I never ended up setting up another tank, now I have a lot of dated half lost items and I'm trying to piece together a complete set-up. I'm pretty much there, except for this big decision and I just don't know enough about what is out there to make a call, so I'm hoping to get your opinion. Thank in Advance!

Crabs McJones · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
Should I get new lighting that doesn't require a controller for my tank or replace the controller that I've never used but lost most of the parts for? I'm in the process of setting up my IM 25G Fusion Lagoon, it's 24"x20"x12". I was looking at the Kessil A360NE, but I'm not sure it would have enough spread, and two would probably overdo it. I plan on having a mixed reef, but light on the sps. The light I have is the AI Vega and it too has never been used. We had a house fire a few years ago and I bought everything to replace what I lost but when we got orders to move I never ended up setting up another tank, now I have a lot of dated half lost items and I'm trying to piece together a complete set-up. I'm pretty much there, except for this big decision and I just don't know enough about what is out there to make a call, so I'm hoping to get your opinion. Thank in Advance!

I would have to agree that the a360n probably won't cover that spread like the w would. You could see if there are any members that would be willing to trade you an N for a W. I see that occasionally. Not familiar with the AI Vega though

but an a360we over that tank would be pretty legit

good luck

kdc · May 3, 2018

crabs_mcjones said:
I would have to agree that the a360n probably won't cover that spread like the w would. You could see if there are any members that would be willing to trade you an N for a W. I see that occasionally. Not familiar with the AI Vega though but an a360we over that tank would be pretty legit good luck

The AI Vega is an old light, I think I've had it for about six years. I checked out the a360we and your right, it had the spread I need and definitely has the depth. So you agree, that I can survive without a controller?

What would you think of two of the a80's? I read on here that someone else has tried that.

Crabs McJones · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
The AI Vega is an old light, I think I've had it for about six years. I checked out the a360we and your right, it had the spread I need and definitely has the depth. So you agree, that I can survive without a controller?

You can as long as you remember to turn the light on and off every day. Otherwise for 99 bucks you can pick up kessils spectral controller to turn on and off and ramp up and ramp down

Dana Riddle · May 3, 2018

I looked at a couple of online retailers, and it looks like a replacement controller for your Kessil will be around $100. I agree that the light generated by it will likely be insufficient for a 2-foot tank (unless you're interested in coral placement in a rather restricted footprint). For the same amount of money, a Chinese black box will provide enough light and will have a timer/channel programmer built in.

Dana Riddle · May 3, 2018

I should add that I have no vested interest in promoting any light source, other than recommending value. When I wrote the first-ever product review of a LED luminaire designed for aquaria (PFO's Solaris) in 2006, the price of the device exceeded $2,000. Now we can buy a superior luminaire for about $125.

Crabs McJones · May 3, 2018

Agreed, as much as I love kessils, the black boxes can more than get the job done

kdc · May 3, 2018

I misspoke in my first post, I don't own a Kessil yet, I'm looking at buying one. I own an AI Vega and I can't find a controller for one of those anywhere. It can be controller through a Neptune system though. My Neptune system (which I bought years ago) has missing plugs and parts and I was considering replacing it, but for a tank this small, I'm not sure it is worth it.

Crabs McJones · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
I misspoke in my first post, I don't own a Kessil yet, I'm looking at buying one. I own an AI Vega and I can't find a controller for one of those anywhere. It can be controller through a Neptune system though. My Neptune system (which I bought years ago) has missing plugs and parts and I was considering replacing it, but for a tank this small, I'm not sure it is worth it.

I read your post wrong. My mistake. Kessil A360we all the way then!!

;Hilarious

kdc · May 3, 2018

crabs_mcjones said:
I read your post wrong. My mistake. Kessil A360we all the way then!!;Hilarious

Would one A360we be better than two of the a80's?

Zach W · May 3, 2018

Any thought on a NanoBox Duo? Would look great on that tank!

mcarroll · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
I misspoke in my first post, I don't own a Kessil yet, I'm looking at buying one. I own an AI Vega and I can't find a controller for one of those anywhere. It can be controller through a Neptune system though. My Neptune system (which I bought years ago) has missing plugs and parts and I was considering replacing it, but for a tank this small, I'm not sure it is worth it.

Considering economy first, getting the Vega up and running has to be the best option....it's paid for, brand new and won't re-sell for much now.

Seems like a 360W would be overkill for a 12" deep tank, but the spread is right.

You're talking about a single-source lighting scheme which seems to bother some folks though...shadows and all ;Nailbiting. It's an overblown issue, but not completely without merit....the look from a spotlight IS more dramatic than the look from a floodlight. Some folks like it, some don't – many folks are indifferent and fine with both. There's also the height issue with respect to light reflections....your short walls won't allow for as much as happens in deeper tanks. Those reflections are what make the ultra-wide angle of these lights such a benefit. Yeah you scrape algae more, but that's from the light being spread around so much.

If you suspect you'd like a more even floodlight look (e.g. T5) then either multiple smaller Kessils like the 80's or 160's could be employed, or LED strips like those from Current USA and others. Either should give you that even light field with very minimal shadows.

2¢

kdc · May 3, 2018

Zach W said:
Any thought on a NanoBox Duo? Would look great on that tank!

I just looked up the NanoBox Duo and it doesn't look like it would have enough coverage for my whole tank. It would one way but not the other, length but not width, I believe.

Zach W · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
I just looked up the NanoBox Duo and it doesn't look like it would have enough coverage for my whole tank. It would one way but not the other, length but not width, I believe.

I see what you are saying, it says max coverage is 30x18 but then below that it lists the lagoon 25 as a compatible tank. I think you would be fine unless you’re trying to put high intensity SPS corals at the bottom of the back of the tank or something. Not totally sure though!

kdc · May 3, 2018

Zach W said:
I see what you are saying, it says max coverage is 30x18 but then below that it lists the lagoon 25 as a compatible tank. I think you would be fine unless you’re trying to put high intensity SPS corals at the bottom of the back of the tank or something. Not totally sure though!

I didn't see a list of compatible tanks, I like the look of it though, I'll check it out again. Thanks!

Crabs McJones · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
Would one A360we be better than two of the a80's?

Yes. If you were going to do two I'd opt for the 160s instead

Zach W · May 3, 2018

kdc said:
I didn't see a list of compatible tanks, I like the look of it though, I'll check it out again. Thanks!

In my opinion it’s the best looking light on the market and fully customizable since every unit is handmade! Plus it’s very high quality and can support anything you want to grow. The fact that the cord is integrated into the mount arm is great too so you can’t see any wires

kdc · May 4, 2018

mcarroll said:
Considering economy first, getting the Vega up and running has to be the best option....it's paid for, brand new and won't re-sell for much now.

Seems like a 360W would be overkill for a 12" deep tank, but the spread is right.

You're talking about a single-source lighting scheme which seems to bother some folks though...shadows and all ;Nailbiting. It's an overblown issue, but not completely without merit....the look from a spotlight IS more dramatic than the look from a floodlight. Some folks like it, some don't – many folks are indifferent and fine with both. There's also the height issue with respect to light reflections....your short walls won't allow for as much as happens in deeper tanks. Those reflections are what make the ultra-wide angle of these lights such a benefit. Yeah you scrape algae more, but that's from the light being spread around so much.

If you suspect you'd like a more even floodlight look (e.g. T5) then either multiple smaller Kessils like the 80's or 160's could be employed, or LED strips like those from Current USA and others. Either should give you that even light field with very minimal shadows.

2¢

To get the Vega up and running I need a controller of some sort. My Neptune is missing important parts and I can't find one of their remotes for sale anywhere. I was looking at two of the Kessil A80's because I don't need the depth penetration of the 160's but the Current USA Orbit has a decent look and a very attractive price. I wasn't planning on keeping any light hungry corals, though I would like to eventually get an anemone.

mcarroll · May 4, 2018

I don't know much about the Vega's or Neptune to help.

I can say that at 12" deep, intensity is not going to be a problem.....but covering 24x24" is where your lighting plan will have to stretch a little.

I suspect you'll want up to four 80's. Your tank is kinda two 15-gallon tanks side-by-side, merged into one....and for a 15 gallon, Kessil recommends one or two 160's. (They don't specifically address 80's here: http://www.kessil.com/aquarium/getting.php so maybe use their contact info at the bottom of the page to see what they say. They are responsive in my experience!)

For strips I think you'll want at least two of any you'd want to consider....Current or otherwise.

The Orbit should work well, but I think I'd suggest planning for two, even if you don't add both at once. Technically I think one can work, but for coverage over that whole 24"^2 I think you'll want two.

Ultimately the number depends on the look you're after and which model lights you want to consider.

(Current, GHL, Reefbrite, Hamilton....who else is making good LED strips?)