torn over lighting..
 

I'm looking to start up, I currently have 4x54w fixtures, but obviously I feel I won't be satisfied with the current setup.

My tank is 60" wide and 16" deep. A very nice, sleek custom acrylic tank.

Looking at the Kessil 350W Tuna Blues, might be too much. Looking at the AI Sols, might be too little.

What would YOU hang over this tank if you wanted no limits to your corals?

I've been research for weeks, and every time I think it's what I need or want, it doesn't work out that way.

I appreciate feedback!

I don't think you can go wrong with any brand name these days, I think it boils down to how much your comfortable spending and what you personally want to see above your tank...

Between those 2 options, it comes down to aesthetics. Both are nice lights and will both grow your corals well. Different mounting methods is the primary issue. I would say the Kessil would give less disco effect.

I would stick with what you have. For the best colour on corals you could supplement the T5's with some Blue LED's.

IMO, switching from T5 to LED would be a mistake.

What is wrong with what you have? What is the bulb configuration?

Have you seen Kessil in action? There were several at MACNA and the Kessil was one of the worst for disco along with Reef Brites.

I'm not a fan of the AI Sol, I find the color is harsh on the eyes. The Vega is nicer. Both of these two have BIG punch - they have narrow optics so spread isn't as good and there is more color separation, but they punch down a long way. They are great for deep tanks (like 24-30"). Personally, I don't like how they look on shallow tanks because of the color separation (disco).

lighting
 

after trying a lot of different brands of led;all my other builds will now be diy.you can use different watts,drivers,colours,etc, to get what you want

yup. I have to say they had the least amount of separation I've seen so far.

I'm a DIY'er, and have used t5's, MH's, and currently have full spectrum LED par38's and par30's. I can swap out the bulbs anytime for another color blend and if u go diy route, color options are endless, less heat output, power consumption etc. as for disco effect, it's a matter of preference. Doesn't bother me.

Get yourself a couple of GHL Mitras. Done. Thank me later :-)

Kien, did you swap your lighting over?

No, I didn't. I'm still running the same lights I've been running since day one.

Vertex illumina?? I have the 5' 260 and am happy with it plus it looks great.

That's strange. Exact opposite to what I've seen.

It's a multi chip LED, color separation should in theory be the best (I've never pick up on color separation from a Kessil), the shimmer however is much more intense. Are you talking about the same thing? As I understand it the so called disco effect refers to the color separation and not the shimmer. Sounds weird to suggest the Kessil has too much disco but then recommend the Vega...

Haha, I was recommending the Vega over the Sol. I don't care for either one myself.

I've seen many LED fixtures in action and having a multi chip doesn't always help. I tried taking pictures of one of the Kessils at MACNA to show how terrible it looked, but it didn't work very well.

In my experience the Vega has the worst disco ball effect of any of the major led fixtures. I've only seen the kessil in store and Didn't notice any.

After owning both sols and Vegas I would choose the sol (and I did for my frag section). That being said I ultimately chose Mitras and couldn't be happier. They are far and away the best on the market.

I like my radion g2's.

If I ever get some extra moola I am going to look into the ati power module led units they look sweet ....dimable t5's and three 75 watt led in a real sleek package ..........a bit of the proven and some of the new a bit pricey though

I saw an 350W kessil lighted ( 2 lights on 120 g tank) and I thought it was the best lighting I've seen especially with the amount of shimmer driver by 2 vortech - although certainly on the blue side ( even with the white only on, it is still bluish white )... see this link when some asked Kessil about par levels:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/s....php?p=5646206

No need to loan one out mate lots of satisfied kessil users all over the world ... Not going to please everyone ..

Each to there own ....

Just a reminder

Sent a few days ago from kessil USA to myself ..


Thank you for your use of Kessil lights!

We don't have official PAR readings for our lights, as they are not accurate for measuring them. As mentioned in this article (http://blog.apogeeinstruments.com/20...for-light.html), PAR measurements are inconsistent for LEDs, particularly in the blue range. Since our lights are spectrally tuned within a narrow range in the blue part of the spectrum that our testing has demonstrated is optimal for coral growth and color, obtaining a reliable and accurate PAR reading becomes even more problematic. The A150W puts out approximately the same intensity of light as an 150 watt HID bulb.

Thank you again for your use of Kessil lights!

I have a 6 bulb t5 over a 36x24x12 tank and it's too bright for the corals sitting on the legs. I am going to have to raise it. Think u will be fine with a 18" deep tank

+1. Again, I am not sure why you would even want to buy a new light...let alone an LED light.

why do any of us buy anything in this hobby? :biggrin:

A: because it's cool.

:pop2:

Because we all have a severe problem and need help for the addiction

:mrgreen:

I seem to think there would be a few reasons why someone might switch to LED lighting... Maybe we should start a thread to discuss :wink:

yes, that too! :lol:

This is a good idea! You know, because we don't talk about LEDs enough around here.. :mrgreen:

I certainly appreciate everyone's banter regarding lighting.

So a sunlight T5 4x54w should be sufficient for softies at 16" deep?

What sort of bulb configurations would you consider? I'm considering:

2x Narva Blue
1x Aquamedic 15k
1x Kz Fiji Purple

Yup it will work just fine...I would use

2 ATI Blue Plus
1 ATI Purple Plus
1 ATI Coral Plus