Help with ATI/Kessil setup

coralor · #1 11-23-2016, 12:47 PM

I'm hoping someone out there has some advice for me please as I'm considering getting a new custom peninsula tank build that I'd like to use my existing Kessil 160's on as well as integrate a new ATI system with it.
The tank's dimensions will be 54" L x 34" W and 22" H. That's not set in stone yet, (or glass, lol

but just what I'm considering at the moment.
I'd like to use an ATI Sunpower in conjunction with the Kessils so am thinking either one 48" x 8 bulb ATI down the middle (which is flanked by 4 Kessils) or two 48" x 4 bulb ATI's with the 4 Kessils in the middle.
The tank will have a mix of corals in it but will be predominantly SPS.
Open to suggestions and/or other ideas if anyone has any?

SpongeAl · #2 11-23-2016, 11:32 PM

How about 8 x 48" ATI at the back and 4 Kessil upfront, pointed rearward.

Since the Kessil is so directional, you will get the best colours pointing them towards the back of the tank.

coralor · #3 11-25-2016, 12:39 AM

Thank you So much for responding, but I don't feel that setup would be the best option because it is a peninsula style tank so is viewed on both long sides. That's why I was thinking to have the one type of light in the middle and the other flanking it's sides.
I already have a similar setup with a Maxspect Razor in the middle, then on each side 2 kessil 160's, and on the outside of all that 2 Aquatic life 2 x bulb fixtures.
It's a bit messy looking altogether but works really well with one other exception. The Maxspect and Kessils run on programs that retain their brains even if the power glitches, whereas the T5's don't. Plus the new tank will be a foot longer at least so I need longer T5's anyway ...
I haven't decided 100% yet on the new build's dimensions because I want to work out things like the lighting first.
Next thing is the overflow and returns and power heads

)

SpongeAl · #4 11-25-2016, 01:11 AM

Right, you did say that.

In that case I would put the T5 in the middle and the Kessils around the perimeter pointed inwards, for the same reasons stated before, this will utilize the colour from the Kessil the best.

I think the T5 will still do a good enough job reducing shadows being in the middle.

If it was all about growth, I would probably put the T5 on the outside, but for a display tank, LED goes around the perimeter, IMO.

coralor · #5 11-25-2016, 02:12 AM

I do like the T5's in the middle idea better. Especially too because one 48" ATI 8x bulb is much cheaper than two 4 bulb fixtures. Thank you!
Hoping a 48" ATI will be sufficiently long enough for a 54" L tank with a narrow overflow on the 34" wall end. From what I've read that should be plenty. Opinions anyone?
To make the tank any longer (ie and use a 60" ATI) makes the tank kind of long for where it will be sitting.
And for help with the over flow, returns and power head positioning should I be starting another thread? I have some ideas and questions based on my own experiences I would appreciate bouncing off someone. Please😊

SpongeAl · #6 11-25-2016, 02:35 AM

48" bulb on a 54" tank is absolutely fine IMO.

It's only 3" on either side, some of which could be occupied by the perimeter of your hood if you are building one, so its nice to have a little space.

You could also consider putting the Kessils closer to the ends, in the 4 corners pointed towards center a bit, that way you get a bit of LED on that short end wall. See drawing below.

Ya I would start another thread like a build journal, that's what I'm doing, then you can discuss the multiple topics in one thread easier, although certain things might get more exposure in specific threads.

Stinktooth · #7 11-25-2016, 02:43 AM

My peninsula tank was 72"L x 28"w x 18"h.
48" ati dimmable was plenty at 10" above the water. It was offset so it was equal distance from the overflow to the opposite end. It was a sps tank with mostly acros.

Wheelman76 · #8 11-27-2016, 11:19 PM

I'm not sure how much Kessils are but I don't think they're that cheap. Why not go with a 48" 8 bulb and put a Reefbright on either side of the fixture ? They are actually designed to mount perfectly to the ATI sunpower and it's very easy to do. An 8 bulb is an absolute must for a tank that's 34" wide imo. My tank was 30" wide and I had the ATI hybrid 8 bulb and felt it wasn't wide enough to cover the 30" front to back well enough for an sps dominated tank. The nice thing about adding a Reefbright to both sides of the sunpower is it will cover that 34" perfectly and look much cleaner than adding 4 kessils imo. Also an 8 bulb is not too much light for a 22" tall tank and will not bleach your corals. I have an 8 bulb over top of my 48"x24"x10" tall frag tank and have no bleached acros.

EDIT: sorry just re read your post and now see that you already own the Kessils. Maybe sell the kessils and go with two Reefbright strips?

gmann · #9 11-28-2016, 01:09 AM

maybe get an 8 bulb fixture, and put E5's on either end?

i should add the new upgrade of the e5's that another thread on here was discussing, not the current version out now.

Wheelman76 · #10 11-28-2016, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmann

maybe get an 8 bulb fixture, and put E5's on either end?

i should add the new upgrade of the e5's that another thread on here was discussing, not the current version out now.

Still no where near wide enough for a 34" wide sps dominant tank. The ATI Sunpower 8 bulb is only 17.5" wide , which just barely covers half the width unfortunately.