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  #1  
Old 04-23-2013, 06:25 AM
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Default 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!
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Old 04-23-2013, 01:01 PM
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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...
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Old 04-23-2013, 01:32 PM
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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.
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Old 04-23-2013, 01:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquattro View Post
I would say the Kessil would give less disco effect.
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).
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Old 04-23-2013, 02:23 PM
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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
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Old 04-23-2013, 02:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Myka View Post
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.
yup. I have to say they had the least amount of separation I've seen so far.
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Old 04-23-2013, 11:14 PM
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Quote:
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yup. I have to say they had the least amount of separation I've seen so far.
That's strange. Exact opposite to what I've seen.
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Old 04-23-2013, 01:42 PM
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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?


Quote:
Originally Posted by neoh View Post
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!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-23-2013, 05:13 PM
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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.
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Old 04-23-2013, 05:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by neoh View Post
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!
Get yourself a couple of GHL Mitras. Done. Thank me later :-)
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