36 x 18 x 18 lighting options with Apex control

[WinnipegDragon]

So I'm all messed up on my equipment choices now.* Building out this new tank and my original plan of dual AI Primes seems a bit light for a heavy SPS system, and I've also discovered I won't be able to control the Primes with my Apex since it is the Apex Classic, not the 2016/EL generation.

Options I have at this point:

• Dual Kessil 360WEs
• Triple Kessil 160WEs
• Ecotech Radion XR30 G4
• Dual AI Hydra 26HD
• Blackbox Lights

So there are issues with each of these, I *think*.* I need to keep one VDC connection for my return pump, but I have one free.* With either of the Kessils I understand that you need two ports, one for intensity and one for spectrum.* The Ecotech I think will require the WXM module and/or the Reeflink?* I'm not sure, and it's also a little more expensive.* The Hydras would be great lights but again no control with the Apex which I would really like to have.* Any of the generic dimmable black box lights would be okay, but I am always concerned about quality of the fixture.

So am I missing any options here, or am I misinformed on the issues I've brought up?

Thanks!

 

[smilinteddy]

So I'm all messed up on my equipment choices now.* Building out this new tank and my original plan of dual AI Primes seems a bit light for a heavy SPS system, and I've also discovered I won't be able to control the Primes with my Apex since it is the Apex Classic, not the 2016/EL generation.



Options I have at this point:

• Dual Kessil 360WEs
  
• Triple Kessil 160WEs
  
• Ecotech Radion XR30 G4
  
• Dual AI Hydra 26HD
  
• Blackbox Lights
  

So there are issues with each of these, I *think*.* I need to keep one VDC connection for my return pump, but I have one free.* With either of the Kessils I understand that you need two ports, one for intensity and one for spectrum.* The Ecotech I think will require the WXM module and/or the Reeflink?* I'm not sure, and it's also a little more expensive.* The Hydras would be great lights but again no control with the Apex which I would really like to have.* Any of the generic dimmable black box lights would be okay, but I am always concerned about quality of the fixture.



So am I missing any options here, or am I misinformed on the issues I've brought up?



Thanks!

For what it's worth, the AI app is pretty intuitive and gives lots of control. While it won't be integrated into your Apex control it's easy to control the AI hydras from your phone or computer. It's as simple as opening up another app or window. You can link as many hydras as you want together and control them all at once, or if you find the need you can control them independently, or in groups etc.

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[Knighthawk]

What model apex do you have? If I recall correctly the new model apex can connect to AI lights with nothing else needed.

Also the kessils are controlled via one VDM port. There is 2 channels coming off each port so they can do intensity and color from one port. You will need another cable to link multiple kessil lights together though.



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[WinnipegDragon]

Apex Classic, pre-2016.

Yeah I am leaning towards three A160WEs at this point. Should give ample PAR and three units over 36" should help with shadowing a bit.

 

[Knighthawk]

Apex Classic, pre-2016.

Yeah I am leaning towards three A160WEs at this point. Should give ample PAR and three units over 36" should help with shadowing a bit.

I would get the aquatic life hybrid fixture and two 160s but that's just my preference.

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[WinnipegDragon]

That's an option too. I'll take a look.

 

[WinnipegDragon]

Oh dang that's a nice looking setup. 36" fixture would get a bit spendy though, think a 24" fixture would do it with a pair of 160s?