I'm in the planning stages for my new cube. The dimensions are 24x24x19. I am trying to decide on a light fixture that is capable of growing sps. I'm hoping to find or build something that is small and doesn't take away from the tank at all. I have considered building a fixture, but I have seen several kessil a360 for sale locally. I like the idea of having a plug and play fixture considering almost everything else for this build is going to be DIY, but I am willing to add another project to the list if I can achieve better results for less money.
Kessil or DIY?
- Thread starter Dans85
- Start date
shifty51008
12-5 Chiefs record
I would go with the kessil. Even though i have never used one a few members in our club run them and grow sps very well.
I would look for the a360w one though and you should get enough spread for the tank with 1 unit
I would look for the a360w one though and you should get enough spread for the tank with 1 unit
CoralsAddiction
Active member
They can grow SPS especially easier ones like Montipora and Birdsnest. I had an A350 that did it. However, based on some posts here on the forum the A350 only produces 90 Watts. So I went with Maxspect Razor 120W thats in that price range but offers stronger lighting.
webslinger
Friendly Neighborhood
CoralsAddiction
Active member
You should be ok. Are you looking to buy a used Kessil? I have seen some A360s locally for $300 used. If they don't do well you can always resell the light at a slight loss or break even. Kessil has a big following and their products sell themselves.
Dan, I have not used the new Kessils but I have set up a few of the 350s. I do like the old version a lot but their ratings are a little generous/optimistic. If the 360s are that much better than the prior generation, I'd say go for it. FWIW the Kessils are the only LED that has really impressed me, and yes I have used other LED fixtures and have seen other high end ones in operation.
slief
RC Sponsor
Sorry but you can't compare that light to the Kessil. The Kessil is by far a better light and will last infinitely longer than any cheap Chinese fixture. The likes of which are pretty much all the same. Unlike those Chinese fixtures, the Kessils had significant engineering put into the pendant to insure the mix of LED's meets the needs of corals where as those fixtures you refer to are nothing more than a common rebranded full spectrum LED commonly referred to as black box fixtures. While it may be cheaper, it certainly isn't better let alone on par with the Kessil's when it comes to good lighting for coral.
I've tested both the 350 and the 360WE's and the 360WE is a giant leap forward in terms of color control and light output. I run 8 of the 360WE's on my 4' x8' x 24" deep main display and absolutely love them.
I agree. I have never owned a kessil, but every tank I have seen with one has just blown me away. IMHO, I don't think that there is a better looking light on the market. From what I've been told, the 360s are supposed to have 25% more output than the 350.
lhm nole
New member
I started with 350's and just recently changed them to 360's with a controller ..The 360's are by far the better light imo.. Took me a few weeks to get the corals use to the new light since settings are different...Only other leds I have played with are the radions .. Prefer the kessil overall..
