Kessil Spectral Controller Program

[zak.payne]

I am considering getting the Kessil Spectral Controller to go with my A160. I love the light, but kind of wish I had some sort of ramping cycle so I could see different coloration of my corals as it goes from blue to more white.

My question is does anyone have the controller, and would you be willing to share your programs if you have had success with such? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[LuizW13]

Man, I was thinking about the exact same controller. I'm still in my planning stages, and decided to opt of that controller, or any controller for the time being. I figured i would wait some time (undefined right now) and buy a neptune controller, that would allow me to do the same, but also hook up other things to it like powerheads. Basically, i thought to myself, is there a chance that i would like to control more equipment other than just lights? If there is a chance of me doing that in the future, then buy a neptune controller when i get to that point.

This hobby is incredibly expensive, so i'm trying to minimize cost every chance i get. So basically, if you plan on hooking up other things to a controller in the future, then buy one of those fancier controllers. If you don't plan on using those controllers in the future, then buy the kessil light controller.

Hope that helps.


-noob with no qualifications.

 

[zak.payne]

Man, I was thinking about the exact same controller. I'm still in my planning stages, and decided to opt of that controller, or any controller for the time being. I figured i would wait some time (undefined right now) and buy a neptune controller, that would allow me to do the same, but also hook up other things to it like powerheads. Basically, i thought to myself, is there a chance that i would like to control more equipment other than just lights? If there is a chance of me doing that in the future, then buy a neptune controller when i get to that point.

This hobby is incredibly expensive, so i'm trying to minimize cost every chance i get. So basically, if you plan on hooking up other things to a controller in the future, then buy one of those fancier controllers. If you don't plan on using those controllers in the future, then buy the kessil light controller.

Hope that helps.


-noob with no qualifications.

Any help is beneficial! I've actually had the exact same thought process, with little luck with my conclusion. I've wanted to do either an Apex or a Reefkeeper to control the lights, but with my system being smaller (24 gallons), I wonder if I would gain any benefit to having the full blown controller.

This hobby certainly makes you think!

 

[LuizW13]

Any help is beneficial! I've actually had the exact same thought process, with little luck with my conclusion. I've wanted to do either an Apex or a Reefkeeper to control the lights, but with my system being smaller (24 gallons), I wonder if I would gain any benefit to having the full blown controller.

This hobby certainly makes you think!

Exactly what i was thinking!! I'm setting up a 45g JBJ, and i wondered the same thing, "is it worth going all out with a controller at some point, will it make a difference"

I came to the conclusion that i will want to simulate the real ocean as close as possible, so i guess in the future those fancy controllers would help. I really really really want to have the automatic sunrise/sunset feature with the different tides and waves, i think that's really neat.

 

[A7ESF]

Just my two cents...
You have to weigh how much you need it versus the benefits. If you spend $100 on the controller now, and it doesn't really provide much in the way of progress (people have been letting their lights just switch ON for years with lots of sucess), and then spend another $500 six months to a year from now on an Apex (where you will see lots of advantages), have you helped yourself out in the long run?
At least that's what I keep telling myself. My first reef I did that on several items and spent a lot more money doing so. Had I been patient (I'm horrible at that) and waited to buy the stuff that would truly benefit my fish and corals, I would be having to spend so much money now.

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[Darryl Hey]

look into the bluefish controller it works great and is similar priced
i have the kessil controller and it also works great for ramp up time spots and ramp off but no weather or clouds or storms etc.
the bluefish controller does all of that and also allows you to pick any place in the world to mimic weather and moon real time

 

[Brieninsac]

Here's my current schedule.

7am 20% color/15% intensity
9am 30% color/40% intensity
11am 60% color/55% intensity
3pm 60% color/55% intensity
6pm 30% color/40% intensity
9pm 0% color/0% intensity

 

[minus9]

I have the SC and an apex. I wanted the other ports for more pumps/wavemakers, so I bought the SC and don't regret it. Plus, I was only using it to ramp up and ramp down. I don't find it necessary to mimic weather patterns, but if that's something that appeals to you, then the bluefish would work. I have a simple program based on a 12hr cycle running two 160's.

8am - 0% colour / 5% intensity
11am - 30% colour / 65% intensity
2pm - 30% colour / 70% intensity
5pm - 30% colour / 65% intensity
8pm - 0% colour / 0% intensity

 

[bmitchell138]

Here's mine:

Time Color Intensity
1000: 0%; 10%
1300: 25%; 45%
1500: 35%; 55%
1700: 40%; 50%
1900: 30%; 40%
2030: 0%; 0%

I may eventually get an Apex to handle the lights and other duties, but the Spectral controller is working fine for me. I also like that you can set up several light schedules in the SC for coral acclimation or simulated weather, etc...

 

[zsuman101]

The kessil controller is fine, even if you get the neptune you will need to get a kessil module for control. So the price is a wash. BTW, i don't think i will ever setup a reef without a controller . Once you do it you 'll never go back, good luck. zsu

 

[toothybugs]

I have the same setup for my desktop system here at work, Spectral and A160 only over a 15 BB. Since this is my second system and "just my office tank" I don't see any need to go to an Apex and never will unless I get put in charge of a show tank in the lobby. I just tossed a bunch of softies in it (nothing known for being terribly invasive) and am just letting it go as it will.

0600: 5/5 (to turn on)
0700: 15/50
0800: 60/85
1600: 60/85
1700: 15/50
1800: 5/0 (to turn off)

 

[eder10986]

Love mine. Got it on eBay for 65. No need for Apex for me at this time. T was a good buy.


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