LED upgrade and choices...Kessil or Ecotech

[SAZ03]

Hi, I have some first gen no-name LED lights that I purchased in 2009. The outer casing recently broke when I was trying to hang the lights. I built some really cool DIY screen tops from BRS and wanted to hang my LED's. Epic fail on my part and I broke the casing. In any event, the lights were sub par to begin with and noisy. I have decided (with wifes approval) to upgrade lighting. I would love a T5/LED combo but dont see many out there and they seem expensive.

I am currently considering either the Ecotech Radion XR15W or Kessil 360w. My tank is 60x20x20 with a horrible center brace down the middle of the top. This is making my choice difficult since it appears that I will need either 3 Kessils or 3 Radions but I dont know for sure.

Questions:

1. Do i need 3 for proper coverage and how would I do this with a center brace?
2. Can I get by with 2 successfully?
3. Could I possibly mix Kessil with Radion?

I know there is no right answer but opinions would help me decide which way to go. I know there are cheaper alternatives out there. My wish list includes, coral coloration, dependability, longevity, adjustability.

advice please?? I have been reading alot about these lights but not many people have a 60 inch long tank with a center brace and I dont know what to do about this specifically.

 

[alb_56]

I would personally go with two radions. Better light distribution and easy to control both at the same time with one program.

 

[Ryan15236]

I have 4 kessil a150 on the 125 (6ft) and I have a big bulky center brace there and i get some major shadowing. I am going to add a t5 fixture as well though that should take care of this. I have no experience with the ecotech radion or kessil 360. I just have the older kessil fixtures but no way I would rely simply on these to grow any LPS or SPS. Just not a broad enough spectrum. Once again those this lights are outdated and come in a certain spectrum but they produce an awesome shimmer and will be a great supplement to the t5s I believe.

 

[Steve Atkins]

Suggest you resort to some diagrams (on Visio or something). These can include a correctly scaled version of your tank, including braces and the correctly scaled lights including beam spread angle. With this you can play with position, number of fittings, height etc before outlaying any money.

I recently did this when selecting between Radions 30s and TMC Aquabeams for a tank almost the same dimensions as yours, but having two front to back braces (which I toyed with the idea of taking out - but caution prevailed).

Steve

 

[emedock]

I have one kessil 150 over my standard 29 gallon and it's way better than my metal halide and cheaper to boot ad far as the electric bill goes. Like mentions above the shimmer with the kessil is great but the shadows are noticeable! I too am looking at upgrading to an eco tech Radion.interested to see what others think