Lighting advice

[Nanook]

Howdy,

I'm converting my 375 gallon tank back to saltwater. The open area is 22"x88", wanting soft corals and LPS. I was considering 5 Kessil 360 or 5 Reefbreeders Photon V2+ 24" fixtures.

Here is the layout of the top of the tank and one from the front. Tank is 30" deep and 30" tall. If Kessils, I was thinking 5 in a straight row across. If Reefbreeders 24", I was thinking two horizontal on each side and one horizontal in front of the overflow. Or, I could do all 5 perpendicular and waste some light on the 6"x30" overflow. Any insights appreciated!

 

[cody6766]

I had 2 Kessil A350s over a 120g and I think it was a little lacking in spread. They had no trouble punching 2' down, but the spread was pretty thin. I added 4 T5s to the mix (2 on either side of the Kessils) and it was much better, both in color and light spread.

I ran the same 2 close together on my 60g and it was great as far as spread goes. I found the warmer tones lacking without the T5 help, plus they lack some of the florescent pop other fixtures have.

I'm not sure how much better the A360s are. I head they improved the color with the new chips, and I know the color/intensity balance knobs are better than the old 350s. The A360w will give you a good deal more spread, but you'll compromise penetration ability. I definitely recommend a few T5 bulbs to round out the color and even the light spread if you go with Kessil

 

[moondoggy4]

Kessil's are good I have two 360 and they have a wide throw, but the problem with Kessil's are the fans, if they go out you need a new light, Maybe Kessil should call their lights fans for sale with leds.

Looking back I would go with Reef Breeders. PS my wife hates the glare from my 360's in her eyes.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Nanook, I run Reefbreeder's. They are great but not for a 30" depth.
@ 7" above water level I get 130-160 @ 24" depth and loose roughly 100 Par every 5"
According to BRS they should be hung pretty high. Lighting is so subjective & confounding. I have gone through too many already.
There are threads here about the new Phillips II led & ATI Stratton that have great spread. Mitras & Radions too, all top notch with prices to match.
Good luck - let us know where you wind up.

 

[supperfish]

The Kessil A360 may be best. Have anyone tried the Relassy 800W, I find it here https://portlandaquarium.net/led-light-for-reef-tank/

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

The Realassy light is 2 colors with no controller, manually operated.
An inexpensive light that says "plant light" if you dig further.
There are no specs on the led's themselves.