Yes you will want the wide if you are going with one over those dimensions. However, I will warn you now that the narrow version will result in less spill over when you go to two fixtures and will provide more light if your goal is acropora. With a single kessil suspended 6" above the water only low light sps will thrive in the bottom 8" or so of the tank.
Lighting my Artisan 50g cube?
- Thread starter Mark75
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dkeller_nc
New member
If you can afford it, you'd be better off getting 2 from the get-go. One of the drawbacks to most LED fixtures (Orphek Atlantiks being one exception) is their point-source nature. That applies to even the modular fixtures such as the AI Hydra 26 and Radion XR15W with purpose-built "spreader" lenses.
On my CADlights 50g, I started with one AI Vega color, but added another within one month because of shadowing. I get away with a Radion G3 Pro at the moment because it has 2 light pucks that are fairly spread out, and because I prefer the light well away from the water (about 14" in my case) and it has sufficient power that I can run the intensity up to make up for the high position.
Keep in mind that with the Kessil, you will have to make a decision to either purchase the Kessil spectral controller or hook it up to an Apex - it doesn't have built-in timers as the Radions do. Similarly, with the AI Hydra 52s or 26s you will require their controller, or use the Apex AI module to control them.
Lighting my Artisan 50g cube?
The budget as of now is limiting me to around $400.
The contenders are:
AI 26
Radion XR15
Kessil A360
The only thing I am pricing is light and mount. I will worry about controller in the near future. The Kessil mount is by far the cheapest at $40, I have to have a tank/pendant style mount.
Is should add I am planning on aquascaping this tank as if it where a 30g. cube. Small structure in the center well away from the sides of the tank. I actually started out looking at smaller cubes but decided I could stock this tank as if it where smaller with the added benefits of the extra water volume.
The budget as of now is limiting me to around $400.
The contenders are:
AI 26
Radion XR15
Kessil A360
The only thing I am pricing is light and mount. I will worry about controller in the near future. The Kessil mount is by far the cheapest at $40, I have to have a tank/pendant style mount.
Is should add I am planning on aquascaping this tank as if it where a 30g. cube. Small structure in the center well away from the sides of the tank. I actually started out looking at smaller cubes but decided I could stock this tank as if it where smaller with the added benefits of the extra water volume.
Last edited:
dkeller_nc
New member
If that's the case, the XR15w has a controller "built in", so you might find that one more advantageous, and it's on-sale, though with the tank mount it will run slightly over your budget.
dkeller_nc
New member
That's a hard question to answer, because the lights are quite different in construction. Both are about 90w, and both are full-spectrum lights that include UV/Violet. The major difference is that the Kessil is diodes-on-a-chip, so an integrated point source, with a tunable spectrum (you get to shift the light from white to blue, and the internals keep UV/Violet relatively constant).
The XR15w is a more conventional array of separate diodes (8 different colors) controlled on 6 independently adjustable channels.
Beyond that, I haven't seen a radiometric spectrum graph that gives data on the total intensity across the spectrum of both lights. Both are reported to grow SPS corals quite well, so I suspect it comes down to preferences.
The XR15w is a more conventional array of separate diodes (8 different colors) controlled on 6 independently adjustable channels.
Beyond that, I haven't seen a radiometric spectrum graph that gives data on the total intensity across the spectrum of both lights. Both are reported to grow SPS corals quite well, so I suspect it comes down to preferences.
dkeller_nc
New member
Personally, I wouldn't. The Radions have gone through 4 generations - G1, G2, G3 and the G3 "Pro". I honestly cannot remember what generation ones built in spring of 2013 would be, but I'm thinking they'd be Gen 2.
The Gen3s are considerably more capable lights, and as you've noted, you really don't know how many hours the power supplies have on them, nor how hard the diodes were run.
A brand-new G3 can be had at the moment for $585, so $235 more than your LFS is asking for a light that's more than 2 years old. Not an especially good deal in my mind, but everyone has their own value-for-money calibration.
The Gen3s are considerably more capable lights, and as you've noted, you really don't know how many hours the power supplies have on them, nor how hard the diodes were run.
A brand-new G3 can be had at the moment for $585, so $235 more than your LFS is asking for a light that's more than 2 years old. Not an especially good deal in my mind, but everyone has their own value-for-money calibration.
Well dang!!! I made the mistake of listening to my lfs. I built this tank around the A360 and they said it would be enough maybe even over kill for a 24x24x20 tank,..in their defense I don't think they understand the lights completely yet. It seems with LEDs there are new rules you have to apply other than penetration and power.
I really can't spend $700(Radion XR30/mount) right now but I told myself starting this build I wasn't going to cut corners like I did with my previous tanks.
I have to make a decision soon,...my tank will be here next week.
I may just put the tank on my roof and use natural sunlight! lol.
I really can't spend $700(Radion XR30/mount) right now but I told myself starting this build I wasn't going to cut corners like I did with my previous tanks.
I have to make a decision soon,...my tank will be here next week.
I may just put the tank on my roof and use natural sunlight! lol.
dkeller_nc
New member
Well, here are few options:
Buy a 24", 6-bulb ATI fixture and be done. The fixture is $420, plus about $120 for bulbs. And good growth and color for your corals is a given. You'll need timers, but these are $5-$10 at the home store.
Buy one of the smaller LED fixtures you've been considering with the knowledge that you're likely going to need to add another one in the future.
The Kessil A360W-E, $400, gooseneck mount + gooseneck adapter, $50, Kessil spectral controller (if you're not going to add an Apex), $99. Total = $550.
The Radion XR15w, $360, XR15w tank mount, $100. Total = $460. Or hang it from the ceiling, total = $410.
The Hydra 26, $270, Mount + rail, about $90, Controller, $80, total $440. Or hang it from the ceiling, total $385.
Two AI Primes, $360, 2 Mounts $60, total $420 (controller not needed in this case).
In the case of the Radion, Kessil or Hydra 52 option, you can go minimalist on the aquascaping and build a central tall tower, with the light over the top of the tower. Any of those lights will be plenty intense enough to grow SPS under the light, with the only disadvantage being shadowing as noted earlier.
Or go with the T5HO option and build anything you want, with the knowledge that SPS will need to be in the top half of the water column, but with little to no shadowing.
Buy a 24", 6-bulb ATI fixture and be done. The fixture is $420, plus about $120 for bulbs. And good growth and color for your corals is a given. You'll need timers, but these are $5-$10 at the home store.
Buy one of the smaller LED fixtures you've been considering with the knowledge that you're likely going to need to add another one in the future.
The Kessil A360W-E, $400, gooseneck mount + gooseneck adapter, $50, Kessil spectral controller (if you're not going to add an Apex), $99. Total = $550.
The Radion XR15w, $360, XR15w tank mount, $100. Total = $460. Or hang it from the ceiling, total = $410.
The Hydra 26, $270, Mount + rail, about $90, Controller, $80, total $440. Or hang it from the ceiling, total $385.
Two AI Primes, $360, 2 Mounts $60, total $420 (controller not needed in this case).
In the case of the Radion, Kessil or Hydra 52 option, you can go minimalist on the aquascaping and build a central tall tower, with the light over the top of the tower. Any of those lights will be plenty intense enough to grow SPS under the light, with the only disadvantage being shadowing as noted earlier.
Or go with the T5HO option and build anything you want, with the knowledge that SPS will need to be in the top half of the water column, but with little to no shadowing.
michael.lemke
New member
Or 1 Hamilton Cabu sun and two reefbright strips that you get later. Hamilton gave me an awesome deal the other day! Give them a call and ask some questions. I think they even have a 150 watt fixture for $130 currently or the 250 watt for 200! Give halide a try and you'll not go back. The new Hamilton 20K bulb is way nice if you like a bluer light.
This is mine with reefbright strips.
Second choice would be a 6 bulb ATI add 1 or 2 reefbright strips.
Third would be the hydra 52 and a retro t5 with a couple ATI bulbs.
If you go with led you'll want to supplement a bit to cover all the bases as far as spectrum is concerned. Not absolutely needed but sure makes getting "those colors" a lot easier! I have run all led, all T5 and all halide and many combos of the above mentioned (and others as I'm old lol) and the halide mixed with led has gotten me the best results.
This is mine with reefbright strips.
Second choice would be a 6 bulb ATI add 1 or 2 reefbright strips.
Third would be the hydra 52 and a retro t5 with a couple ATI bulbs.
If you go with led you'll want to supplement a bit to cover all the bases as far as spectrum is concerned. Not absolutely needed but sure makes getting "those colors" a lot easier! I have run all led, all T5 and all halide and many combos of the above mentioned (and others as I'm old lol) and the halide mixed with led has gotten me the best results.
dkeller_nc
New member
Yep, forgot about the halide option. Proven beyond all doubt, and cheap because it's old technology. My only hesitation would be if you like to keep your house/apartment in the warm range. Halides do throw off significant amounts of heat, in my mind that's their only downside other than electricity consumption (which is insignificant for a small tank and one 250w Radium).
With a small tank that's a little less of a concern because of the surface area to volume ratio of the tank. Nevertheless, you may find it necessary to keep the room temp in the 74 deg F range to keep the tank sub 80 deg F and not have to have a chiller. Or go with the Hamilton Cebu sun option - 2ft, one 250w halide, 4 24w T5HOs, $500. That configuration will allow you to run the 4 T5HOs 10-12 hours a day, and only run the halide 4-6 hrs a day, which cuts down on the halide heating the water.
With a small tank that's a little less of a concern because of the surface area to volume ratio of the tank. Nevertheless, you may find it necessary to keep the room temp in the 74 deg F range to keep the tank sub 80 deg F and not have to have a chiller. Or go with the Hamilton Cebu sun option - 2ft, one 250w halide, 4 24w T5HOs, $500. That configuration will allow you to run the 4 T5HOs 10-12 hours a day, and only run the halide 4-6 hrs a day, which cuts down on the halide heating the water.
Went to the LFS yesterday and played with the Kessil 360we,..they have it mounted above a 75 mixed reef. I was a little disappointed in the amount of light, even at max intensity the Kessil was not overly bright. I know this is a rather large tank to light with a single 360we but even the center of the tank was dim. After spending some time studying the Kessil lighted tank that shimmer I thought I loved started becoming annoying. I never could reduce shimmer with either control, and the shadowing was terrible!
They had a few tanks with dual puck leds, Ocean Revive and AI. The AI was not the Hydra series, cant remember the model. The dual puck seems to do a better job spreading the light. I noticed less shadowing with a dual or multi-puck led. This has back to considering the AI hydra series, either a 26 with plans to purchase an additional one or the 52.
I am hearing that two 26's are more powerful than a single 52, true? My tank being 24x24 not sure how I like the looks of the rather long 52 running down the center, I think two 26's mounted side by side over the center would be better, yes?
I do not have the ability to view a tank with a 26 in person so I am hoping someone can confirm that a single 26 is brighter than a Kessil 360we with better spread.
They had a few tanks with dual puck leds, Ocean Revive and AI. The AI was not the Hydra series, cant remember the model. The dual puck seems to do a better job spreading the light. I noticed less shadowing with a dual or multi-puck led. This has back to considering the AI hydra series, either a 26 with plans to purchase an additional one or the 52.
I am hearing that two 26's are more powerful than a single 52, true? My tank being 24x24 not sure how I like the looks of the rather long 52 running down the center, I think two 26's mounted side by side over the center would be better, yes?
I do not have the ability to view a tank with a 26 in person so I am hoping someone can confirm that a single 26 is brighter than a Kessil 360we with better spread.
dkeller_nc
New member
If you will look up the ROTM thread from December 2013, you will see a picture of my CADlights 50g with 2 AI Vegas mounted above it. The AI Hydra 52 is precisely the same form factor as the Vega, so you'll get an idea of what your tank would look like with the 52 fixtures, and you can interpolate what it'd look like with 2 Hydra 26's.
If I go with a 26 or 52 what length extension do I need to center the light over my 24x24x20 cube,...I am a little confused on how that system works.
I want to thank you guys for the help choosing my light,...I know I am going in circles!:uhoh3: lol
My wife is wondering what the heck the problem is with picking a light:sad2: ,...I just want to be sure,..it is such a critical component.
Still would love to hear from someone that has seen both the AI 26 and Kessil A360we in person,...which one is brighter?
Again,....thanks guys!
I want to thank you guys for the help choosing my light,...I know I am going in circles!:uhoh3: lol
My wife is wondering what the heck the problem is with picking a light:sad2: ,...I just want to be sure,..it is such a critical component.
Still would love to hear from someone that has seen both the AI 26 and Kessil A360we in person,...which one is brighter?
Again,....thanks guys!
Wazzel
New member
If I go with a 26 or 52 what length extension do I need to center the light over my 24x24x20 cube,...I am a little confused on how that system works.
I want to thank you guys for the help choosing my light,...I know I am going in circles!:uhoh3: lol
My wife is wondering what the heck the problem is with picking a light:sad2: ,...I just want to be sure,..it is such a critical component.
Still would love to hear from someone that has seen both the AI 26 and Kessil A360we in person,...which one is brighter?
Again,....thanks guys!
If you go with the arm you need the 12 inch extension. I have an arm and 12 extension I am not using. If you want it let me know. I am willing to make a deal.
