Questions about controlling kessil lights

[Squibege]

Do I need a controller? Should i get a kessil spectral controller, or suck it up and get an apex? I wasn't planning on getting an apex until I upgrade the tank in a few years but I don't want to spend $$ on a spectral controller just to render it useless a while later


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[timnem70]

The Apex runs the whole shebang. The Spectral controller, light(s) only.
I have the Spectral, works great for my 29gallon. But then again,I don't have reactors and ATO or anything on this reef tank to plug into an APEX. Also, the spectral controller with the A360we allows you to turn your light on at 2% intensity. Manually, amd with the APEX the light will not come on until 15-17% intensity. Different source signal to the light I guess. This allows me just that little bit more ramping capability. Don't know how much difference that 14% makes but it is there. Let me know if you want a demonstration. Can't post a video, at least one over 20mb here on Tapatalk but would gladly post to Facebook page if you want.

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[Squibege]

I do like the control down to 2%. I'm planning on getting an apex eventually, but don't want to feel like I'm wasting money in the meantime


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[Brieninsac]

I have the Kessil controller and it suits my simple needs. For only $99 you can't go wrong. AND, when you do want to buy an Apex you can sell your Kessil Controller for probably $80. They hold their value very well.

 

[ca1ore]

I'm toying with getting one to see if the dimming is observably better than with apex. The % is certainly lower, I just want to see on my tank if the difference is material.

 

[frankv702]

It's definitely noticeable.. I initially bought the spectral controller and it ramped up and down nice and went really dim to where I was able to use the kessils as a moonlight. I ended up getting an apex and put them on there and they didn't dim down enough for me. It was much brighter at the lowest setting. So I couldn't use them as a moonlight as I did before. Ended up just using the spectral controller again until I sold the kessil.

 

[ca1ore]

Ok that's very helpful that you've done both apex and the spectral controller.

 

[Squibege]

Thanks everyone for your input! I'm going to grab the spectral controller. I figure I'll use it for two ish years at least before I end up buying an apex. There's much less useful stuff I've spent $100 on and it hasn't lasted nearly as long[emoji13]


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[frankv702]

I think you'll use it even after you get the apex still. I preferred it on the spectral controller. I almost sold it when I got my apex but then I noticed the dimming feature so pulled it back and used it again. It's a really good simple controller.