Kessil or Ecotech - which should I get

valenbj · 12/11/2016, 10:39 PM

So I'm starting up a new reef tank after being out of the hobby for a while. I've got a 120 Gallon, 48x24x24 tank. I'm looking at either 2 Ecotech Xr15Pros or 2 Kessil A360W-E Tuna Blues. I want to control them with an Apex, which it looks like both will do. I'm looking to do mostly soft corals, with maybe some LPSs.

Thoughts? Opinions?

timnem70 · 12/11/2016, 11:11 PM

Seen good success with either light
Supplemental T5 or Reef brutes will only enhance either light.

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timnem70 · 12/11/2016, 11:11 PM

Brites. But wouldn't hurt if they are brutish.

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Hentz · 12/11/2016, 11:26 PM

Both are great options.

Kessil's would give you that gnarly shimmer they're famous for.
Radions would give you a more wide variety of controlability.

I'd go Radions over Kessil. Now I'm not saying they're better than the Kessils. I'm only choosing the Radions due to the simple fact that you're able to have a bit more controllability over the Kessil.

gus6464 · 12/12/2016, 12:44 AM

You will need the new apex to control the g4. If you already have an old apex it won't work.

Breadman03 · 12/12/2016, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus6464

You will need the new apex to control the g4. If you already have an old apex it won't work.

No longer true

Neptune released a firmware update that makes it work now.

madreefer2013 · 12/12/2016, 01:08 AM

Kessil for the shimmer . Ain't nothing like it!

peder · 12/12/2016, 07:22 AM

Orphek or Phillips, Way better spread!

goreef170 · 12/12/2016, 07:59 AM

If you like the Shimmer, as I do...Go with Kessil.....

ChrisKirkland · 12/12/2016, 08:26 AM

EcoTech Radion G4, I would Run 2 of them. I run 6 over my 300DD that has all SPS in it and they grow great. Love these lights.

Ron Reefman · 12/12/2016, 10:23 AM

I can't believe you are torn between these two. They are both good lights, I like the EcoTech a bit better. But it's like saying you have to choose between a sports car and an SUV. They are just so different.

ktownhero · 12/12/2016, 10:24 AM

The God Rays you get with Kessil lights is really something special.

valenbj · 12/12/2016, 10:54 AM

hmmmm.....sounds like they are both good lights. I'm kinda leaning towards the kessils because of the shimmer, plus they would be a little cheaper since I don't need to buy the neptune module for controlling the radions, just a cable for the kessils.

ca1ore · 12/12/2016, 11:50 AM

The only trouble with the Kessils (I have a bunch of them) is that they are essentially a point source and shading can be a problem; particularly if, like me, you have or plan to have large SPS colonies. I love the look and shimmer, but ended up with more than I thought I would originally due to shading. Over my 265 I use three 360s as the mains, and four 160s as target lights. If only I were a bit more disciplined about pruning.

ElCamino · 12/27/2016, 05:35 PM

kessils they are right about the shedding, when your corals grow in you might want to supplement them with either more kessils or something else that goes end to end of your tank. I love the look of the kessils in the tank and in the room myself. Radions seem to be popular.

Grayhead · 12/28/2016, 05:58 AM

I supplement my kessils with t-5 lighting. 3 kessils 360we over 5' tank. 2- 2bulb t-5 as well. Still working on light height and intensity with my tank.
Everything I've read about the G4 is higher lights for more even coverage. People are stacking more than 2 lights over a 4' tank as well.

Spiffy · 12/28/2016, 11:50 AM

I love my Radions. Fully controllable, great coverage. They also come with a wide lens that you can install if you need wider coverage for your tank. Ca1ore is right about the Kessils about the point source and shading issues. I have seen them at my LFS. They can be a problem if you have large SPS colonies.

rjjr1963 · 12/28/2016, 05:37 PM

The shimmer looks nice but it may not be the best thing for the corals. Those sparkly ripples are really highly focused beams of lights. The periodicity of the waves can create many more of these high energy ripples which could damage coral.

ReefCowboy · 12/28/2016, 07:36 PM

If you can go with G4 Radions, I think that would be a superior light. Ive owned Kessils and love the shimmer, but the G4's are bringing the heat right now IMO

Scorpius · 12/28/2016, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjjr1963

The shimmer looks nice but it may not be the best thing for the corals. Those sparkly ripples are really highly focused beams of lights. The periodicity of the waves can create many more of these high energy ripples which could damage coral.

lol wut? I've been running Kessil A360we's for three years now and I've had no damage from the concentrated light ripples.

We better tell the sun to not be a point source of light and those ocean waves better calm down as well. We can't have any of those high energy sparkly things going on.

ca1ore · 12/28/2016, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjjr1963

The shimmer looks nice but it may not be the best thing for the corals. Those sparkly ripples are really highly focused beams of lights. The periodicity of the waves can create many more of these high energy ripples which could damage coral.

You know this how? Or just your opinion? I will tell you as a diver that 'shimmer' is very common on shallow reefs. I call ******** on this.

luvreefs23 · 12/28/2016, 09:18 PM

I say get both. Here is my canopy which is on a 120 4x2x2 with 2 kessil a360we with 2 36" t5s with coral plus bulbs and the mounting plates for when my radion g4 pros arrive.

Here is with just the kessil on

Here is a photo with the kessils and the t5s on. Kessils are only at 25% and controlled thru the new apex.

siliconinja · 12/28/2016, 09:30 PM

I have a tank the same dimensions, I wanted a fixed install that was about 15-16in off the water height to give plenty of room. I went with 3x a360n's and I love them. Controlled with an apex

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ElementalJ · 12/28/2016, 09:44 PM

Kessil, no disco balls except in the club!

rjjr1963 · 12/28/2016, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpius

lol wut? I've been running Kessil A360we's for three years now and I've had no damage from the concentrated light ripples.

We better tell the sun to not be a point source of light and those ocean waves better calm down as well. We can't have any of those high energy sparkly things going on.

Please don't get butt hurt over the mentioning of Kessil.

I think they are great lights.

I'm no expert but the research I was reading was interesting on this point. Imagine a perfectly flat water surface with no waves. There is no shimmer at this point and the light is spread out over the bottom. Each ripple that is added to the surface produces a focused beam of light which creates the sparkle effect. Consider an extremely turbulent surface like that in some aquariums and the frequency of the focused beam of light. The more ripples the more focused light incidents. The ratio of focused or unfocused beams is what I think is relevant. The point is that you may want to factor in the turbulent nature of the surface of the water when selecting a light.

12/11/2016, 10:39 PM	#1
valenbj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pekin, IL Posts: 24	Kessil or Ecotech - which should I get So I'm starting up a new reef tank after being out of the hobby for a while. I've got a 120 Gallon, 48x24x24 tank. I'm looking at either 2 Ecotech Xr15Pros or 2 Kessil A360W-E Tuna Blues. I want to control them with an Apex, which it looks like both will do. I'm looking to do mostly soft corals, with maybe some LPSs. Thoughts? Opinions?

12/11/2016, 11:26 PM	#4
Hentz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 2,016	Both are great options. Kessil's would give you that gnarly shimmer they're famous for. Radions would give you a more wide variety of controlability. I'd go Radions over Kessil. Now I'm not saying they're better than the Kessils. I'm only choosing the Radions due to the simple fact that you're able to have a bit more controllability over the Kessil. __________________ A Reef in the Desert: 120 Gallon (4x2x2) - MP40 x2 - Gyre 130 - ATI Sunpower - Simplicity Pump/Skimmer - Controlled by Apex

12/12/2016, 07:59 AM	#9
goreef170 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Rancho Belago, Calif. Posts: 735	If you like the Shimmer, as I do...Go with Kessil..... __________________ 250 gallon Advanced Acrylic, 103 gal sump, MTC - MVX 34" Skimmer, with Jebao DCT 12,000, 4-Kessil 360 we, 2-MP40 QD. 57W. Aqua UV, 1/4 Arctica chiller, 3 dosing pumps,phos, charcoal reactors

12/12/2016, 08:26 AM	#10
ChrisKirkland Reef and Coral Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lexington, Ky. Posts: 1,739	EcoTech Radion G4, I would Run 2 of them. I run 6 over my 300DD that has all SPS in it and they grow great. Love these lights. __________________ Chris Kirkland Reef Nerd. Current Tank Info: Getting back into the hobby.

12/12/2016, 10:23 AM	#11
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	I can't believe you are torn between these two. They are both good lights, I like the EcoTech a bit better. But it's like saying you have to choose between a sports car and an SUV. They are just so different. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

12/11/2016, 11:11 PM	#2
timnem70 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 462	Seen good success with either light Supplemental T5 or Reef brutes will only enhance either light. Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

12/12/2016, 12:44 AM	#5
gus6464 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,079	You will need the new apex to control the g4. If you already have an old apex it won't work.

12/12/2016, 01:08 AM	#7
madreefer2013 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 110	Kessil for the shimmer . Ain't nothing like it!

12/12/2016, 07:22 AM	#8
peder Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denmark Posts: 62	Orphek or Phillips, Way better spread!

12/12/2016, 10:24 AM	#12
ktownhero Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,426	The God Rays you get with Kessil lights is really something special.

12/12/2016, 10:54 AM	#13
valenbj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pekin, IL Posts: 24	hmmmm.....sounds like they are both good lights. I'm kinda leaning towards the kessils because of the shimmer, plus they would be a little cheaper since I don't need to buy the neptune module for controlling the radions, just a cable for the kessils.

12/12/2016, 11:50 AM	#14
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	The only trouble with the Kessils (I have a bunch of them) is that they are essentially a point source and shading can be a problem; particularly if, like me, you have or plan to have large SPS colonies. I love the look and shimmer, but ended up with more than I thought I would originally due to shading. Over my 265 I use three 360s as the mains, and four 160s as target lights. If only I were a bit more disciplined about pruning. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

12/27/2016, 05:35 PM	#15
ElCamino Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 42	kessils they are right about the shedding, when your corals grow in you might want to supplement them with either more kessils or something else that goes end to end of your tank. I love the look of the kessils in the tank and in the room myself. Radions seem to be popular.

12/28/2016, 05:58 AM	#16
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	I supplement my kessils with t-5 lighting. 3 kessils 360we over 5' tank. 2- 2bulb t-5 as well. Still working on light height and intensity with my tank. Everything I've read about the G4 is higher lights for more even coverage. People are stacking more than 2 lights over a 4' tank as well. __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

12/28/2016, 11:50 AM	#17
Spiffy Cheesy Poofs! Join Date: May 2014 Location: Bronx, New York Posts: 357	I love my Radions. Fully controllable, great coverage. They also come with a wide lens that you can install if you need wider coverage for your tank. Ca1ore is right about the Kessils about the point source and shading issues. I have seen them at my LFS. They can be a problem if you have large SPS colonies. __________________ Ecotech Radion XR15 Pro Gen3 x2, ReefLink, CPR CS50 Overflow. Reef Octopus NWB 110 Skimmer, Reef Octopus BR-110 Reactor. VorTech MP40 w/ QD Wetside x2, MP10 x1(Sump), 30-Gallon Sump. Current Tank Info: 60 Gallon, Prepping for LPS, 6 Years.

12/28/2016, 05:37 PM	#18
rjjr1963 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Nebraska/Missouri Posts: 770	The shimmer looks nice but it may not be the best thing for the corals. Those sparkly ripples are really highly focused beams of lights. The periodicity of the waves can create many more of these high energy ripples which could damage coral. __________________ 72x24x16 115 gallon under construction Current Tank Info: 40 gallon reef

12/28/2016, 07:36 PM	#19
ReefCowboy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,742	If you can go with G4 Radions, I think that would be a superior light. Ive owned Kessils and love the shimmer, but the G4's are bringing the heat right now IMO __________________ Rimless 150 Gal Sps System: Giesemann Spectra/New Apex/2x MP40qd's+ 2x Gyre XF250's/Cor20/Custom Stand, Sump and Algae Scrubber/2x DOS dosing/Skimz Octa 205i Skimmer

12/28/2016, 09:18 PM	#22
luvreefs23 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 758	I say get both. Here is my canopy which is on a 120 4x2x2 with 2 kessil a360we with 2 36" t5s with coral plus bulbs and the mounting plates for when my radion g4 pros arrive. Here is with just the kessil on Here is a photo with the kessils and the t5s on. Kessils are only at 25% and controlled thru the new apex.

12/28/2016, 09:30 PM	#23
siliconinja Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Glass City USA Posts: 77	I have a tank the same dimensions, I wanted a fixed install that was about 15-16in off the water height to give plenty of room. I went with 3x a360n's and I love them. Controlled with an apex Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12/28/2016, 09:44 PM	#24
ElementalJ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 88	Kessil, no disco balls except in the club! __________________ I prefer the company of my reef. Current Tank Info: 56g Tall, 10g fuge, Dosing suppliments.