AI Prime vs. Kessil A160

zak.payne · 02/17/2016, 06:29 PM

I have an awfully tough time making up my mind on lighting, but I know it's an important purchase for the life of the aquarium. I think I've seen every video and read every article out there on both of these lights and now I'm looking to you guys to help me make my final decision.

I know Kessil makes a fantastic light. They look nice, they run well and overall I've heard good things. However, the downside is the inability to fine-tune the lighting and you have to purchase the Spectral Controller, which is an additional $100. I do also like the shimmer effect I've heard about.

Now the AI Prime is nice because it has the built-in WiFi and the app the goes along with it. That's nice to be able to fine tune the whole thing and not have to pay extra for it. I do also know that the Prime gives a bit of a shimmer effect, but not so much it looks like a disco ball.

Both are fairly cheap to run (40W for the Kessil and 45W for the Prime), so that isn't a problem for me. I've heard both can grow coral, so it's really just a matter of picking one. Have any of you used one or the other and could provide some advice on the two?

leviburns89 · 02/17/2016, 07:03 PM

Intense shimmer makes me seasick when I look at the tank for too long.

cheucklate · 02/17/2016, 07:43 PM

I never owned AI prime but I do have a kessil 160we with controller. Strong light for it's size. It's all I use on my 30g cube. Having just 1 kessil however creates a spotlight effect since the LEDs are so packed together. You'd have to strategically place the high maintenance corals in the middle. I may warn though some of my corals burned up within days because the lighting was so intense even at 40%. (partly my fault for not acclimating long enough)

Comparing PAR levels, kessil blows it out of the water.
Kessil also has amazing deep blue color and shimmer.
AI is the best bang for you buck if you are on a budget.

good luck

HidingReefer · 02/17/2016, 08:07 PM

Hey, I currently run two Kessil A150w's on my 90 gallon reef, let me say the coverage is amazing, two of these things get the whole tank. The shimmer is amazing IMO, however others have said they do not like it that much. Personally I would go for the Kessils, the coverage is awesome, the PAR is great, and it's light penetration is awesome too! If you like the shimmer and would like to tone it down a bit, I would suggest running some T5's, not only do they help with growth and coloration, they also diffuse the shimmer, making it weaker, and IMO more appealing!
Just my advice
Good Luck

zak.payne · 02/17/2016, 08:10 PM

I love the shimmer!

But it sounds like the Kessil is the way to go. I just wish it had the ability to control the light via an app like the Prime, then it would be even better!

cougareyes · 02/21/2016, 08:42 AM

I personally don't like the kessil, I had one on my 14g, moved it to just put some light on my qt. The shimmer is like a disco ball, if you like that. Not enough light to handle a clam, had to move it to another tank. There is a hum that is very annoying.

Rakie · 04/16/2016, 10:23 AM

What type of corals do you run? SPS by chance?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheucklate

I never owned AI prime but I do have a kessil 160we with controller. Strong light for it's size. It's all I use on my 30g cube. Having just 1 kessil however creates a spotlight effect since the LEDs are so packed together. You'd have to strategically place the high maintenance corals in the middle. I may warn though some of my corals burned up within days because the lighting was so intense even at 40%. (partly my fault for not acclimating long enough)

Comparing PAR levels, kessil blows it out of the water.
Kessil also has amazing deep blue color and shimmer.
AI is the best bang for you buck if you are on a budget.

good luck

02/17/2016, 06:29 PM	#1
zak.payne Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 142	AI Prime vs. Kessil A160 I have an awfully tough time making up my mind on lighting, but I know it's an important purchase for the life of the aquarium. I think I've seen every video and read every article out there on both of these lights and now I'm looking to you guys to help me make my final decision. I know Kessil makes a fantastic light. They look nice, they run well and overall I've heard good things. However, the downside is the inability to fine-tune the lighting and you have to purchase the Spectral Controller, which is an additional $100. I do also like the shimmer effect I've heard about. Now the AI Prime is nice because it has the built-in WiFi and the app the goes along with it. That's nice to be able to fine tune the whole thing and not have to pay extra for it. I do also know that the Prime gives a bit of a shimmer effect, but not so much it looks like a disco ball. Both are fairly cheap to run (40W for the Kessil and 45W for the Prime), so that isn't a problem for me. I've heard both can grow coral, so it's really just a matter of picking one. Have any of you used one or the other and could provide some advice on the two?

02/17/2016, 07:43 PM	#3
cheucklate Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 161	I never owned AI prime but I do have a kessil 160we with controller. Strong light for it's size. It's all I use on my 30g cube. Having just 1 kessil however creates a spotlight effect since the LEDs are so packed together. You'd have to strategically place the high maintenance corals in the middle. I may warn though some of my corals burned up within days because the lighting was so intense even at 40%. (partly my fault for not acclimating long enough) Comparing PAR levels, kessil blows it out of the water. Kessil also has amazing deep blue color and shimmer. AI is the best bang for you buck if you are on a budget. good luck __________________ 60g cube & 28G sump. 50lbs rock, 30lbs sand. Aqua C ev 120 skimmer. mp10 & tunze powerhead. Kessil A160WE & 360W. Mini Reactor carbon, cheato. bioceramic media. ReefKeeper lite. start 08/31/15

02/17/2016, 07:03 PM	#2
leviburns89 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 652	Intense shimmer makes me seasick when I look at the tank for too long.

02/17/2016, 08:07 PM	#4
HidingReefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 259	Hey, I currently run two Kessil A150w's on my 90 gallon reef, let me say the coverage is amazing, two of these things get the whole tank. The shimmer is amazing IMO, however others have said they do not like it that much. Personally I would go for the Kessils, the coverage is awesome, the PAR is great, and it's light penetration is awesome too! If you like the shimmer and would like to tone it down a bit, I would suggest running some T5's, not only do they help with growth and coloration, they also diffuse the shimmer, making it weaker, and IMO more appealing! Just my advice Good Luck

02/17/2016, 08:10 PM	#5
zak.payne Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 142	I love the shimmer! But it sounds like the Kessil is the way to go. I just wish it had the ability to control the light via an app like the Prime, then it would be even better!

02/21/2016, 08:42 AM	#6
cougareyes Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 713	I personally don't like the kessil, I had one on my 14g, moved it to just put some light on my qt. The shimmer is like a disco ball, if you like that. Not enough light to handle a clam, had to move it to another tank. There is a hum that is very annoying.