lighting idea..... thoughts. Kessil and T5 combo?

[[]V[]addog]

lighting idea..... thoughts. LED and T5 combo?
so some of you know I am building a 125 gal 6 footer.
I am trying to reuse alot of stuff I already have. The tank will be primarily LPS/softies.

I currently have two kessils. on 350 and one 360. they are able to cover a 24-30 inch spread on their own. One issue is they would be ideally placed to cut the tank in thirds but that is right where the cross bracing will be.

I do like the look of some naturally shaded areas and I am ok with need to place corals at certain depths and spacing.
In the past I have noticed that my Kessil provide the absolute best color pop and shimmer, and t5 seem to grow corals like crazy.
I have been attempting to think of a way to combine them and have it still look clean and professional.
What I have been rattlling around in my head is to sandwich the kessils between two two bulb t5 units. I'm thinking only 4 foot fixture as they would be cheaper, easier to come by and would provide some lower light areas for Softies in the corners.

So the idea would be from front to back:

blue+
Purple+
Kessil A360w
blue+
Purple+

a poor excuse for a diagram:

front
_______________________________________
_____________________________ blue+
_____________________________ Purple+
___O___________________O____ Kessils
_____________________________ Blue+
_______________________________________ Purple+

back

The diagram wont keep the spacing i set up... .but anyways.... you get the idea
I think I would use the kessils for a longer cycle of the day. say from 4-11pm and use the t5s from say 5-9

That way I get the 20k look that I like for viewing at night time with more shadded areas, but still have the full intensity of both and coverage.


So what do you guys think? long winded I know, but I'm just kind of thinking outloud.

[Bpb]

I think you would be better off with two ATI coral+ And two ATI blue+, rather than the two purple+. That's ALOT of red. Another combination I've seen that looks very good is the ATI aquablue special, purple+, (2)blue+

Either way two purple + in a 4 bulb combo is more red than anyone should want. Just my thoughts. I think your plan is great though and have seen it done on here with some success.

[[]V[]addog]

Originally Posted by Bpb

I think you would be better off with two ATI coral+ And two ATI blue+, rather than the two purple+. That's ALOT of red. Another combination I've seen that looks very good is the ATI aquablue special, purple+, (2)blue+

Either way two purple + in a 4 bulb combo is more red than anyone should want. Just my thoughts. I think your plan is great though and have seen it done on here with some success.

I figured the two kessils white/blue spectrum would overpower most of the t5 purple anyways to my eyes, but you bring up a good point.

I wouldnt mind other bulb combos... it was more the t5 kessil combo i thought would be interesting to see the results. Im tryign to figure out a way it will look nice on my tank though too.

[DDon]

I'm in the process of doing the same thing, adding 4 t5s to my kessils, 2 tubes in front and 2 tubes behind the kessils. T5s will be in tomorrow and will install this weekend. I can shoot you a before and after pic once done it that would help. Mine will be in a canopy though so can't help you with an installation that looks good exposed. There are some threads that show people using a 6 bulb (if I recall correctly) fixture, removing the center 2 tubes and mounting the kessils there that look pretty slick.

[Reefvet]

I run Reefbrite XHO and Tech LEDS with my A350/A360s. The combination looks great, produces less heat and grows corals very well.

[[]V[]addog]

Originally Posted by Reefvet

I run Reefbrite XHO and Tech LEDS with my A350/A360s. The combination looks great, produces less heat and grows corals very well.

do you have a pic, nice idea.

[[]V[]addog]

Originally Posted by DDon

I'm in the process of doing the same thing, adding 4 t5s to my kessils, 2 tubes in front and 2 tubes behind the kessils. T5s will be in tomorrow and will install this weekend. I can shoot you a before and after pic once done it that would help. Mine will be in a canopy though so can't help you with an installation that looks good exposed. There are some threads that show people using a 6 bulb (if I recall correctly) fixture, removing the center 2 tubes and mounting the kessils there that look pretty slick.

nice so I'm not the only one! ha ha. what 4 bulbs are you planing on using?
I was even thinking of starting with two bulbs. the t5 are more just there to complete the spectrum. as I really enjoy the look of the kessils alone

I never thought about taking a 6 bulb unit and removing two bulbs to fit the kessils. that sounds mint! do you have any links to that.
I'd be a bit worried of too much heat on the kessils embedded in the fixture...
but i really like that idea

[DDon]

For bulbs I am starting with
Front:
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
Kessils
ATI Coral+
ATI Blue+
This was a recommendation by Reef Geeks. I may have to adjust location and play with different bulbs depending on how it looks.

As far as the modified fixture, I will look around for the thread and post it when I find it.

[swk]

My buddy did the same with a 4 bulb ati fixture. Removed the middle 2 bulbs and cut holes for 2 kessil 360s. It was a fantastic fixture and I'm still kicking myself for not buying it when he sold it.

Best of both worlds IMO. I have reef radiance fixtures now and am looking at adding a t5 strip behind them

[[]V[]addog]

Originally Posted by swk

My buddy did the same with a 4 bulb ati fixture. Removed the middle 2 bulbs and cut holes for 2 kessil 360s. It was a fantastic fixture and I'm still kicking myself for not buying it when he sold it.

Best of both worlds IMO. I have reef radiance fixtures now and am looking at adding a t5 strip behind them

similar idea, different application.... I'd hate to buy one just to cut it up.
Maybe if i can find something used.