2x A80 or A160?

PyroSteve · 01/06/2017, 09:07 PM

Would there be any benefit to running two Kessil A80s with a Spectral Controller on a 24" W x 16" D mixed tank? Or would the overlap make a single A160 a better choice?

minus9 · 01/07/2017, 02:22 AM

Depends on what you're keeping? Either way, you'll need two of each if keeping a mixed reef.

PyroSteve · 01/07/2017, 08:39 AM

I'll looking to keep a mixed tank with softies and LPS on bottom and middle with SPS on top. Not sure exactly what species yet. Yes, It looks like the two A80s won't be enough. More like 2x A160s or 1x A360.

Although it does seem like most running a mixed tank this size are running there lights in the 90w range at 50-60% intensity? Sound right?

I was really wondering if there are any real advantages to running two smaller single units spaced apart rather than one center light in a cube. After looking into it further, the two would reduce some shadows but seems a single would be better for a me.

VGT · 01/07/2017, 08:47 AM

I don't think two 80s will work. I have a pair of 160s on a similarly sized tank, and its just enough.

PyroSteve · 01/07/2017, 09:08 AM

Ok thanks. Looks like a A360 will do it.

minus9 · 01/07/2017, 10:17 AM

If you're keeping sps, then it's two lights to reduce shading, doesn't matter which version. In that size tank, 160's will suffice. I have two 160's over my 22g.

ca1ore · 01/07/2017, 10:54 AM

I've got all three of the pendants. Agree that on a tank of this size, dual 160s would be best.

01/06/2017, 09:07 PM	#1
PyroSteve Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Springfield, PA Posts: 60	2x A80 or A160? Would there be any benefit to running two Kessil A80s with a Spectral Controller on a 24" W x 16" D mixed tank? Or would the overlap make a single A160 a better choice?

01/07/2017, 10:54 AM	#7
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I've got all three of the pendants. Agree that on a tank of this size, dual 160s would be best. __________________ 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

01/07/2017, 02:22 AM	#2
minus9 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: I'm in the Valley, Dude! Posts: 1,349	Depends on what you're keeping? Either way, you'll need two of each if keeping a mixed reef.

01/07/2017, 08:39 AM	#3
PyroSteve Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Springfield, PA Posts: 60	I'll looking to keep a mixed tank with softies and LPS on bottom and middle with SPS on top. Not sure exactly what species yet. Yes, It looks like the two A80s won't be enough. More like 2x A160s or 1x A360. Although it does seem like most running a mixed tank this size are running there lights in the 90w range at 50-60% intensity? Sound right? I was really wondering if there are any real advantages to running two smaller single units spaced apart rather than one center light in a cube. After looking into it further, the two would reduce some shadows but seems a single would be better for a me.

01/07/2017, 08:47 AM	#4
VGT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 283	I don't think two 80s will work. I have a pair of 160s on a similarly sized tank, and its just enough.

01/07/2017, 09:08 AM	#5
PyroSteve Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Springfield, PA Posts: 60	Ok thanks. Looks like a A360 will do it.

01/07/2017, 10:17 AM	#6
minus9 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: I'm in the Valley, Dude! Posts: 1,349	If you're keeping sps, then it's two lights to reduce shading, doesn't matter which version. In that size tank, 160's will suffice. I have two 160's over my 22g.