Kessil a80 best use and limitations?

ahud · 02/22/2018, 11:47 AM

I am navigating the nano/pico waters and I always start with picking out a light as it is usually the biggest cost.

What is the best use for the A80? Where do the limitations begin to show up?

ca1ore · 02/22/2018, 02:18 PM

Depends on the size of the nano, but it would be fine for just about everything on a 12x12, probably LPS and softies on anything bigger. I'm using four of them over four different tanks.

ahud · 02/22/2018, 03:10 PM

I'm on the search for a rimless nano. I think I may be settling down on the CAD Zen tanks. Specifically the 15 gallon model which is 19.75” x 13" x 13”.

Do you believe the A20 is not a viable option?

No SPS of course.

oreo57 · 02/22/2018, 04:18 PM

Quote:

In use

Kessil doesn’t provide PAR readings for the A80, which is a shame. It’s bright, but even on full power it’s not going to cut the mustard as the sole light source for most SPS given the 15cm+ height you’ll usually be mounting it to get the desired spread. It’s obviously beefy enough for smaller fish-only and FOWLR tanks, and will be suitable for mushrooms, soft corals and LPS in tanks around 35cm deep. But at only 15W, it’s a stretch to ask the A80 to satisfy very light-hungry corals; you just won’t get enough penetration. To be fair, Kessil suggests that to maintain SPS, the A160 and A360 (at 40W and 90W respectively) are the way to go. In this case, the A160 is good for a 45 x 45cm cube, and the A360 for a 60 x 60cm cube.

https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co....-led-luminaire

ahud · 02/22/2018, 06:21 PM

So according to that article, the light is not going to be very good unless the tank is around 35x35cm.

Does the AI prime increase your options considerably?

02/22/2018, 11:47 AM	#1
ahud Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 519	Kessil a80 best use and limitations? I am navigating the nano/pico waters and I always start with picking out a light as it is usually the biggest cost. What is the best use for the A80? Where do the limitations begin to show up?

02/22/2018, 02:18 PM	#2
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Depends on the size of the nano, but it would be fine for just about everything on a 12x12, probably LPS and softies on anything bigger. I'm using four of them over four different tanks. __________________ 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

02/22/2018, 03:10 PM	#3
ahud Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 519	I'm on the search for a rimless nano. I think I may be settling down on the CAD Zen tanks. Specifically the 15 gallon model which is 19.75” x 13" x 13”. Do you believe the A20 is not a viable option? No SPS of course.

02/22/2018, 06:21 PM	#5
ahud Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 519	So according to that article, the light is not going to be very good unless the tank is around 35x35cm. Does the AI prime increase your options considerably?