Another Kessil review

[wiseman79]

I just got a 15,000k Kessil a150w and the goose neck. I was looking forward to receiving this, I've read good things and had my hopes high. Gotta say though, I don't love it. First, it's not as bright as I'd hoped. I'm lighting a 29ga cube, and thought this would be be plenty. Not really, it's sufficient but the tank doesn't pop like I wish. Not a complaint towards the Kessil, but my tank really can't accommodate additional fixtures to supplement it (aesthetically) being small with no hood. Also, the gooseneck has problems IMO. The mount overall is very nice, sturdy and attractive, but the clamp itself isn't designed well. It uses 2 bolts in the clamp, and the bolts themselves anchor the mount to the frame or glass. I've had other mounts that the bolt/s move a plate towards the frame to spread out the load over a few square inches instead of just the tip of the bolts. It mounts securely, but I would safely assume it stresses the tank, and if I were to accidentally knock against the light hard one day I could imagine the tank cracking. Finally, the light color is not what I hoped for. It's supposed to be 15,000k but is much bluer than my old halides at 20,000k. Also the shimmer is severe. I have other LEDs in my big tank and they have a nice subtle shimmer, this is pretty disco ball. I hate giving bad reviews, but not thrilled. The good stuff though can be found, it's an attractive design... but maybe that's it . I've heard lot's of good things about this light though, so don't take my word for it as maybe I'm the one guy that doesn't like it.

[toddsmith1]

I saw a couple of these in action in a saltwater store in Hampton. They have two over a 40 breeder and It was very very blue. They company says it is equivalent to a 150w halide. I think not! It is a total of 34 watts. I think it needs a single 100 watt dimmable module. Then it would rock!

[lostanime]

Not to dive too far off topic... But watts can be deceiving. AI nanos are only 35 watts, and I had to turn them down to nearly 60% output when I had two on a 40b. I have them running closer to 50% output on a 35g now. That is a serious bummer that a 34w kessil isn't making a 29g cube glow ridiculously bright

[mstrpoz]

i am with you, im not wowed by it, too blue and not very bright. . but i suppose im sticking with it

[Steely185]

Personally I like the ocean blue A150W but I realize that the blue is not for everyone. I don't see it as being that blue but that varies with everyone. I also like the look of my lps with it so I have no complaints.

The latest kessil lamp is supposed to run a hair under 90 watts. It has manually dimmable white and blue channels using knobs. I think it will suit more people. Some people like a more 20k look, some a 14k or 10k look so this should help everyone out.

The new model will come in two models: a wide angle model A350W and a 31 degree model A350. This should all be announced on Thursday by kessil but they leaked the info on their site for a short time.

[lostanime]

Thanks Dan, sounds sweet!!

[mstrpoz]

i dont mind the blue, i just wish it was a little brighter. the display seems sort of dark.

[wiseman79]

The blue is growing on me, but still isn't accurate to advertise a 15000k that's as blue as actinic. My son was playing "I spy" with my mom today and spied something blue... the "fish tank water". I got a laugh. It's not what I wanted, but probably a lucky accident. The tank is in peripheral sight of the TV, and I think the blue is less distracting than a piercing white would be. Still dim though, but it's not going to be a reef tank so will work for me. My snowflake eel and puffer showed up today, I'll throw some zoas in and be done.

[Steely185]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Kessil_A350_ ... PO-vi.html