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I need advice on our new lights

We recently upgraded from a cheaper "reef ready" L.E.D light bar that came with our new tank setup (bought used). Were running 2 Kessil A80 Blue Tuna lights on the flexible arm mounts withe controller. The tank is a 65 gallon tank with a 12 or 15 gallon sump. I'm trying to dial the lights in on a schedule for duration and light strength for optimal coral growth. We are currently running two pre-programmed maps in the controller. So I guess my question would be what maps or schedules do you guys run or what should I run in your opinion. And second question is, are two kessil a80 blue tunas sufficient for my tank set up. For reference the 3 pieces of coral we currently have appear to be doing awesome, there is a small rasta zoa colony, a dual headed Duncan and a soft leather duster coral of unknown variety. Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you guys in advance.
 

mwil79

NJRC Member
We recently upgraded from a cheaper "reef ready" L.E.D light bar that came with our new tank setup (bought used). Were running 2 Kessil A80 Blue Tuna lights on the flexible arm mounts withe controller. The tank is a 65 gallon tank with a 12 or 15 gallon sump. I'm trying to dial the lights in on a schedule for duration and light strength for optimal coral growth. We are currently running two pre-programmed maps in the controller. So I guess my question would be what maps or schedules do you guys run or what should I run in your opinion. And second question is, are two kessil a80 blue tunas sufficient for my tank set up. For reference the 3 pieces of coral we currently have appear to be doing awesome, there is a small rasta zoa colony, a dual headed Duncan and a soft leather duster coral of unknown variety. Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you guys in advance.
A80s in my honest opinion are under powered for a 65g tank. If you are running a similar dimension to what I have I run 2 x hydra 32s over it in comparison. While wattage does not mean anything its still a80 at 15w each vs hydra 32s at 90w each.

This is a comparison of a hydra 32 vs kessil a160 which is a 40w light.
Screenshot_20240123_173701_Chrome.jpg

Screenshot_20240123_173712_Chrome.jpg
 

ericrodriguez

NJRC Member
I used to have one myself when I had my first 35g saltwater tank years ago and it kept some coral alive but nothing was really growing or happy really.
I got the best results when getting the radions, I still use them although a different generation.
 

Rueric

NJRC Member
We recently upgraded from a cheaper "reef ready" L.E.D light bar that came with our new tank setup (bought used). Were running 2 Kessil A80 Blue Tuna lights on the flexible arm mounts withe controller. The tank is a 65 gallon tank with a 12 or 15 gallon sump. I'm trying to dial the lights in on a schedule for duration and light strength for optimal coral growth. We are currently running two pre-programmed maps in the controller. So I guess my question would be what maps or schedules do you guys run or what should I run in your opinion. And second question is, are two kessil a80 blue tunas sufficient for my tank set up. For reference the 3 pieces of coral we currently have appear to be doing awesome, there is a small rasta zoa colony, a dual headed Duncan and a soft leather duster coral of unknown variety. Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you guys in advance.
There is an app on iPhone called "Photone", there is a $5 module that helps you read full spectrum par. Ziplock your phone, dunk the phone and get some par readings
 

mrehfeld

Officer Emeritus
There is an app on iPhone called "Photone", there is a $5 module that helps you read full spectrum par. Ziplock your phone, dunk the phone and get some par readings
Man, you have to have a lot of faith in the ziplock bag! LOL
 
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