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Newbie lighting

Cdytebg

New Member
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Joined
2 Aug 2022
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Weston super mare
Hi all

Its my first post here and hoping someone can help as I have read so much conflicting information on lighting and PAR

I have a 550mm deep new tank with Monte Carlo that I'm trying to grow. I am using a Twinstar 1200c iii but I just don't think the light is penetrating to the bottom

I am contemplating 2 x Kessil A160WE but I am concerned they won't reach the bottom either?

I can't see any data on this model. Does anyone have any opinions on this for me
 
Hi all

Its my first post here and hoping someone can help as I have read so much conflicting information on lighting and PAR

I have a 550mm deep new tank with Monte Carlo that I'm trying to grow. I am using a Twinstar 1200c iii but I just don't think the light is penetrating to the bottom

I am contemplating 2 x Kessil A160WE but I am concerned they won't reach the bottom either?

I can't see any data on this model. Does anyone have any opinions on this for me
Twinstar
62w
21.6" deep
3984 lumens
7200k
approx 120 degree lenses (guesstimate)

Kessil A160WE.
6000-9000k
120-140 degree lens (???)
40W each
approx $300 US each in the uk. (another guess)
without mount or controller

As to your question, Kessil is stronger but not sign. stronger as an estimate mostly due to distribution.
"IF" your main concern is the substrate par consider stronger wattage or narrower angle lenses.

2 AI Prime fw will top the 2 kessils in a bunch of factors..


mc vs hc
 
Thank you for the reply

Can I ask where you got that Twinstar data from as I could not see maximum depth anywhere?

The manufacturers website seem VERY sparse from data considering the price point of some of these lights

I will check out the AI prime but by the sounds of it the Kessils will be no better than the Twinstar I already have?

According to your data though the Twinstar 1200C III should be enough to reach the substrate?

Could it just be worth doubling up on the light and having 2 instead of 1 for better coverage?

The tank spec is

3 weeks old new tank
20220802_073919.jpg


120cm x 400mm x 550mm
Fluval FX 4
Running CO2 via diffuser
Dosing 4 pumps tropica Specialised
0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrites <5ppm Nitrates

Currently planted from the 1-2 Grow Tropica

-Cryltocoryne Undulatus 'Red x 1
-Micranthemum Tweediei ' Monte Carlo' x 2
-Vericularia Montagnei 'Christmas' x 1
-Proserpinaca Palustris 'Cuba' x 1
-Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' x 2
- Eleocharis Acicularis 'Mini' x 2
-Hygrophila Lancea 'Araguaia' x 1
-Lobelia Cardinallis 'Mini' x 1

Mature Plants Added
-Ludwigia Repens Super Red 2 x Pots (split into 3)
- Mature Anubias Nana x 1 Large Pot (Split into 3)
-Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf x 1
 

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2 twinstars would be the cheapest option to increase substrate par.

Twinstar data was gathered from various retail outlets but found this one w/ all the stats..
Your tank is approx 70 gal.
Though not used much 1w led/ gal dimmable is "my estimate" of average lighting.
Arguably the twinstars will look better than the kessils
The ai's are dimmable and programmable right out of the box which is an advantage to some.

With co2 you certainly have the potential to increase your light.

There is probably another 1/2 doz or so more powerful single lights..
 
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Thank you

I think I'm either going to go for another Twinstar 1200C III or push the boat out on a Twinstar 1200 SA as I can always dim it back if I need too

I've had some very small breakouts of algae and my thoughts are that the plants are not able to make full use of the CO2 and ferts as the lighting isn't high enough?
 
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