Kessil's A500X TESTED! New Look, First Impressions and a Whole Lot of Never Before Seen Data!

[@dusk1947]

The new format is great for two reasons: You still do all the detailed analysis that many of us have come to love about your light trials. You now take if further by providing use cases and direct recommendations. Excellent format. I also adore the fact you put the spectrum charts for the common protein-pigment complexes, well done! That is exactly what determines which photosynthetic organisms thrive, or die off under different lights. PAR is only half the equation... And I suspect this would be a good fixture to mount over a Mangrove tank, but that is just an educated guess. That's where I want to try one, but it sadly won't be any time soon.

[@matthewelkins2980]

Dudes. The shadow section of the presentation is spot on. Finally figuring it out. This was well presented.

[@hurricaneaquatics]

I tested my A500X in my 40 cube using the 55 degree lens. I received the following PAR numbers. 30 Color, 70 Intensity, 55 degree lens 470 PAR - 18 inches from lens - 8 inches under top of water. 370 PAR - 24 inches from lens - 14 inches under top of water. 320 PAR - 28 inches from lens - 16 inches under top of water. 300 PAR - Sandbed 32 inches from bottom of Kessil lens - 20 inches under top of water.

[@toddcox]

The educational/entertainment value of this format is spot on for the channel! Love it! Something to think about...when customers go to build a new tank, what they think they want can change to something else that they actually need. Then they need to do a bit of a research all over again. If you want customers to make informed decisions based on the data/guidance, then for the website it may be advantageous, for reference purposes, to have a break down of this information in a very condensed video that can be linked from the product page.

[@malla1ml]

I like this format a lot better than before. I will say that since this is intended to replace a MH, I'd love to see it compared against a MH bulb. I'd love to see the settings to replicate a radium bulb. It would be good to see the spectrum without your custom filter added. Overall, great format and I'm loving my A500Xs

[@IheartBass]

I'm about to do this. Side by side tanks, one being my mh, the other a500x. Same water, same flow, different lights. I've been dying to try this and finally I have the opportunity. I still don't think mh can be beat!

[@gcarroll1969]

I love the new data. I love the new measurement locations (top, middle, and bottom). I loved everything you said in the video and how you explained why this light be the right one for you. But I do have one complaint. With all this new info, I want you to provide a clear view of the data. I want to see it unobstructed. Bring the slide to the front instead of on a screen behind you. Transparency is a good thing! Anything less invites the doubters to accuse BRS of bias.

[@BRStv]

Full article with par data will be up on the site soon for easy reading 🙂

[@gcarroll1969]

@@BRStv that is an exceptional solution! That’s why you guys are the best! You actually listen!

[@jamesbroderick3660]

Y’all don’t have a video of the light I have 😢. I have 2 Kessil A160 and I keep on getting so much growth of green algae. And it’s all from my light. How far apart should the 2 lights be?

[@Messier87_M87]

I love the way this light is built and looks, not to mention the amazing numbers and spread it’s putting out. You guys are awesome! 😎

[@franklinwest2090]

The shimmer from this light is absolutely amazing! It must be stronger because of the amount of par/light it’s putting out is crazy.

[@davidmiller5832]

I've only been reefing for about 4 years. But I've gone through t5, halide, and a bunch of led brands. Now I run kessil and only kessil. The shimmer is so realistic, it looks as if I'm diving on a coral reef. Nothing compares.

[@KillerKev1961]

@@davidmiller5832 AGREED. Kessil and only Kessil for me too

[@fragitsreef3624]

I enjoyed the new format, it’s less formal and ties into the feel of the other videos you folks have been putting out recently. I also like the personal and real life commentary of this investigates. Do it again!

[@iglapsu88]

Mount them to my basement studs with no wasted light due to spill! Phenomenal!

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

Very informative and educational. Well done! By the way I do really like the new format of the video, makes it a lot easier to understand,you guys do a great job of explaining things instead of just staring at charts.

[@peterhowells8509]

Liked the new format especially showing the shadows. Missed the old format of how many on a 4 ft tank and how far to space them apart.

[@moviefan4life166]

Great video! Can I ask, how many would you put on an 8 foot long x 30” wide tank that’s new that will start mostly lps but ultimately become mixed with some sps? I don’t intend on putting too much rock and will try to create 3 or so rock structures largely under the light. I hope to have a lot of fish and keep it a nice modern reef with good flow. Thanks for your guidance!

[@iglapsu88]

Thanks for laying this out so even I can understand! Well done!

[@Lukas-jo5jg]

Excellent format, keep up the good work! While I love the reflector options I wish Kessil offered more. We go from 130 degrees to 55 degrees. Where's the 90 degree, 120 degree, etc.

[@hurricaneaquatics]

Just had one come in 2 hours ago. I was looking for this data! You guys used my 60 cube video 8 years ago with my Kessil 360's. This couldn't have been better timing as I am setting up my new cube now.

[@hurricaneaquatics]

As a follow up, it would be nice to know how deep the par readings are at. I liked your previous reviews. This one didn't provide much info, just a lot of talking and bashing Kessil a bit.

[@shallowreefing]

I'm not a fan of the new format honestly. I used Randy's videos to take screen shots and compare different lights with their spread and par numbers to help me with my light choice and mounting my lights. It was shorter and more helpful in my opinion. I think you should continue what randy was doing and on top of it do this video. Have a video the week before doing Randy's testing and presenting it in a similar way to the old way, but add the shadow test. Then in a week or 2 have Ryan join randy and do this same discussion. That way we get the information before hand and can see exactly what you're talking about based on the data Randy found in his testing. Just my opinion. You get 2 videos with the same amount of work, you get more views and a better discussion, and we get more BRS videos . It's a win win.

[@adamschaafsma5839]

Nice! A well thought out plan, I agree with your conclusion.

[@jessedepass8757]

I like the new investigates format, especially the big screen in the back of the set

[@EmersonBig13]

I Like the new format, but would be nice to have a summary chart/table at the end with BRS recommended mounting height and settings for SPS Dominant and Mixed Reef.

[@BRStv]

We'll be posting an article with all of the data on the BRS website shortly.

[@williamsimon782]

Very good information. I like this format, keep the good work

[@ReefingwithO]

I honestly preferred the old format for a couple of reasons. 1 - When the data was front and center, it could be used to tune my lights, so I know that if I positioned my lights at certain points I knew the ballpark of par I would get 2. It was easier to compare different lights to each other in terms of intensity and spread. 3 - It was clear for everyone to see where your recommendations were coming from such as spacing the lights apart produced even coverage and reduced hotspots in the middle vs in the past when we simply space the lights evenly above the tank because it looked good, raising or lowering the lights was another one. 3. The title of this video includes "A whole lot of never before seen data" yet the data isn't front and center - you are telling us what the data says and what your interpretations of it are but its behind you guys where we cant see for ourselves.

[@BRStv]

Thanks for the feedback! We'll be posting an article on the website with the data soon 🙂

[@ReefingwithO]

@@BRStv Thanks, I definitely appreciate that.

[@sanpietroprogettista9887]

Great format, easy to understand and clear.

[@tomg5405]

What was the results on the tank? The shadowing was not a problem?

[@sunnygoold9449]

This is a big improvement - already loved it... but this is, I think, much more translatable because it goes beyond the data - would have loved more data though ;)

[@mxrider887]

I'd like to see a video to show numbers and how much it mutes with the reef Brite hybrid kit. I would like to 2 of these with 2 36" reef Brite kits for my 6 foot 220 mixed mostly sps

[@zachtos2]

I would love to see the same, I have a 6'long x 3'wide x 26"deep tank. I want to get more punch and color pop (more UV and PAR), but leaving T5 behind is a gamble based on this video. I wanted same as you 3-4 A500X and a few reefbrite to mute the shadows, but unclear if all shimmer would be lost, and a guess at the final par/coverage.

[@hurricaneaquatics]

@@zachtos2 all shimmer wouldn't be lost, but a lot of it.

[@matthewelkins2980]

Digging the new power point. How about a Picture in Picture. You guys in small box presenting the big presentation in the big box. Awesome though. Nice work.

[@franklinwest2090]

So excited for this review! Can’t wait to get one!

[@Elev8minh]

@BRStvInvestigates I have a 6 foot Peninsula tank, do you recommend using 3 AP9X’s for my tank dimension at 72.3"×25.3"×23.6" for a SPS only? Or should get these A500x? Thank you in advance. 🙏🏻

[@BRStv]

During our testing, we found that the light spread from the AP9X seemed to suggest that it would be better utilized in a rectangular space. Since your tank is essentially three roughly 24" x 24" sections, going with three A500X lights might be a better choice for you.

[@johncondoleobat]

I’m putting one of those on my wish list !

[@helix149]

LOVE my pair of 360x’s but not a fan of huge shimmer I, like Ryan, mute the shimmer by simply having a single inexpensive 4 ft strip led designed for a freshwater tank... this this keeps the majority of the shadows but mutes the shimmer 80-90% perfect for my eyes... on a side note HUGE shout out to kessil support had an issue with a light and one phone call and a couple emails later ( thanks to BRS customer service as well for emailing me my receipt) they had a brand new light to me in 4 days from initial Contact. I absolutely will find the kessil light that fits my tanks as I change over the years.

[@somethinsaltybruin]

I wish kessil would just build a light box with 6, 12, or 18 of these single light domes... spread it across a rectangle box and call it a day. Get ahead of Radions, and you have a winner. And I’ll be first in line 😂. That way, you don’t have to worry about hanging heights, diffusers, or these add on gimmick pieces. Call me if you want free consultation. 😂. Love the technology of radions and kessils... but not loving the designs. Until then, I’m ok with my viparspectras. See my link. I have them on a 250g mix reef and 125g anemone tank. It’s not always about having the most expensive light setup to have a nice looking tank. 🤷‍♂️. Anyways, great job as always guys! 👍

[@bopeep7806]

The new apex sky led looks awesome

[@somethinsaltybruin]

@@bopeep7806 Would definitely consider them when I’m done with my current light setup. Too bad these didn’t come out before I set up my anemone tank. I bet if could dial in the perfect light settings, the colors on my nems would pop even more 🔥🔥🔥👍

[@mariolopez6558]

Ok so if I have the a360x set a certain way like for example C/20-intensity 75 - Iv 100 red 20 green 0 should I set the A500x the same way ?????

[@SH-wz3jo]

I was a little dissappointed by the test since the a500x is advertised as 36 x 36 coverage and should have been tested in such a system. IMO a test in a 24 inch cube is mostly irrelavent since I am looking for information on "the right tool for the right job". So, it is still a crap-shoot for me between this and radion xr30 for my 30 x 30 tank. The shadow test was nice though.

[@moviefan4life166]

Did you ever get the 500x? I’m setting up a new tank and am likely going to be buying 500x units. Thanks!!

[@SH-wz3jo]

@@moviefan4life166 Yes, I have 3 of them and they are good for what I am doing. Produce the shimer I want with enough PAR at the bottom of the tank at 50+% intensity.

[@moviefan4life166]

Wow! That’s awesome to hear. What size is your tank if I mask? I’d enjoy hearing how the coverage is for 3. 😉

[@SH-wz3jo]

@@moviefan4life166 96 x 30 x 30 inches

[@SH-wz3jo]

I use a pair of reef brite blues also

[@aliceholbert1246]

LOVE MY KESSILS.

[@joseglafargue4746]

I still looking for a light good for a 36 deep tank .suggestion? mix reef

[@bigdreamssmallwallet9963]

You guys don't go over cheap brands like fluval. I'm curious if a fluval light designed for reef would be good enough if I'm on a budget.

[@jimmytaechaubol1441]

Can you do a video about lighting schedules how many hours and ramp up/down. Also could you compare WWC half more white then later all blues choice.

[@BRStv]

Thankfully, the answer is so simple that we don't need a whole video on that subject. Our suggestion on lighting schedules is 30 minutes ramp up, steady intensity for 9 hours, then 30 minutes of ramp down.

[@brothergas1260]

Super sweet!!

[@rowgegaming5048]

For shimmer, I don't want 0% or 100%... something in-between would be my preference

[@Harolddespui]

In between introduces other problems: discoball. To eliminate this you'll need to add difusers but these kill your shimmer for a great extend, not "in between" anymore. To get a real "in between" without discoball is Kessil + T5 (or Kessil + Led strip).

[@andrewnewton4393]

Shooting in 4K now?

[@habutti]

Does this mean that I don't need to buy the extra gizmo and T5s to run hybrid light system since this A500X is the silver bullet? Full disclosure Kessil lights is all I've ran since entering this hobby.

[@ReefDork]

Is the shadow guy Curtis Judd?? 16:53

[@BRStv]

Strikingly similar! Haha!

[@masonj19]

If this really covers 36" x 36" sps dominant tank then I will sell my hydra 64hd and 2 25hds and buy it tomorrow!

[@moviefan4life166]

Hi. Did you ever learn of this coverage is true?

[@masonj19]

@moviefan4life166 ah yeah, no, it wasn't quite capable of it. It needed 2 for proper coverage. Way to much shadowing using just one.

[@moviefan4life166]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll follow your advice.

[@B15CSX]

I want to run 1 on a 80cm x 80cm x 45cm H tank but no info over 60xm

[@tomg5405]

Is this the best light you have tested?

[@BRStv]

"Best" is always subjective because not every tank has the same goal, so a certain light might work best for one tank, but not the next. Our suggestion is to look at the PAR data, features of the light, visual appeal, and price to make a determination of if the light is going to work for your system.

[@tomg5405]

@@BRStv then let's say prefered? ;-)

[@andyalexisvasquez4082]

Will one of these be enough for a 40 gallon breeder

[@BRStv]

I wouldn't suggest this light for a 40 breeder. If you want to stay with the Kessil family, go with two A160's for an LPS dominant system. If you're going SPS dominant or mixed reef, I would pick two A360X's or three A160's.

[@thereefaholic]

Always loved the performance of my Kessel’s but when they brake they are throw away. Kessil will tell you “the light engine” failed and you need a new light.

[@nihardjaleel4903]

Can I use same color channel % in A360x .

[@BRStv]

Check out this video for our A360X recommended settings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOonYKimLWgb6c

[@malgorzatakowalczyk8651]

Very informative. To Ryan comments about shadow. LEDs are small solid-state laser type lights. They are not produced or exist in nature. They are the product of humans. So, shadows that are observed in natural reefs cannot be in principe the same as the shadows observed in LED-driven reef tanks. Is this important ? I do not know. The idea that this tank look like natural reef can be an illusion. Elaborating this more. The fish eyes have never see any LEDs laser type light. The argument that photons are photons can be very misleading. Just look at LED wit your own eyes. If you do this frequently - you will need a treatment !. What about fish ?. Is LED safe for fish, as the light is artificially produced by humans and cannot be find in nature. Hard questions besides simple spectroscopy measurements. At some time, they should be addressed. Cheers Piotr

[@evannash4400]

Best way to put it us stagnant water

[@MrBrucetom3752]

bro can max with A350x us together with A500x?

[@BRStv]

I'm not sure I understand your question

[@maxtisch3300]

Thanks as always! But you failed .ppt 101....never put up a chart, such as your PAR measurements, unless the audience can actually read them. You should add an additional chart that will fill the screen for those requirements.

[@maxtisch3300]

Made my comment at the 15 minute mark. The rest of the presentation looks very good, and once again thanks for doing it..

[@patrickcogley]

Finally!!!

[@flashkan]

They need a 32 degree reflector so you can mount them as ceiling pot lights lol

[@joepaz9526]

Who gave this a thumbs down?! Show yourself!!!

[@BRStv]

😂

[@Va4444]

A new light the test!!!, u know both Ryan and Randy's wife is getting some tonight lol.

[@Ravan_Caw]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@superedge99]

Everyone is wondering, when will this light be back in stock, you've been out of stock for a while.

[@BRStv]

This has been backordered through Kessil, so we're just waiting on them to send us our next shipment.

[@superedge99]

@@BRStv some free advice that comes from a kind place - You've put out two videos in the past week for products that are not in stock, marketing department needs to talk to those that run inventory. When items are in stock THEN you release the video in order to take full advantage of these well made product videos.

[@timothydillard9507]

Do you guys paper rock scissors it out to decide who gets to wear stripes on a given video day? 😉

[@BRStv]

😂

[@zsxking]

The old format is better. This format is way too long for a review. Add the shadow and shimmer to the old format is gold.

[@christophersexton4192]

Cool light but seems over-priced

[@BRStv]

Definitely a right tool for the right job type of light for those with deeper tanks or wanting to mount their lighting uniquely high off the water surface.

[@briankavanagh7191]

A good in depth review, but 10 mins to long.

[@leonardbarron6967]

Your videos are super informative, but you always test super expensive lights. Truth is not everyone can afford lights in a $600 to $ 900. I wany to set up a saltwater tank, but looking at these lights, and all other assorted gear, sumps, ect. I think I'll say screw this crap. I'll stick to brackish or a simple seagrass and macro algae tank, a full spectrum plant light with a actinic blue light. The fancy pants coral tanks costing thousand's of dollars in equipment and fancy high dollar corals, is too much hassle and way to over priced. But you guy's seem happy in that world, to each his own. But not me, I'll pass.

[@bopeep7806]

It might be great for corals but it’s one very ugly light with even uglier reflectors !!

[@stellarlivingstoned]

Why dont we cut the bullcrap?