Kessil output vs standard PAR meters

Eric_n_Ga

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I emailed kessil tech about a few questions I had after going down the PAR videos Rabbit hole of information . I was seeing numbers like 40 and 50 par on these results and knew that wasn't accurate. This is the response I received. Pretty informative.

Hi-

The output is equivalent to 160 watts (but with LED, the light only draws 40W).

We do not use PAR for measurements/comparison for the following reasons:

(1) PAR does not capture all the wavelengths needed for livestock growth, and coloration. PAR also does not distinguish the effects of wavelengths. Higher PAR values do not necessarily translate to be more efficient. Eg. 50 PAR of green vs 50 PAR of blue. Theoretically, the blue is far more valuable but a PAR meter does not distinguish between the two. Worse still, it has less sensitivity in the blue/UV range.

(2) PAR also does not value wavelength combination. Kessil spent many years before launching any products to fine tune and test spectrum to balance the wavelength combinations. Kessil’s initial theories were based on established successful practices and the most current biological research, all of which was verified independently. Through years of testing and experience, Kessil has refined lighting formulas that have proven to be effective.

For Kessil lights, they feature Kessil Logic, which maintains a very similar wavelength combination across different colors. This allows users to choose colors they like to see and not worry about balancing the wavelengths. It also maintains maximum output across each color, allowing the highest output possible.
 
Translation: PAR equals light intensity only and we know we have low power lights that’s why we always talk about spectrum and blending and wavelengths.
 
These two spectra display the differences between an 'active' spectrum and an 'efficiency' spectrum.
Efficiency is what matters.
Add to that the filtering effect of seawater on the longer wavelengths and it gets even more skewed.

PAR.jpg
PS Efficiency.jpg
 
I like it so far! I came from Metal Halides back in the day, so the Kessil shimmer is one of the things that sold me on it. I have it mounted in the aquatic life t5 Hybrid fixture. I have some images of it in my build thread. The Wifi is a little weird but it works well enough once you set your schedule.
 
I havent measure PAR but I'm going with the readings and height that BRS did when testing the AP700. Im absolutely loving my AP700 but I came from using mars aqua CBB's so its not saying much. I have a 6ft tank with the AP700 in the middle and two A360N's on the sides. As @Cook mentioned, the shimmer is awesome. Its only been a few days so I cant comment on improved growth but it does make everything "pop" not just corals...live rock, coralline, fish. I have added 20% green and 20% red after I saw a thread on R2R and RC.
 
Link the thread Leo if you don't mind. I've actually turned off reds/greens on my radions. Curious... :p
 
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