Setup Guide: Unboxing Kessil Spectral X Controller for A160 Tuna Blue

Kessil lights (A80, A160, and the X-Series) don't ship with onboard Wi-Fi — they're designed for analog or digital wired control. This is a full setup walkthrough of the Kessil Spectral Controller X, which brings app-level programming (sunrise-to-sunset ramps, color and intensity control, storm and cloud simulation) to analog models like the A80 and A160 that can't take a Wi-Fi dongle.

What's in the Box

• Control cable for X-Series (digital) lights
• Analog cable for A80/A160 models
• Power supply with a magnetic mounting bracket for the inside of your cabinet
• Daisy-chain input/output ports so multiple lights run off one controller

Setup

Mount the magnetic bracket inside your cabinet, run the light cable down through the stand, and power the controller via micro USB (a USB brick isn't included, but most modern power strips have a USB port). The controller auto-detects the connected lamp on power-up.

What You Can Program

• Dashboard mode: manual color (0–100%, white to blue) and intensity control, with storm mode (lightning effects) and rolling cloud simulation for natural-feeling overcast light
• Programs: full sunrise-to-sunset schedules with ramp-up/ramp-down timing and color shifts — build multiple saved programs (e.g. a reduced-intensity acclimation macro for new coral or fish) and switch between them from the dashboard

One important note: even on a white Tuna Sun light, use the Tuna Blue preset menu in the controller — the 0–10 color/intensity scale works identically whether you're running a blue-spectrum reef light or a white planted-tank light.

Want app-style control on your analog Kessil light? Shop the Kessil Spectral Controller X at natureaquariums.com.