Help with AquaIlluminations Sol White versus Blues...so many questions

blennielove · 04/09/2011, 09:00 AM

Greetings!
Finally decided to get two AIs for my 55 gallon, 48x12x20 mixed reef tank. I've learned through reading that I can hang them parallel ( - -) with one of the bars provided. I'm thinking of getting a 36 inch mounting rails so that if I need to I can fit it into a canopy. By the way, I have a height limitation of 6 inches above the water.
So far, sounds alright to you?
Here is the big question: Sol White vs. Sol Blue
I've seen many pictures of everyone's tanks with LEDs and many of them appear very very blue to me. I would want my light to make it look like the light you see when you go snorkeling...so I'm guessing it's whiter. But there are not many people who have the Sol Whites...
Please help!
Thanks!

P.S. Does anyone know what the word "schick" means in German? Someone told me my fish are "schick".

uhuru · 04/09/2011, 09:58 AM

I have the sol white, it's going to be closer to what you want IMO.

reefsurfing · 04/09/2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhuru

I have the sol white, it's going to be closer to what you want IMO.

I hate to disagree with you but I might be doing the OP a diservice if I dont point out that.....

The sol white Covers 2 spectrums while the Sol blue is going to cover 3. Now even with both sets of blues on I can make my lighting anywhere from 8k -25k + with the added benefit of a third spectrum. The whites inlcuded are the cree 6.5k's so when I add in some blue its puts me closer to 8k which can be closer to the spectrum he wants. I just feel that even if he keeps his royal blues turned down a bit that the added spectrum will be beneficial to his tank.
HTH.

blennielove · 04/09/2011, 10:45 AM

Thanks, Uhuru!

blennielove · 04/09/2011, 10:51 AM

Hi ReefSurfing!
What you mentioned is precisely what I wonder about. I've read enough about AI and LEDs to understand that LEDs are very spectrum specific, and I've read and have been told that with the Sol Blues you can go from literally white to very very blue, while I was told that I would be "limited" with Sol Whites as they go from white to blue because they are lacking in one spectrum. At the same time, I'm wondering that if I keep my tank whiter, if I'm loosing out by only using 1/3 of my lighting with Sol Blue but 2/3 with Sol White.
So with your lighting set up, can you get it to look like whiter than many of the pictures?

reefsurfing · 04/09/2011, 11:13 AM

The white "natural" look is actually very easy to acheive with the Sol Blues. I think the name can confuse people as reguards to the color spectrums you can acheive. The sol BLue is simply more versatile in its range of blue spectrum lighting but it can also obtain an extremely white look. The pictures your seeing online are of those who choose to have there blues turned higher up. With AI's dimming capability almost any spectrum you want can be had it is a matter of how you tune the modules. Now with all this being said; if you had an extremely deep tank (30"+) and you need to pelt some sps with 8k deep down in a tank I would go sol white simply b/c it has a 2:1 white ratio and you can punch deeper for pars sake with the 8k you desire. So baring that hypothetical, personally, I would never purchase the sol white over a sol blue unit.

blennielove · 04/09/2011, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the clarification, ReefSurfing!
Another question...I was at PremiumAquatics trying to order this and am now confused as to how it should be done...
Option 1: 2x Sol Blues + base controller + mounting rails
Option 2: 1x 12" AquaIllumination Modular LED Light System + 1x Sol Blue
Option 3: 1x 24" Blue AquaIllumination Modular LED Light System

If I'm using the lights in parallel, do I need to purchase the 48" mounting rails in order for the lights to sit on the tank can I get with anything else?

reefsurfing · 04/09/2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blennielove

Thanks for the clarification, ReefSurfing!
Another question...I was at PremiumAquatics trying to order this and am now confused as to how it should be done...
Option 1: 2x Sol Blues + base controller + mounting rails
Option 2: 1x 12" AquaIllumination Modular LED Light System + 1x Sol Blue
Option 3: 1x 24" Blue AquaIllumination Modular LED Light System

If I'm using the lights in parallel, do I need to purchase the 48" mounting rails in order for the lights to sit on the tank can I get with anything else?

In your situation I would do option 1 since you have no use for the rails in option 2 or 3.

blennielove · 04/09/2011, 12:19 PM

You know what just occured to me?
I am normally a faily competent person...but when it comes to reef/aquarium decisions...I am very very ambivalent!
Thanks for your help, wisdom and experience ReefSurfing!

blennielove · 04/09/2011, 12:22 PM

Ooooh,
Last question, I promise!
The mounting rails, if there is a high likely hood that I will get a canopy for my tank...Should I get the 36 inch rails, 48 inch rails (I'm worried that it wouldn't fit in canopy), or one 12 inch rails because when you place your lights in parallel, you only use one of the rails?

uhuru · 04/09/2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blennielove

Hi ReefSurfing!
I'm wondering that if I keep my tank whiter, if I'm loosing out by only using 1/3 of my lighting with Sol Blue but 2/3 with Sol White.
So with your lighting set up, can you get it to look like whiter than many of the pictures?

Well "losing out" depends on if you need the extra power, but yes you are obviously going to use less light and power to achieve the white look you want with the Sol Blue as compared to the Sol White. That was why I recommend the Sol White if you know for sure you want a whiter spectrum. Keep in mind with the Sol White you have twice as many of the super powerful Cree XPG whites. However I don't disagree with reefsurfer about obtaining a wider range with the Sol Blue. I think the question of how much light you need and whether a Sol Blue would be enough given the spectrum you want is going to be harder to answer. Since I use my Sol White over a seagrass tank its no question for me what the choice is, I need as much light as possible hitting the sand. I honestly don't think a Sol Blue with half as many whites could do the job. Depends on what you are keeping, your plans, tank size, etc.

wskan3 · 04/14/2011, 08:07 AM

Hi Guys,

I've done plenty of research and it seems that 80% of the AI users are using the Sol Blue module. I also prefer a whiter/clean look for my display tank but would also like a good combination to allow me to have varieties of corals and potentially propagate them in the near future.

My question is, if I go with the Sol Blue, can I achieve a clean/bright/white look with just 1/3 diodes being white? I've also noticed that most of the Sol White users are not using their whites at 100% because they are just too bright.

My tank is Cadlights 50g Artisan series. Dimesion: 24"x24"x20"

Thanks alot guys. Really need your help here.

jlnielsen13 · 04/14/2011, 11:19 AM

blennie-
Check out the link below for my new AI's. That is a 48" canopy and to my surprise the 48" rails fit perfect without any retro fitting. Just attached them with conduit brackets. They can be as white as you want!! Video should answer some questions -

Posted a video on youtube for my Aqua Illumination LED's I put on yesterday. They are amazing!! A bit to set up and still need a lot of work with the color but at 30-40% power blow metal halides out of the water! Hope you enjoy the vid and willing to answer all questions. Best thing so far- tank at 78 Deg. without chiller!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtmbKRmaTQQ

Jim

Ricardo_Jorge · 04/14/2011, 11:45 AM

Hi guys,

And how about mix the 1x Sol White and 1x Sol Blue?

You´ll have the White and the Blue. You only have to configure as well as you like!
It sounds like a good ideia?

Hug

CalmSeasQuest · 04/14/2011, 12:07 PM

For reference, here's a photo showing a SOl Blue and White side-by-side showing coloration and PAR taken while I was upgrading the units. To me, the SOL Blue with the addition of the Royal Blues provides a much better spectrum and coloration.

A great resource on AquaIllumination LEDs is the AquaIllumination PAR Thread. It's a long read, but answers virtually every question and includes hundreds of photos showing a variety of tanks and mounting methods.

Ricardo_Jorge · 04/14/2011, 12:13 PM

Sol Blue really rocks!!
But you also can put a little bit more blue with the Sol White if you balance the White/Blue for more blue.

CalmSeasQuest · 04/14/2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardo_Jorge

Sol Blue really rocks!!
But you also can put a little bit more blue with the Sol White if you balance the White/Blue for more blue.

All three color emitters can be controlled independently - so you can create whatever color is desired.

jimmy n · 11/13/2012, 06:29 PM

Piling on with another question:

I have 3 ai units, 3 blue, 3 white. I'm configuring a 5 unit pendant. If you had the choice would you go white/blue/white/blue/white or Blue/white/blue/white/blue?

Thanks in advance

04/09/2011, 09:00 AM	#1
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 325	Help with AquaIlluminations Sol White versus Blues...so many questions Greetings! Finally decided to get two AIs for my 55 gallon, 48x12x20 mixed reef tank. I've learned through reading that I can hang them parallel ( - -) with one of the bars provided. I'm thinking of getting a 36 inch mounting rails so that if I need to I can fit it into a canopy. By the way, I have a height limitation of 6 inches above the water. So far, sounds alright to you? Here is the big question: Sol White vs. Sol Blue I've seen many pictures of everyone's tanks with LEDs and many of them appear very very blue to me. I would want my light to make it look like the light you see when you go snorkeling...so I'm guessing it's whiter. But there are not many people who have the Sol Whites... Please help! Thanks! P.S. Does anyone know what the word "schick" means in German? Someone told me my fish are "schick". Last edited by blennielove; 04/09/2011 at 09:07 AM.

04/09/2011, 09:58 AM	#2
uhuru Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbus Posts: 2,949	I have the sol white, it's going to be closer to what you want IMO. __________________ August 2011 TOTM

04/09/2011, 11:13 AM	#6
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 499	The white "natural" look is actually very easy to acheive with the Sol Blues. I think the name can confuse people as reguards to the color spectrums you can acheive. The sol BLue is simply more versatile in its range of blue spectrum lighting but it can also obtain an extremely white look. The pictures your seeing online are of those who choose to have there blues turned higher up. With AI's dimming capability almost any spectrum you want can be had it is a matter of how you tune the modules. Now with all this being said; if you had an extremely deep tank (30"+) and you need to pelt some sps with 8k deep down in a tank I would go sol white simply b/c it has a 2:1 white ratio and you can punch deeper for pars sake with the 8k you desire. So baring that hypothetical, personally, I would never purchase the sol white over a sol blue unit. Last edited by reefsurfing; 04/09/2011 at 11:23 AM.

04/14/2011, 12:07 PM	#15
CalmSeasQuest Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 1,230	For reference, here's a photo showing a SOl Blue and White side-by-side showing coloration and PAR taken while I was upgrading the units. To me, the SOL Blue with the addition of the Royal Blues provides a much better spectrum and coloration. A great resource on AquaIllumination LEDs is the AquaIllumination PAR Thread. It's a long read, but answers virtually every question and includes hundreds of photos showing a variety of tanks and mounting methods. __________________ -Tom The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw Current Tank Info: 96X30" 270Gal, Kessil 360WEs, BK250 Double Cone, 400 gal ASW station with continuous water change Last edited by CalmSeasQuest; 04/14/2011 at 12:16 PM.

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04/09/2011, 10:45 AM	#4
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 325	Thanks, Uhuru!

04/09/2011, 10:51 AM	#5
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 325	Hi ReefSurfing! What you mentioned is precisely what I wonder about. I've read enough about AI and LEDs to understand that LEDs are very spectrum specific, and I've read and have been told that with the Sol Blues you can go from literally white to very very blue, while I was told that I would be "limited" with Sol Whites as they go from white to blue because they are lacking in one spectrum. At the same time, I'm wondering that if I keep my tank whiter, if I'm loosing out by only using 1/3 of my lighting with Sol Blue but 2/3 with Sol White. So with your lighting set up, can you get it to look like whiter than many of the pictures?

04/09/2011, 12:10 PM	#7
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 325	Thanks for the clarification, ReefSurfing! Another question...I was at PremiumAquatics trying to order this and am now confused as to how it should be done... Option 1: 2x Sol Blues + base controller + mounting rails Option 2: 1x 12" AquaIllumination Modular LED Light System + 1x Sol Blue Option 3: 1x 24" Blue AquaIllumination Modular LED Light System If I'm using the lights in parallel, do I need to purchase the 48" mounting rails in order for the lights to sit on the tank can I get with anything else?

04/09/2011, 12:19 PM	#9
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 325	You know what just occured to me? I am normally a faily competent person...but when it comes to reef/aquarium decisions...I am very very ambivalent! Thanks for your help, wisdom and experience ReefSurfing!

04/09/2011, 12:22 PM	#10
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 325	Ooooh, Last question, I promise! The mounting rails, if there is a high likely hood that I will get a canopy for my tank...Should I get the 36 inch rails, 48 inch rails (I'm worried that it wouldn't fit in canopy), or one 12 inch rails because when you place your lights in parallel, you only use one of the rails?

04/14/2011, 08:07 AM	#12
wskan3 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 16	Hi Guys, I've done plenty of research and it seems that 80% of the AI users are using the Sol Blue module. I also prefer a whiter/clean look for my display tank but would also like a good combination to allow me to have varieties of corals and potentially propagate them in the near future. My question is, if I go with the Sol Blue, can I achieve a clean/bright/white look with just 1/3 diodes being white? I've also noticed that most of the Sol White users are not using their whites at 100% because they are just too bright. My tank is Cadlights 50g Artisan series. Dimesion: 24"x24"x20" Thanks alot guys. Really need your help here.

04/14/2011, 11:19 AM	#13
jlnielsen13 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 599	blennie- Check out the link below for my new AI's. That is a 48" canopy and to my surprise the 48" rails fit perfect without any retro fitting. Just attached them with conduit brackets. They can be as white as you want!! Video should answer some questions - Posted a video on youtube for my Aqua Illumination LED's I put on yesterday. They are amazing!! A bit to set up and still need a lot of work with the color but at 30-40% power blow metal halides out of the water! Hope you enjoy the vid and willing to answer all questions. Best thing so far- tank at 78 Deg. without chiller!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtmbKRmaTQQ Jim

04/14/2011, 11:45 AM	#14
Ricardo_Jorge Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brasil Posts: 209	Hi guys, And how about mix the 1x Sol White and 1x Sol Blue? You´ll have the White and the Blue. You only have to configure as well as you like! It sounds like a good ideia? Hug

04/14/2011, 12:13 PM	#16
Ricardo_Jorge Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brasil Posts: 209	Sol Blue really rocks!! But you also can put a little bit more blue with the Sol White if you balance the White/Blue for more blue.

11/13/2012, 06:29 PM	#18
jimmy n Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,256	Piling on with another question: I have 3 ai units, 3 blue, 3 white. I'm configuring a 5 unit pendant. If you had the choice would you go white/blue/white/blue/white or Blue/white/blue/white/blue? Thanks in advance