AquaIllumination PAR Measurements

[SoLiD]

These 2 Posts lead me to make my decision to go with all 70 degree optics on my set up. In the end its up to each individual to decide. HTH.

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

Advanced Aquarist published Sanjay's most recent lighting paper. This one focuses on LED fixtures, including an AI SOL White.

It's great resource with lots of PAR data. Sanjay's measured PAR values exceed the values I have posted (no doubt doubt to user error on my part.) Sanjay's testing is also done in open air, as opposed to saltwater which accounts for some of the variances.

Here's PAR graph excerpted from the full article showing the coverage and PAR at 24" and 30".



It's a great article, and is available online in the October edition of Advanced Aquarist Online Magazine

Originally Posted by Dark_Reef

I finally got my 70 Optics and was able to map out the par for the following:

1. All 40 Optics. (Same as the original AI Units)
2. 40s in Center and 70s in the outers (Same as and SOL Unit)
3. All 70 Optics.

This is only to show the difference between using the optics in different combinations.

The measurements were done with the following for all three measurments:

1. Two AI SOL Whites run at 100% Blue & 100% White.
2. Both units are 18" above measurement area.
3. Both units are evenly centered from front to back.
4. Units are spaced at the 1/3 and 2/3 marks from side to side.
5. The measurement area is 24"x24".
6. Readings were made every 1".






It took almost 4 hours just to get the data with my wife and I working on it.

So if anyone wants the raw data in excel please PM me and I will be happy to email it over.

[SoLiD]

One more time

[QUOTE=SoLiD;18377949]Check out "rostato's" post from way earlier. He was changing out the LED boards too so I edited it to fit. He will give you an idea of how easy it is to swap out the optics.

Originally Posted by rostato

...

So here are some pics of the upgrade process. This way, there is no confusion, or worries for people who might think they cannot do the upgrade. If you cannot do this upgrade, you should not be in this hobby

You need (1) tool, to do the (Optic) upgrade, and maybe 30 minutes max. It took me 30 to take down the fixture, do the upgrade while taking pictures, and re hang the unit. Also, keep in mind I have a nasty flu

The tool you need (is) a 5/64" allen wrench...

Start by taking off the cover with the allen wrench



Then you'll see this...



Start removing the (4 center) optics...



All optics removed.... (Not necessary because you will only be changing out the center 4 but it gives you an idea)



EDIT

Now install in reverse order. I took pictures of the re-installation, but it is entirely unnecessary to post.


Don't forget to install the paper sleeves over the pucks and between the optics... (There is no need to remove them for an Optic Upgrade so skip this step)



Also, the pucks should fit like in this video. (Great video BTW)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAAya-7qdCU


Here they are on my zero edge light tree


EDIT.... A Special Thank You to Rostato For All His Hard Work!

[NanoKeepr]

I've read this whole fantastic thread, and kept up with it. Quick question though - how are the optics removed - do they simply lift off of the board?

[hmello@bermexin]

Originally Posted by NanoKeepr

I've read this whole fantastic thread, and kept up with it. Quick question though - how are the optics removed - do they simply lift off of the board?

I asked the same question. They just sit on the board and are held in place by the cover.

[MedRed]

Originally Posted by NanoKeepr

I've read this whole fantastic thread, and kept up with it. Quick question though - how are the optics removed - do they simply lift off of the board?

yes

[NanoKeepr]

Thanks x 2!

[bvoss]

Thanks, I am going 70 degrees out of the box. Appreciate the help.

[neverwouldof]

Where do you get the 70 degree optics from and how much are they?

[SoLiD]

Originally Posted by neverwouldof

Where do you get the 70 degree optics from and how much are they?

You have to Open A New Support Ticket with AI though their website. The cost is $25 shipped per module (4 - 70 degree optic lenses).

AquaIllumination Support

[dknuckles]

Any ideas why 1 unit is running 100 par less than the other?
Both are new SOL Blues linked together w/ AI controller. The stronger unit is 2 months old and the weaker is 4 days in use.

[mapleredta]

Originally Posted by dknuckles

Any ideas why 1 unit is running 100 par less than the other?
Both are new SOL Blues linked together w/ AI controller. The stronger unit is 2 months old and the weaker is 4 days in use.

Something doesn't sound right. Do you have another meter to measure the par and compare them?

[moliken]

first in line is stronger?
absolute accuracy in placing the par meter?

[ieatchinese]

All 70 degree optic verses the mix of 40 and 70

[yoccm]

Just got off the phone with George at Reef Geek. I was ordering AIs for my 72"L X 30"W x 26"H tank. He told me that if I raise the fixtures 12 inches off the water I only need 3 fixtures!!! He said AI claims that at 12 inch height each unit will cover a 24 square inch space. I had assumed I would need at least 5 units for this tank. Thoughts?

Don't get me wrong, I am all for saving $$$ and I guess I can always add more if necessary. I did go ahead and pay for the 72" rails.

[monty]

wow, thats interesting. let us know what you think when you get them hooked up, and post some pics if you can.

what are you replacing?

[yoccm]

It is for a new build. My biggest concern will be dark bands on the tank - gotta believe you want at least a little overlap in light emission between units. I do plan on swapping out to all 70 optics which will help with more light spread but still seemed like it wouldn't be enough. I was told it could take as long as 4 weeks before they have them back in stock so will be awhile before I can report back.

[moliken]

depends on rockwork whether it'll cover well. put them horizontally or vertically depending. the prob id the center brace. 2 to light one half and 1 covering the other half may be a bit unbalanced. i use 2 onmy 48x18x21, and am getting a third, ut my setup is kinda heavity weighted toward one side, and that's where i'll use 2 modules.

[sjwinick]

i have seen some good general conversion charts to move between LUX readings and PAR readings for various lighting sources. none of them that i've found, though, have a conversion factor listed for high power LED (CREEs), in my case, specifically AI Blue Sol.

anyone who has taken the PAR readings around their tank also taken LUX readings so a general purpose conversion could be calculated?

thanks to all

sjw

[moliken]

took par, was told that lux is a wasted measurement

[sjwinick]

PAR is the right reading but there is a rough relationship between them for a given light source with given spectral qualities. if you don't have a PAR meter, LUX can be a reasonable substitute if you know the factor for your lights. that's the data i'm hoping to find for the SOL. it's published for lots of other light sources, but i haven't seen any for this

thanks anyway

sjw

[hazmat319]

I'm actually having issues with NOT enough light. I have 2 units mounted lengthwise over my standard 75. I have the lights about 14" over my tank. Standard modules with the 70's/40's. I have my 2 clams right under the 40's on the top rock and their mantles are reaching towards the light. I also have a monti that is turning brown. I highest I have my settings starts at 1pm and is WH 54/ BL 41/ RB 38 and ramps down at 6pm. I'm increasing the intensity up 2-3 degrees every day because I don't want to lose any of my corals or clams. Maybe I should lower the fixture a bit?
Has anyone else had these issues? I had a Solar Flare on my tank before these AI's. I love the look of the AI's though.

[hazmat319]

Originally Posted by watsonj

Heres mine 4 sol blues on a 48x24x25, and some sump porn LOL.
phone pics so not the best quality.

I'm having sump envy What model is your Bubble King? I love my mini 160. Totally gets the job done! I like all your red accents. Very color coordinated

[James77]

Couple of questions...........

How long are the power cords on these, is there a (large?) transformer inline?

The are controlled by its temperature.....Anyone find the noise audible more than a couple feet from the tank? I was told with the Powermodule that the fans were silent, and I could hear the things droning in the next room. Approx how many decibels at full blast with nothing else on the tank making noise?

[djkms]

Ok I finally got a hold of a par meter. Apogee QMSS

First pic is readings at my current settings. 84 Blues / 62 Whites

All 70 degree optics - Hung 14" from the water surface



I have a glass center brace which is of course effecting results.

I rounded out the best I could and tried to get the sensor as close to the middle of the fixture underwater as possible. The closer the sensor was to the glass the higher it read...

And now 100% blue and white



Conclusion:
3 Units are NOT enough for a 72" tank with SPS, ok with LPS and softies, according to the par meter. However, my SPS is growing and only 1 has browned out but I believe that to be because of other reasons. The 2 bleached out corals in the picture actually came to me bleached.

I will be buying another 3 units as soon as I can. Honestly, not really happy with these readings.

[jmchzn123]

I have 3 units on the way but only 48". I would try 2 units and maybe a few inches closer. Who told you 3 units would cover? It was recommended I get 4 units but I'm gonna try 3 and see. Also going to try tank mount w stock legs .