AquaIllumination PAR Measurements - Page 16

MedRed · 10/19/2010, 12:33 AM

time for one more unit wicked!

rostato · 10/19/2010, 06:30 AM

If you turned those modules sideways, and lowered them a bit you would get better spread, and better par. The AI mounting kit is garbage. Make your own, or buy a zero edge light tree. The controller is nothing but satisfactory. You need the profilux if you want to really see the benefits of LED.

CalmSeasQuest · 10/19/2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ast

Tom,

So is it fair to say you prefer AI Blue, then AI White, then Maxspect G2?
What bulb config is in your current Maxspect? TIA.

It's somewhat of a difficult comparison as they employ different design philosophies. The G2 works well over my shallow Frag tank as it doe not employ optics and the LED's native 120 degree output works well. As for the the SOL Blues, I've only had them operational for a few days - far too soon to determine pigment coloration changes. That said, based on what I've seen so far, I'm cautiously optimistic that the SOL Blues will provide a significant improvement in coloration. I like both the AI and G2 in their respective roles (but not likely reversed.) My G2 is currently stock. I'm waiting on delivery of the optics kit and a variety of LED (Cree CW, Cree RB, Red, Cyan...) to experiment with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rostato

Call me crazy, but I wonder is a Stunner ultraviolet strip would sit properly in the middle of the two LED Puck rows? The strips are 12.5" which means that with a long enough screw I could mount it to my light post.

It wouldn't add much PAR, but this might give off some more great pop to the corals...

I'm not sure how much impact you would see with them mounted so high, perhaps some coloration - but I agree, very little PAR. I don't really think the SOL Blues need any more blue and I'm not a fan of the overt purple color generated by the near UV LEDs - but it would be an interesting experiment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducatimikep

Are the new modules shipping with v1.01 firmware?

I'm not sure what firmware version is shipping now, perhaps someone that just received their SOL Blues can confirm (System Settings will show the firmware version.) I'm running 3.0b (beta) - this provides the additional ramping settings and has worked very well for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedRed

How do you know if you have 70 or 40 degree optics. I have a Sol Blue unit that I received last month.

Pucks containing 70 degree optics are identified by a dot on the puck, centered between the three LEDs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickedfish

Joined your club guys I have a total of 3 sol blue modules 17" over the waters surface on my 48"x18"x24"... The controller also needs a bit more....a graph would be nice with every 15 minutes of the day and night to set it at what you'd like, maybe in the future the controller will not need another controller for real controlling, that makes sense...maybe? I do like my long sunsets and the lunar effect and how blue I can make the tank.

Welcome wickedfish!
You might want to confirm what firmware version you have. The version I have (3.0b) provide multiple ramps for individualize color control for sunrise/sunsets/mid day Par increases and includes a lunar table that automatically adjusts for moon intensity, including no-moon nights.

The Profilux (and the newly released Apex VDM) both provide advanced features such as cloud cover, storms and detailed graphing. Rostato provided info on the Profilux, I've ordered the VDM but don't have it yet.

Here's a screen shot I was able to grab at MACNA showing some of the VDM options (sorry for the horrible photo.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rostato

The controller is nothing but satisfactory. You need the Profilux if you want to really see the benefits of LED.

Or the Apex VDM

ducatimikep · 10/19/2010, 08:36 AM

Where do you find the beta firmware?

Reefobsession · 10/19/2010, 08:37 AM

Does the Reefkeeper offer storm and cloud coverage capability? I am looking into two AI Sole Blues for my tank.
Also
Does the Apex lite offer the storm and cloud coverage?
This is a great thread.
I am concerned a little bit that two modules will not be enough for a 30"X30"X24" tall tank.

rostato · 10/19/2010, 08:38 AM

[QUOTE=CalmSeasQuest;17804562]
I'm not sure how much impact you would see with them mounted so high, perhaps some coloration - but I agree, very little PAR. I don't really think the SOL Blues need any more blue and I'm not a fan of the overt purple color generated by the near UV LEDs - but it would be an interesting experiment.[QUOTE]

I don't need anymore PAR, I am just interested to see if the UV color would add any more pop to the corals. Unfortunately, I cannot spend $100 just to try it. Those things are way over priced.

rostato · 10/19/2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducatimikep

Where do you find the beta firmware?

Get a support ticket on the AI website asking for it. they will email it to you with instructions.

rostato · 10/19/2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefobsession

I am concerned a little bit that two modules will not be enough for a 30"X30"X24" tall tank.

It will be plenty

MedRed · 10/19/2010, 08:48 AM

So this would be a Sol Blue with 40 degree optics and not 70?

[IMG]http://i52.*******.com/t06sck.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i55.*******.com/etth1k.jpg[/IMG]

rostato · 10/19/2010, 08:49 AM

looks like 40's to me...

CalmSeasQuest · 10/19/2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefobsession

Does the Reefkeeper offer storm and cloud coverage capability? I am looking into two AI Sole Blues for my tank.
Also
Does the Apex lite offer the storm and cloud coverage?
This is a great thread.
I am concerned a little bit that two modules will not be enough for a 30"X30"X24" tall tank.

I don't know much about the RK controller - perhaps another AI user can provide more info. I *think* the Apex light will support the VDM, but to be sure, just pose the question in the Neptune Forum - They're a great resource and you'll have a reply quickly. Depending on your aquascaping and coral placement, 2 AIs should cover a 30X30 cube as long as you're able to raise them high enough and don't need monstrous PAR on the substrate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedRed

So this would be a Sol Blue with 40 degree optics and not 70?

I *think* the SOL blues all shipped with 70 degree perimeter optics. According to Joe at C2, the pucks containing 70 degree optics were marked with a dot but - the paper shim covers that section of the puck. I'm not sure if he meant the shim was marked, or the puck itself. Probably worth a quick call to C2 to confirm.

djkms · 10/19/2010, 09:33 AM

I recently setup a 125 gallon tank (72" long and no corals yet). I purchased 3 SOL blues yesterday and should have them by Friday. I know this will not be enough for my tank but for the time being I will mount them sideways and high up to get the best spread I can.

I will let you guys know if I can discern if it has the 70 degree optics and how well of a spread I can get on a limited budget. I also pre-ordered the VDM for my Apex

Reefobsession · 10/19/2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

I don't know much about the RK controller - perhaps another AI user can provide more info. I *think* the Apex light will support the VDM, but to be sure, just pose the question in the Neptune Forum - They're a great resource and you'll have a reply quickly. Depending on your aquascaping and coral placement, 2 AIs should cover a 30X30 cube as long as you're able to raise them high enough and don't need monstrous PAR on the substrate.

I *think* the SOL blues all shipped with 70 degree perimeter optics. According to Joe at C2, the pucks containing 70 degree optics were marked with a dot but - the paper shim covers that section of the puck. I'm not sure if he meant the shim was marked, or the puck itself. Probably worth a quick call to C2 to confirm.

Would it make more sense for me to run my LED's horizontal to the veiwing pane or vertical?

CalmSeasQuest · 10/19/2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djkms

I recently setup a 125 gallon tank (72" long and no corals yet). I purchased 3 SOL blues yesterday and should have them by Friday. I know this will not be enough for my tank but for the time being I will mount them sideways and high up to get the best spread I can.

I will let you guys know if I can discern if it has the 70 degree optics and how well of a spread I can get on a limited budget. I also pre-ordered the VDM for my Apex

Congrats Chris - Welcome to the club! You may end up wanting one more unit - but it's a great start.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefobsession

Would it make more sense for me to run my LED's horizontal to the veiwing pane or vertical?

It depends entirely on your aquascaping. You could even rotate the hanging kit 45 degrees if your rock work and coral placement ran diagonal.

djkms · 10/19/2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

Congrats Chris - Welcome to the club! You may end up wanting one more unit - but it's a great start.

Thanks. I am thinking I will have to buy another VDM as well since I got a nice big glass centerbrace and will probably need to ramp up the center fixture a tad more..

I originally was going to order a Hamilton Technology Cebu Sun with 3 250w Radiums and 4 actinic HO's but I did the math on the electric bill (and cost of bulbs) and said NO THANKS! Not to mention I love the fact with LED's I can gradually ramp up the intensity instead of sparking on/off 250w halides.

Did I forget to mention lightning storms over my tank haha! Not that I will ever do this but it will be cool to show guests that come over!

rostato · 10/19/2010, 10:41 AM

The lightning always brings a smile out of people!

reefsurfing · 10/19/2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedRed

So this would be a Sol Blue with 40 degree optics and not 70?

[IMG]http://i52.*******.com/t06sck.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i55.*******.com/etth1k.jpg[/IMG]

Inbetween all three optics and on the puck there would be a small etched dot which is translucent but visible when you are close. This picture shown above is an example of the 40* lenses.

alex93se · 10/19/2010, 11:13 AM

I recently received a Sol Blue upgrade kit. It included 4x 40 degree lenses and 4x 70 degree lenses. The instructions are that the 70 degree lens are placed on the 2 ends and the 40 degrees are placed in the center 4 pods. I'm assuming the production units are configured this same way. Makes a lot of sense, intensity and spread combined!

MedRed · 10/19/2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefsurfing

Inbetween all three optics and on the puck there would be a small etched dot which is translucent but visible when you are close. This picture shown above is an example of the 40* lenses.

That's a bummer :-(. I just ordered these 9/18 and premium aquatics was out of stock. They had a shipment intransit, so they shipped out 9/21. I would have assumed they would be the 70 degree optics. Oh well I guess.

jkhuskies99 · 10/19/2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefobsession

Does the Reefkeeper offer storm and cloud coverage capability? I am looking into two AI Sole Blues for my tank.
Also
Does the Apex lite offer the storm and cloud coverage?
This is a great thread.
I am concerned a little bit that two modules will not be enough for a 30"X30"X24" tall tank.

I emailed Digital Aquatics, and as of now their firmware only supports ramping up and down as well as an intensity setting. They are in the process of updating the firmware to add additional features, but they did not tell me what they were working on. I know people have posted on their forum some suggestions such as clouds, storms, etc. We will see what they come up with. I have the Reefkeeper lite, so I am waiting to see what the new firmware will do.

It has been a few days now, and I am really liking the one AI turned sideways and 11" above the water. All the corals are doing well so far, keeping my fingers crossed that they continue to do well!

MedRed · 10/19/2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex93se

I recently received a Sol Blue upgrade kit. It included 4x 40 degree lenses and 4x 70 degree lenses. The instructions are that the 70 degree lens are placed on the 2 ends and the 40 degrees are placed in the center 4 pods. I'm assuming the production units are configured this same way. Makes a lot of sense, intensity and spread combined!

I didn't read this post before I posted. I just checked out my kit and I do have 70 degree optics on the ends! YAY!

wickedfish · 10/19/2010, 09:46 PM

maybe setting them horizontally would work, but maybe not I have some drop off near the sides of the tank nasty like 100 par or less so if I went horizontal it could be worse. If I bring the lights down the spread would be lessened or am I dead wrong I am using my sense when a light is further it spreads wider than when it is closer. I know the par would be good but the spread would be affected????

wickedfish · 10/19/2010, 09:48 PM

quit ur crying red mines are newer....i wasonly kiddin main but I do need another module dang

MedRed · 10/19/2010, 10:01 PM

Do it... get another module and then you can lower your lights, get more par, and have better spread. I'll take the heat from your wife... lol

ducatimikep · 10/21/2010, 11:52 AM

Sol Blue backorded until 11-15
Grrrrrrrrrrrr

10/19/2010, 09:33 AM	#387
djkms Fish Freak Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 1,136	I recently setup a 125 gallon tank (72" long and no corals yet). I purchased 3 SOL blues yesterday and should have them by Friday. I know this will not be enough for my tank but for the time being I will mount them sideways and high up to get the best spread I can. I will let you guys know if I can discern if it has the 70 degree optics and how well of a spread I can get on a limited budget. I also pre-ordered the VDM for my Apex __________________ Kris - 200 Gallon Baby Reef Current Tank Info: 225 Upgrade Setup 11/17/2012 72x27x27 - Custom 40g sump/Diablo DCS-250int skimmer/Blueline HD40x/2 MP40's/Tunze ATO/2 Part/BRS RODI/ Neptune apex, WXM/3 Radium 250w Galaxy Ballast/8 39w T5's/Litermeter III/Aquavitro Salinity/20%WC/Carbon/GFO/Vinegar

10/19/2010, 11:13 AM	#393
alex93se Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 18901 Posts: 271	I recently received a Sol Blue upgrade kit. It included 4x 40 degree lenses and 4x 70 degree lenses. The instructions are that the 70 degree lens are placed on the 2 ends and the 40 degrees are placed in the center 4 pods. I'm assuming the production units are configured this same way. Makes a lot of sense, intensity and spread combined! __________________ Current Tank Specs: 180g Custom Starphire 60"x30"x24", Bubble King SuperMarine 250, Tunzes, Vortech, APEX, Dart Gold, PM Reactors, Profilux Doser, BioPellets, IceCap T5, AI Hydras. Current Tank Info: 180 gallon SPS Dominated, BK Supermarin 250, 3x AI Hydras, Icecap T5's,Tunzes, Vortechs, APEX.

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10/19/2010, 12:33 AM	#376
MedRed Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,035	time for one more unit wicked!

10/19/2010, 06:30 AM	#377
rostato Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 1,161	If you turned those modules sideways, and lowered them a bit you would get better spread, and better par. The AI mounting kit is garbage. Make your own, or buy a zero edge light tree. The controller is nothing but satisfactory. You need the profilux if you want to really see the benefits of LED.

10/19/2010, 08:36 AM	#379
ducatimikep Needs Moar Cowbell Join Date: May 2008 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 263	Where do you find the beta firmware?

10/19/2010, 08:37 AM	#380
Reefobsession Moved On Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: IN Posts: 1,037	Does the Reefkeeper offer storm and cloud coverage capability? I am looking into two AI Sole Blues for my tank. Also Does the Apex lite offer the storm and cloud coverage? This is a great thread. I am concerned a little bit that two modules will not be enough for a 30"X30"X24" tall tank.

10/19/2010, 08:38 AM	#381
rostato Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 1,161	[QUOTE=CalmSeasQuest;17804562] I'm not sure how much impact you would see with them mounted so high, perhaps some coloration - but I agree, very little PAR. I don't really think the SOL Blues need any more blue and I'm not a fan of the overt purple color generated by the near UV LEDs - but it would be an interesting experiment.[QUOTE] I don't need anymore PAR, I am just interested to see if the UV color would add any more pop to the corals. Unfortunately, I cannot spend $100 just to try it. Those things are way over priced.

10/19/2010, 08:48 AM	#384
MedRed Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,035	So this would be a Sol Blue with 40 degree optics and not 70? [IMG]http://i52.*****.com/t06sck.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i55.*****.com/etth1k.jpg[/IMG]

10/19/2010, 08:49 AM	#385
rostato Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 1,161	looks like 40's to me...

10/19/2010, 10:41 AM	#391
rostato Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 1,161	The lightning always brings a smile out of people!

10/19/2010, 09:46 PM	#397
wickedfish Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southbay Posts: 2,167	maybe setting them horizontally would work, but maybe not I have some drop off near the sides of the tank nasty like 100 par or less so if I went horizontal it could be worse. If I bring the lights down the spread would be lessened or am I dead wrong I am using my sense when a light is further it spreads wider than when it is closer. I know the par would be good but the spread would be affected????

10/19/2010, 09:48 PM	#398
wickedfish Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southbay Posts: 2,167	quit ur crying red mines are newer....i wasonly kiddin main but I do need another module dang

10/19/2010, 10:01 PM	#399
MedRed Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,035	Do it... get another module and then you can lower your lights, get more par, and have better spread. I'll take the heat from your wife... lol

10/21/2010, 11:52 AM	#400
ducatimikep Needs Moar Cowbell Join Date: May 2008 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 263	Sol Blue backorded until 11-15 Grrrrrrrrrrrr