AquaIllumination PAR Measurements

[danel]

I've been reading about these AI SOL fixtures and they look incredible! Currently I'm running 3x 250w MH on my 125g reef. How many of these fixtures would I need for a 125g 6' reef with mostly sps? Would 3 of them be enough to replace my 3 250w MH?

[drtrash]

You will get more light spread with the 70's and should be more than enough for a clam.

[danel]

Originally Posted by drtrash

You will get more light spread with the 70's and should be more than enough for a clam.

Do yo have a link where to get them?

Thanks!

[wickedfish]

Wow! Lots of folks need to really read the %'s of intensity to start at. The center of the units will be the hottest so be really careful.
Ai stated that there really isn't a "proper" setting for the lunar cycle. I wish there were. Maybe we are gonna have to pioneer this one.

I don't have the cloud cover??? What didn't I do?

[rostato]

Originally Posted by danel

Do yo have a link where to get them?

Thanks!

Please read the thread, we have told at least three people to open a ticket with AI asking for them.

[AQD_ottawa]

Here is my tank under 2 x SOL's this is the 2 x white 1 x blue, the lights are 8" above the water on a 24x24x24 cube

No bleaching, only negative is 40% spread it leaves shading either side even on 2 fixtures, so I am hoping to get hold of these 70 degree lenses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6belGt_NxU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGaiY_jK3o

I am struggling with the coral colours in blue and pink, but green is bursting! and purple seems to be good too on my plating monti. My green hammer head basks under the lights quite happily.

[Logzor]

Originally Posted by AQD_ottawa

Here is my tank under 2 x SOL's this is the 2 x white 1 x blue, the lights are 8" above the water on a 24x24x24 cube

No bleaching, only negative is 40% spread it leaves shading either side even on 2 fixtures, so I am hoping to get hold of these 70 degree lenses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6belGt_NxU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGaiY_jK3o

I am struggling with the coral colours in blue and pink, but green is bursting! and purple seems to be good too on my plating monti. My green hammer head basks under the lights quite happily.

Yeah I think these LEDs are missing whatever color the Figi Purple bulb produces. If I ever put these over a DT I'll combine them with this type of T5 bulb.

[ieatchinese]

danel:

I have four over my 5 foot long 120 gallon and I would not go with any less on my tank. I think if I had a 6 foot tank, I would at least go with five of the units. Difficulty will be the cross bracing if you have it, but you got to have the light in the tank, right? You could always go with 4 for right now and if it turns out that you need another, a many have said in this thread, just add another.

[MedRed]

Originally Posted by wickedfish

Wow! Lots of folks need to really read the %'s of intensity to start at. The center of the units will be the hottest so be really careful.
Ai stated that there really isn't a "proper" setting for the lunar cycle. I wish there were. Maybe we are gonna have to pioneer this one.

I don't have the cloud cover??? What didn't I do?

The cloud cover is part of the thunderstorm setting. you only get cloud cover when there is a thunderstorm. I'd like them to be separate.

[CleanLivin]

I need to order two of the Sol Blue units - anyone know who has a pair in stock?
If so, please PM me.
Thanks,
Jack

[wickedfish]

Reefgeek maybe has them. Ask if they have the uncle Sam discount still.

[TonyV]

Man 45 pages of reading and I think I may switch my new LED purchase from Maxspect to AI.

Any pics of the tank mount option? Hanging the fixture is not feasible.

[tor101898]

Originally Posted by wickedfish

Reefgeek maybe has them. Ask if they have the uncle Sam discount still.

What the uncle sam discount?

[wickedfish]

Tax discount, UNCLE SAM. Also they were doing one for the california folks.

Guy who asked if you can hang them, yes I think it would be easy. I think someone used the bar it comes with and used a braided cable around the bolt that you would add on the sides of the mounting bar. So instead of a mounting bar it would double as what you want it to be. I think earlier in the thread there is a picture by someone.

Maxspect only has one thing I am jealous of and thats the purple led other than that they are heavily flawed . Took me about 3 hours to read the thread.

Of course the 1st gen was worse but all sorts of lame-o flaws like overheating and scorched connections/solders etc... read for yourself. Its crap like that, that made mw choose the AI's.

plus some day they will add color supplementation in different colors I am sure of it. And the controller is now sweet no need for the VDM, thank goodness, saved me a couple hundo.

[kmu]

Any news on the Sol Nano modules?

[wickedfish]

What ever happened to calmseasQuest? Last I heard from you, you were going to add some other light to supplement your ai's????

So am I the only one that really likes the thunderstorms??? My fish actually didn't react to them, the chromis did but the rest did not. Chromis went into their cave but came out within seconds. All the buddies were tripping out.

[AQD_ottawa]

I have been using the storm mode through the P3 with various lamps for about 3 years, and it really is a cool feature, now the Ai controller has it too you all will get some great use out of it.

I have never seen any negative effect and have seen fish act as if it is feeding time, I am not sure if that is just because they sense darkness coming on or brought on by the flashes, but for sure I see no stress coming from the effect.

I do have the ability to have cloud cover without the lightening with the P3 and I am sure Chris will seperate this also in time with his great controller too. Cloud cover gives an even better effect than lightening in my view as you can use it to take the heat out of high intensity for periods of time enabling you to run higher percentages. The only down side is the signal is digital so when you get to lower range percentages it will not look as smooth and noticeable jumps in % increments, but that only seems to come into effect from 15% down. Not enough to detract from this other great feature though.

I too am on the hunt for wider reflectors as the 40 degree does leave shaded edges on my 24x24 cube even though I have two units.

[moo0o]

Mounting Bars come in from reefgeek tomorrow. CANNOT WAIT TO PUT THESE LIGHTS OVER MY TANK!!!

[VegasMike]

I know what you mean. I have my Controller, mounting bars and hanging kit, just need the modules. My tanks won't even be here for another month. Should be getting the stands and sumps next week. I am setting up a pair of 72"x24"x30" tanks. One will start with five AI Sol Blue modules with 70 degree optics and I will probably use 250 watt 14k MH over the other while I decide whether I like the LED's or not.

I am actually anticipating getting the lights the most.

[keithrett]

Just picked up a AI sol blue fixture for my nano and was wondering what I should start it out at so that I don't burn my corals. The AI system is replacing a 14K 150 watt halide. The tank is also say 25" deep (complete guess lol) and the fixture will be mounted about 15" off the water's surface.

Thanks

[HiImSean]

Originally Posted by kmu

Any news on the Sol Nano modules?

im really interested in it too. everywhere says its available in late december. im wondering what kind of footprint it will cover

[kmu]

I got a 48x18x18 rimless tank and was thinking of switching to LEDs from an ATI 6x54 fixture...

Would 3 Sol Blue nano modules work on my 48x18x18 tank? Ive seen pictures of 48x24x24 tanks with 3 regular AI modules and was wondering since my tank is shorter and has less depth it the Nanos could work.

What would be better for coverage on my 48x18x18, 3 Nano AI modules or 2 regular modules mounted sideways?

My tank is a mixed reef with just a very small amount of SPS, I just dont want to get the large AI modules and run them dimmed less than 50% all the time...

[gillies]

Originally Posted by keithrett

Just picked up a AI sol blue fixture for my nano and was wondering what I should start it out at so that I don't burn my corals. The AI system is replacing a 14K 150 watt halide. The tank is also say 25" deep (complete guess lol) and the fixture will be mounted about 15" off the water's surface.

Thanks

Based on what I've read in here and what I've experienced over the few weeks with mine, I'd say 40% white and 50% blue to start. Adjust color to taste and percentages in response to your corals.

[Y-DesygnGuy]

Originally Posted by kmu

I got a 48x18x18 rimless tank and was thinking of switching to LEDs from an ATI 6x54 fixture...

Would 3 Sol Blue nano modules work on my 48x18x18 tank? Ive seen pictures of 48x24x24 tanks with 3 regular AI modules and was wondering since my tank is shorter and has less depth it the Nanos could work.

What would be better for coverage on my 48x18x18, 3 Nano AI modules or 2 regular modules mounted sideways?

My tank is a mixed reef with just a very small amount of SPS, I just dont want to get the large AI modules and run them dimmed less than 50% all the time...

When I called AI and asked about the Nano's I was told they are not going to be in Blue, so they would have the same LED's as the standard Sol Fixture, 2 whites 1 blue from my understanding. I am hoping this changes when they release them.

[gillies]

Originally Posted by kmu

I got a 48x18x18 rimless tank and was thinking of switching to LEDs from an ATI 6x54 fixture...

Would 3 Sol Blue nano modules work on my 48x18x18 tank? Ive seen pictures of 48x24x24 tanks with 3 regular AI modules and was wondering since my tank is shorter and has less depth it the Nanos could work.

What would be better for coverage on my 48x18x18, 3 Nano AI modules or 2 regular modules mounted sideways?

My tank is a mixed reef with just a very small amount of SPS, I just dont want to get the large AI modules and run them dimmed less than 50% all the time...

Can't say on the nano, but I'm quite happy with the coverage over 24"x24" with one regular Sol Blue. I'd say a pair of regulars would suit you well.

Here's a respected source for coverage and PAR measurements:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/5/aafeature2