Solaris LED Lighting

[jglackin]

I am on the verge of springing for a Solaris Lighting System, but would like to talk with someone/people that actually have one and have an educated opinion on how it is working. If you wouldn't mind sharing information and experiences, would you please PM me?

[gcarroll]

The one issue that stands out for me is that the fixture is optimal for a tank with a width less than 24" (18"). The problem is the price range tends to put it in the budget of those with tanks with widths 24" or more.

[jglackin]

Originally posted by gcarroll
The one issue that stands out for me is that the fixture is optimal for a tank with a width less than 24" (18"). The problem is the price range tends to put it in the budget of those with tanks with widths 24" or more.

I don't know about the width limitation, but the costs seem to be in line. I won't be buying a chiller, I won't be replacing bulbs every 6 months and I won't be needing the power company to run a few extra kilowatts to my home and I won't be buying timers and controllers. When I take the cost of what I would be paying for all of the normal lighting I would buy and then tack on the costs for bulb changes, electricity, and a decent chiller, I will likely be saving money.

That's my rationalization. There may be many that disagree, many much more experienced than me, but this is the way I believe that I want to go.

[gcarroll]

I agree for all the reasons that you mentioned that is why I stated that the price/width of light spread. There are more LED fixtures on the horizon and one company I know of has a compromise planned to deal with the light spread deficiencies.

[jglackin]

Originally posted by gcarroll
There are more LED fixtures on the horizon and one company I know of has a compromise planned to deal with the light spread deficiencies.

The problem for me is that I am starting from scratch. I either buy what is available now or I go buy a MH fixture, a chiller, add an extra circuit or two to the electrical panel, and some timers and controllers, and then wait for a new LED to come out. Of course, by then, I have already spent thousands on my MH system and will not be willing to trash it for a new LED.

When do you expect the new LED systems to be available? If it is not that long, I would fill the tank with live rock and a few fish and run the system for a few months on a light strip from PetCo. This is the frustrating thing about electronics. It's like buying a plasma or LCD television. You buy it and 3 months later it is obsolete and there are better models at lower prices. You can wait forever for the perfect time or you just hold your breath and make the jump.

[gcarroll]

They will be available in the summer with a much more competitive price without all the unnecessary programming and dimming abilities of the solaris.

If the tank is well designed, you do not have to have a chiller with metal halide. I can say this because I have MH w/ no chiller.

[justinm0424]

I don't have one but the lfs has the solaris on one of their tanks and it looks pretty sweet. The lighting seems to light the whole tank perfectly and i'm assuming it's about 24" deep. Personally I think they're too expensive to spend on one product that "should" last a while. They're great but way too much for me.

PS you could always buy MH's and a chiller used then sell them when you get LED and minimize your costs.

[jglackin]

Originally posted by justinm0424
lfs has the solaris on one of their tanks and it looks pretty sweet. The lighting seems to light the whole tank perfectly and i'm assuming it's about 24" deep

My tank is roughly 22 inches wide, 60 inches long and 30 inches tall. I plan on putting SPS at the top and then work my way down to soft corals down at the bottom.

[travismcgee]

i too am planning on making the plunge to the leds and am currently holding off until the 400 solaris is available..any news on competitors would be welcome

[glassbox-design]

From what i've heard one of the competitors will be Current...so dont hold your breath. There will be some other high end companies using LED's as supplements to halides from what i hear as well....

PFO will me coming out with 2 new units. one that is comprable to a 400w halide with all the bells and whistles....and one that is comprable to VHO/PC without the programability of the current solaris.

eric

[jglackin]

I spoke with Pat today and we had a very good talk. I am comfortable with the information he provided me and we discussed some of the concerns and feedback from some of the discussions here. Believe it or not, I read an entire 40 page thread. I have also PM'd with several of the people here that have the Solaris and not one of them gave me a bad review.

I have made my decision to go with the Solaris lighting. Thank you for your feedback and help.

[sjj80]

I think you'll be happy with your new solaris. I Love mine!!! I live in the HOT south and just like you I didn't want to mess with chillers and fans etc. My pc lights heated my tank in the winter!!! So instead of MH I decided to get the 48" solaris and I have no regrets so far. Good Luck, I think you'll be happy with your choice!!!