Single AI SOL Blue over 48" tank

[edsreef]

I know this is not recommended and at least 2 should be used. However, I can only afford one at this time. I'm wondering has anyone tried one AI Sol Blue over their 48" tank and if so how did it look? Any photos? I'm thinking it would need to be 2-3 feet high over the tank? Yes, I'm aware the edges would be darker too. Still would like see an example of this.

[Shard]

Well, I never tried one module over a 48" tank, but before I got all four of my AI modules in I temporarily used two on my 90g, and it really did spotlight a bit.

You are probably right that you would have to mount it 2-3 feet over the tank, and that is going to seriously hurt the PAR at depth. How deep is the tank?

Why don't you just buy 1 now, properly light one half of the tank, and wait to work on the other half of the tank until you get the other module?

Hope this helps,
Landon

[edsreef]

Because I'm not planning on running a full blown reef tank with sps. This is a 90gal 48x18x24 FOWL with a few softies and zoas. I would be completely satisfied with one unit if the lights were spread out a little more than they are (4 on one side/4 on the other side, instead of 8 clustered together). At this point I'm looking at other options, such as 4 PAR38 bulbs, but still would love the contollabilty of the AI if I could make it work.

[Shard]

Ok then. Go for the one AI. I have two Par38 bulbs. They are nice, but relatively focused and not dimmable.

You could also do a DIY LED type project. There are some kits available from places like nanotuners.

You could also look at http://www.coralskyled.com/. They manufacture LED kits that come mostly pre-assembled, you just place them in a hood in whatever configuration/combination you like. That may be a good option because they come in groups of seven on individual heatsinks, so you can spread them out.

Hope this helps,
Landon

[freezetyle]

Originally Posted by edsreef

Because I'm not planning on running a full blown reef tank with sps. This is a 90gal 48x18x24 FOWL with a few softies and zoas. I would be completely satisfied with one unit if the lights were spread out a little more than they are (4 on one side/4 on the other side, instead of 8 clustered together). At this point I'm looking at other options, such as 4 PAR38 bulbs, but still would love the contollabilty of the AI if I could make it work.

why not wait for the AI sol Nano fixtures and get two of them?

[wickedfish]

For what you want there are cheaper alternatives. T5 etc with better coverage. You will have dark areas in your tank with out a doubt even at 2' over the tank.

[Shard]

Originally Posted by freezetyle

why not wait for the AI sol Nano fixtures and get two of them?

The AI Nano Sol module is $365, so that would be $730 for two. They are a good option I was about to suggest, but there are probably cheaper options with more coverage, like the ones I listed above.

Originally Posted by wickedfish

For what you want there are cheaper alternatives. T5 etc with better coverage. You will have dark areas in your tank with out a doubt even at 2' over the tank.

I was thinking the same thing. What is the real need for LEDs if you are mostly doing FOWLR? LEDs are kind of an expensive option for an application where they aren't really needed. Even with LEDs, DIY or or pre-made, you are looking at probably $400 at a bare minimum for DIY, but more likely up to $750 for the proper minimal setup/coverage with modules.

You could get a nice T5 setup, or even a few Metal Halides for that price.

Hope this helps,
Landon