Determine age of AI SOL?

azsoccerpop · 01/03/2017, 02:10 PM

Is there a place on the AI SOL to determine how old they are. It is my understanding that all LEDs have a life expectancy and the lights will fade reducing growth and causing increased algae. I have 2 SOL blues over my 90G now and was considering adding a 3rd to reduce shadowing on the sides.market sesm to be around $100 which closer to my budget than Hydra 52 Hds right now.

mcgyvr · 01/03/2017, 02:23 PM

While there may be a manufacturing date/serial number from the manufacturer that still doesn't tell you if they ran for 4 hours a day or 12 hours a day nor at 2% or 50% or 100% strength..
LED lifespan is highly dependent on LED junction temperature over time and if you follow the LED manufacturers rating (many don't) then you can get 50k hours or whatever its rated for..

But there is no easy button here..
I'd say that after 8-10 years you will want to think about replacing them..

azsoccerpop · 01/03/2017, 02:29 PM

Thank You. Happy New Year

GimpyFin · 01/03/2017, 02:50 PM

You might be able to shoot the serial numbers to AI to see if they can tell you for sure. I think the SOL blues came out around the end of 2010 and were superseded by the Vega about 2 years later. AI also sells parts on their website (Power supplies, light pucks, lenses, etc.) for a lot of the lights too, but it's usually hit and miss as the selection is limited on what they offer.

Chris Mills · 01/06/2017, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azsoccerpop

I have 2 SOL blues over my 90G now and was considering adding a 3rd to reduce shadowing on the sides.

Add T5's to reduce your shadowing. It will totally make a difference.

01/03/2017, 02:10 PM	#1
azsoccerpop Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 232	Determine age of AI SOL? Is there a place on the AI SOL to determine how old they are. It is my understanding that all LEDs have a life expectancy and the lights will fade reducing growth and causing increased algae. I have 2 SOL blues over my 90G now and was considering adding a 3rd to reduce shadowing on the sides.market sesm to be around $100 which closer to my budget than Hydra 52 Hds right now.

01/03/2017, 02:23 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	While there may be a manufacturing date/serial number from the manufacturer that still doesn't tell you if they ran for 4 hours a day or 12 hours a day nor at 2% or 50% or 100% strength.. LED lifespan is highly dependent on LED junction temperature over time and if you follow the LED manufacturers rating (many don't) then you can get 50k hours or whatever its rated for.. But there is no easy button here.. I'd say that after 8-10 years you will want to think about replacing them.. __________________ Who me?

01/03/2017, 02:50 PM	#4
GimpyFin Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,032	You might be able to shoot the serial numbers to AI to see if they can tell you for sure. I think the SOL blues came out around the end of 2010 and were superseded by the Vega about 2 years later. AI also sells parts on their website (Power supplies, light pucks, lenses, etc.) for a lot of the lights too, but it's usually hit and miss as the selection is limited on what they offer. __________________ Brian Current Tank Info: 110 gallon

01/03/2017, 02:29 PM	#3
azsoccerpop Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 232	Thank You. Happy New Year