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AI Sol Opinions

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Justin S., Jan 20, 2015.

  1. Jan 20, 2015 #1
    Justin S. Pleasant Hill

    Justin S. Well-Known ReefKeeper

    436
    Pleasant Hill
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I'm interested in hearing some opinions on AI sol's. Who uses them and likes them or doesn't like them / why? How do they compare to other lighting options?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  2. Jan 20, 2015 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    They work, but they lack the "full spectrum" of the newer fixtures. Also watch the optics on the sols. 4 of the 8 pods have a really tight lens on them. Punches par deep in the tank, but if you're not careful can also create hot spots. I think if you get some Sol blue fixtures and leave the white channel pretty low power, then add a few T5s to "fill in" the missing spectrum and even out the lighting a bit you will be liking things.

     
  3. Jan 20, 2015 #3
    Chris C. Des Moines, IA

    Chris C. Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

    1,236
    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    I had great success with my Sol Blues for a long time. They did however leave some of the colors out which doesn't allow the corals to pop like I would like.

    I upgraded them to Hydra 52's but the Hydra and Hydra 52's are both great options.
     
  4. Jan 20, 2015 #4
    daalbers

    daalbers Well-Known ReefKeeper

    562
    Ratings:
    +24 / 3 / -0
    You can get an upgrade kit for the sols from Ai to get the full spectrum I'm thinking about getting them myself
     
  5. Jan 23, 2015 #5
    Justin S. Pleasant Hill

    Justin S. Well-Known ReefKeeper

    436
    Pleasant Hill
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    David: what do you use for lighting?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  6. Jan 23, 2015 #6
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    Currently I am running 2 x 400w radiums. It didn't take long to notice some pretty significant differences in coral growth and coloration either vs. the LEDs.
    When I get time I will add my hydras back to the rack for Morning/evening lighting and to cut a few hours use off the MH each day.
     

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