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LED advice

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by walker1, Sep 24, 2011.

  1. walker1

    walker1 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    428
    Ratings:
    +28 / 1 / -0
    Looking at buying Led fixtures for my 90 gal reef has anyone had good luck with the AIs or Marineland reef leds so far Im in favor of the AIs just would like some advice frow fellow Reefers Ecotechs look like a good choice but just a little 2 pricey thanks for any info
     
  2. kyro

    kyro Inactive User

    160
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Go with AIs and u won't regret it. There is no comparison between them and the marineland. They are just that much better.
     
  3. Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

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    +0 / 0 / -0
    Build a DIY from rapidled.com, MUCH cheaper! Totally excellent quality.
     
  4. Troy

    Troy Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I would agree with Andy on this one. I have the AI SOL and have been running since MACNA. I haven't seen any change yet, but don't expect too this early in the game. The only reason I would say go with a DIY fixture is because you can add some red LED and hit more of the light spectrum. AI SOL don't have the red LED's. Other then that, I think the AI light is awesome.
     
  5. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
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    +0 / 0 / -0
    I have no interest in DIY. Fortunately,with AI's I don't need to. Great product. Not one bit sorry, and I paid the old, higher price. Great growth and look. No unwanted heat.
     
  6. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I have no interest in DIY. Fortunately,with AI's I don't need to. Great product. Not one bit sorry, and I paid the old, higher price. Great growth and look. No unwanted heat.
     
  7. erayk1 Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    981
    Coralville, IA
    Ratings:
    +35 / 0 / -0
    I also agree with Andy, I built mine much cheaper through Rapid...
     
  8. nlandgraf

    nlandgraf

    198
    Ratings:
    +4 / 0 / -0
    One incredibly happy AI Sol Blue customer here. I have three mounted lengthwise above my 150 and everything has been doing great! I like it so much I plan on eventually switching to AI over my 29 cube as well.
     
  9. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    I'm not sure about the look of LED yet.

    Craig pointed out to me the issue of shadowing. I propped a AI Sol Blue at various heights above my tank and the shadowing is hard to avoid. I almost dropped 2k to light my entire tank and I am glad I didn't.

    I am running t-5 lights and I guess I will for another year while I wait for the technology to improve and the price continue to decline.

     
  10. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    hey potroast-can you expand more on what you are seeing when it shadows. How much shadowing? is it mostly at the bottom of the tanke? i am also thinking of the AI sols....
     
  11. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    +0 / 0 / -0
    the shadowing comes from the spread of the light. The Sol have a hot spot directed towards the center which leaves some darker areas towards the edges of the tank , something they addressed with the new fixture. The new ones they took the water and glass into consideration and more light is focused towards the edges. This allows for light to bend and get reflected back towards the center because of the water and glass and cuts down on this shadowing. For $100 more each fixture IMO that and the rest of the added features make it worth the extra cash.
     
  12. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    thanks for the info! It makes me nervous about shelling out the money for 3 fixtures........
     
  13. kyro

    kyro Inactive User

    160
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    I really haven't noticed any shadowing in my tank. I used a hanging kit and just hung it at the height that covered everything in the tank. my tank is 24x24x24
     
  14. walker1

    walker1 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    428
    Ratings:
    +28 / 1 / -0
    Thanx for all the info I ordered 2 AI sol blues controller hanging kit and rails I hope I like them I sold my 150 watt metal halide fixture so no turning back hopefully by hanging them I wont get a shadow effect like others had stated
     
  15. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    let me know how it turns out, I am considering the AI or the maxspect led for my 90
     
  16. walker1

    walker1 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    428
    Ratings:
    +28 / 1 / -0


    Will do ill post some pics 4 you when I get them setup

     

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