What is going on?

When you have a dimmable set of lights (which you do), I don't feel distance from the water should/could be a huge factor due to the fact that you can ramp them down and up virtually as much as you want. I have a DIY set of lights, no optics, about 3" from the water and everything is happy as can be in the tank. I will check what where my levels are when we get home tonight, but I know both values are above 50% but lower than 80%. I don't see any reason why LEDs closer to the water would render your setup not feasible, you just have to find the right light intensity and optics combo.
You did mention that you had had your corals for a couple of weeks before they started bleaching, right? To me, this actually indicates not enough light, especially all the way at the bottom of the sand bed, or perhaps not even an issue with light at all. Your SPS shouldn't one day decide that they are getting too much light after they have been under the same light for multiple weeks.

 

Woah I thought 5 sols were prob 1 too many and at 8 inches.that's close! Turn down your intesnity to like 15 or 20. And increase your ramp times. You could switch to 70* optics to help out a little maybe. That duct work really makes you SOL (pun intended)

 

Personally I'd stop changing every suggestion people make, I know it sucks watching your corals die but honestly if there shedding tissue there gone. If you keep randomly changing stuff the chances of making the situation much worse greatly increase. Start at the basics, figure out your red slime issues, get your ha under control, and THEN worry about corals and lighting. Sorry but it seems like a classic case of caboose before the engine, it's not an easy hobby and knowledge is key. I've been reading a ton of your threads and I'd seriously advise slowing down and getting a grasp on things. Just my opinion tho

 

well said Jason and +1

 

Confused yet? I think you have got about every possible response. I agree with above statement, slow down a bit. I read every post on the below threads before I purchased and made decisions on height, intensity, and number of units. If you have not checked those out I would. 8 out of 10 people underestimate and bleach, not many have issues with too little of light unless they did not purchase enough units, and had bad spread.. How long you running at 45%? 5 units, 45% at the level will fry corals, depending on ramp times and overlap coverage.. I am no expert; most of my information is based on what others have supplied but it seems to be working for me just fine. Not saying you don't have other issues, I am only speaking from an AI SOL LED observation. I would not simply trust a bunch of random forum suggestions either, and don't trust me i dont consider myself an expert.  Take them for what they are and make the best possible decisions based on your environment and needs, but do it slow.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1841197&highlight=ai+sol
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1963379&highlight=ai+sol+height
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2109573&highlight=ai+sol+height

 

Posted By Money Mike on 03/19/2012 06:33 PM

Anyone want to buy two AI Sol, and coral? I'm done with it... just going to a pred tank. Sick of it. waste of my money, and its pissing me off








i wouldnt give up because you had a little bit of misfortune. just take your time and get everything settled out, it will be ok. its only a waste of money if you give up now.

 

If you do decide to stop keeping corals, just keep the SOL's. They will light a pred tank just fine. If ( when) you decide back in, at least you won't have to drop that hefty chunk of cash on lights again.

 

#1 rule of a reef tank= patience.
we have all lost corals
sux

 

+1only bad things happen fast in this hobby. 

 

See now I'm confused, if you ask for advice and help but don't want to hear what people have to say why ask? I said what I said because it's true, sorry if you don;t want to hear it but it's a fact. If you were experienced enough to actually know what was wrong you wouldn't be asking for so much help. I said what I said because I've seen this happen to tons of people getting into the hobby, I've also seen the same response you just posted. It's not what anyone wants, if this hobby is going to grow in a positive way people just need to slow down and understand why things are happening not just the quick fix. Sorry if your mad, it happens, take a few deep breaths and cool off and I'm sure there's a way to fix whats happening.

 

Yeah we all lose stuff. I recently had an entire tank crash and I can not count how much I lost the first 6 months due to rushing and not doing my research.