AI LED questions. PLEASE HELP !!!

[drew930]

I currently have rapidleds ( CREE LED's ) and they are over a 40 breeder, but I am thinking of my options for my new 180.

I definitely wanted to have a couple T5's. Probably (2) 36'' Blue and (2) 36'' pink, and maybe 2 more blues or white depending on how much light I get from my LED's.

I like the LED's I have now, BUT, I'm thinking about getting a couple AI SOL's to mix in with the T5's instead ( I love the LED + T5 combo ) . So my questions are ....

1. Whats the difference in CREE led's from rapidled, and the AI SOL's ? wattage? heat? strength ?

2. I have also heard that the AI led's give a spotlight look . Is this true ?

3. How many AI's would I need over a 180 if I had T5's with it? I will be keeping 1 or 2 SPS corals, a Maxima Clam, and a RBTA.

4. Can the Apex control the AI's ( dimming )

5. Should I wait on the AI Phoenix ? Whats the difference ?

If there is anything else I should know about these, please let me know !

 

[TheFishTeen]

2. I have also heard that the AI led's give a spotlight look . Is this true?

Depends which optics you get, and how high off the surface of the water the unit is mounted.

3. How many AI's would I need over a 180 if I had T5's with it? I will be keeping 1 or 2 SPS corals, a Maxima Clam, and a RBTA.

What are the dimensions?

4. Can the Apex control the AI's ( dimming )

I believe so.

5. Should I wait on the AI Phoenix ? Whats the difference ?

Yes. AI Phoenix is thinner than the old Sol, it uses the same Cree XM-L and dual blue color LED cluster as the AI Nano and it is wirelessly controlled, plus it is thinner, and runs at only 74W.

 

[drew930]

The 180 will be 72x24x24. What optics will give you the widest coverage ? When is the Phoenix suppose to come out ?

 

[Steved13]

I currently have rapidleds ( CREE LED's ) and they are over a 40 breeder, but I am thinking of my options for my new 180.

I definitely wanted to have a couple T5's. Probably (2) 36'' Blue and (2) 36'' pink, and maybe 2 more blues or white depending on how much light I get from my LED's.

I like the LED's I have now, BUT, I'm thinking about getting a couple AI SOL's to mix in with the T5's instead ( I love the LED + T5 combo ) . So my questions are ....

1. Whats the difference in CREE led's from rapidled, and the AI SOL's ? wattage? heat? strength ?

2. I have also heard that the AI led's give a spotlight look . Is this true ?

3. How many AI's would I need over a 180 if I had T5's with it? I will be keeping 1 or 2 SPS corals, a Maxima Clam, and a RBTA.

4. Can the Apex control the AI's ( dimming )

5. Should I wait on the AI Phoenix ? Whats the difference ?

If there is anything else I should know about these, please let me know !

1. I'm not sure what the RapidLed lights use, you might want to compare at the 2 MFG sites. I believe both use Cree 3W

2. I wouldn't call it a spot light look. The shimmer effect is great. If you mounted them very low, I would imagine you might get a spotlight look.

3. here is a link to AI recommendations http://support.aquaillumination.com/entries/459049-tank-recommendations

It's going to depend on how high they are off the surface, if you can get them near 12" you might be fine with 3

4. The Apex (with a VDM module)will control the Sol but not the phoenix. AI tells me the wireless units will only be controlled by their controller.

5.It depends on what you want.

From AI here are the differences:
Sol vs. Phoenix
- Sol 40 and 70 degree optics for depth vs. spread - Uses the Nano optics for a more even spread
- 24 Cree LED's, XPE (Blue's) and XPG (White) - 20 Cree LED's, XPE (Blue's) XML (White) 10-15% more intense than Sol
- System of 8 pucks - 4 puck system
- Daisy chain modules for control - Wireless Control
- Slim Body - Even SLIMMER body
- All controlled DEpendently - Independently controlled
- Sweeping Cloud cover

Overall, these are both Awesome units and will continue to be in the years to come.

You will be able to add the wireless to the Sols (estimated $50 per unit $100 for the controller) With the wireless addition there isn't much difference IMO other than looks. The phoenix uses a brighter white emitter, so it can get away with fewer and slightly less wattage.

I have the Sols and checked into the phoenix when I heard about it. I came to the conclusion, since I'm in a canopy, for the difference in price, I'd stick with the Sols. I control them via my Apex now, but I will convert to wireless when it's available.

 

[drew930]

Okay thanks guys. This helps a lot !