AI SOL's for a 120

[jscrimshaw]

Hello all

I'm currently in the process of setting up a new tank. Its a 120 gallon short tank (48"x24"x24") and I am interested in getting the AI SOL modules.. My question is... Would 2 modules be enough to light the tank provided that they are elevated high enough to spread the light?

Here is the tank in question

 

[jeff1974]

no u need at least 3

 

[gveng]

2 would work for most corals unless your going SPS dominant. you might have a little shadowing depending on your aquascape, but you can always add a 3rd later on.

 

[jscrimshaw]

no u need at least 3

The problem with using 3 is there is a very wide cross member on the top of the tank

 

[jluspo]

I have a 120 4x2x2 with a center brace like yours and I am using 2 AI SOL Blue. It looks fine. I have it 12 inches above the water. This is what the AI recommends!

 

[EpicWin]

2 will be just fine for anything. I have a par meter and a 24" cube with 1 Ai over it. It can do 250 par at sandbed throughout the tank.

 

[jscrimshaw]

I have a 120 4x2x2 with a center brace like yours and I am using 2 AI SOL Blue. It looks fine. I have it 12 inches above the water. This is what the AI recommends!

Sweet... wouldn't happen to have a pic of what it looks like would you

 

[pardalis]

I had SOL's over a similar tank and as stated above, unless you're going SPS dominant you'll be fine. If you want lots of SPS I would add a few T5 bulbs via a retro kit. Thats my $.02 with my experience.

 

[ghostman]

Since you have a canopy, I don't think you'll be able to hang the sols 12" above the water line as indicated for good spread. I use 4 sols on my 120 to get even coverage. I would agree that 3 is the right number for you as 2 sols will have shadow areas. Although the shadows might not bother you, it will certainly effect your corals. You will have areas of extremely low par, and areas of extremely high par. The low par may be no problem, put an LPS there, but the high par will create areas where you will burn up your SPS since you have the sols intensity cranked up so high to compensate for the poor coverage. Just my opinion.

 

[LSUtiger]

Have you looked at the ecotech radions? They would recommend 2 most likely for that size tank. It may be worth looking at if you're forced into 3 AI modules. Disclaimer: I do have the radions on my tank.

 

[Card5]

leds

leds

Buy two Radions and be done with it.