AI SOL's Install custom install into canopy-

[lipskimike]

Hi all-

So over the weekend I purchased 2 AI SOL's (White/Blue) and 1 AI Controller. I decided to custom install them into my canopy for my 90G tank. They fit perfectly. Only problem is I don't have much of a spread range. Has anyone else fit them into their canopy like this before? The outter 6 inch of my tank is pretty dark and gloomy. Also do you suggest raising them up?

Also if you do have these lights can you please share your experience of what settings work the best for you for LPS & SPS growth without bleaching your corals?

I've been playing with these for days now and I want to make sure I get them dialed in perfectly.

Any feed back would be great!

 

[lipskimike]

 

[lipskimike]

 

[lipskimike]

 

[lilfishbigreef]

Try spreading them apart a bit, and turn them 90 degrees each....this should help

 

[lostmyz]

my only concern would be heat dispersement since the lights are directly attached to the canopy w/o a vent on top. I have my radions sorta the same way. But I have about 1.5" drop between the canopy top and the radion (essentially so i can get to the controls). I noticed there was some heat around them. So I drilled a 1.5" hole above them so heat could leave.

 

[flightjunkie]

my only concern would be heat dispersement since the lights are directly attached to the canopy w/o a vent on top. I have my radions sorta the same way. But I have about 1.5" drop between the canopy top and the radion (essentially so i can get to the controls). I noticed there was some heat around them. So I drilled a 1.5" hole above them so heat could leave.

x2

Instead of drilling the hole just for the fan, you could cut out the length & width of the entire light and have it sit flushed with the canopy. You could even cut it about 1" bigger all the way around so it can provide you with even better ventilation. That would raise the light 1 to 2 inches further from the water line and give you more coverage.

Frank

 

[lipskimike]

my only concern would be heat dispersement since the lights are directly attached to the canopy w/o a vent on top. I have my radions sorta the same way. But I have about 1.5" drop between the canopy top and the radion (essentially so i can get to the controls). I noticed there was some heat around them. So I drilled a 1.5" hole above them so heat could leave.

There is about 1" between the canopy and the lights fan... You just cant see it in the picture. I have not had any heat issues yet.

Also the canopy has an open back so there is no trapped heat

 

[rovster]

Have you considered using wider optics? I know with the sols, there are a couple of different options in that regard.

I also saw a build somewhere, where they cut an opening on the top of the canopy slightly smaller than the light, and mounted the light to the outside of the canopy. This would give you a little more distance. You can then fabricate a box to cover the lights (kinda a canopy over the canopy) to hide the lights. You could probably even leave the top open, unless you're tall like me and can see everthing, LOL!

 

[Siptang]

Looks very awesome!! Great job!!

 

[lipskimike]

Looks very awesome!! Great job!!

Thank you!

 

[lostmyz]

There is about 1" between the canopy and the lights fan... You just cant see it in the picture. I have not had any heat issues yet.

Also the canopy has an open back so there is no trapped heat

Oh cool!!!! Than you're good, looks slick. That was my only concern

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Jurg]

I thought I read somewhere that these lights get better dispersion higher above the water. When closer to the water they become more spot lighted.


Jurg

 

[lipskimike]

Jurg,

That is true. Any light higher up will get better light distribution. Thx for the tip.

 

[lipskimike]

I'm 99% sure Im going to build something crazy to raise them up about a foot above the canopy.

I see cutting and beer in my weekend!

Mike