Mikey Donuts
Premium Member
I'd like to see one in person before I commit.
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Anyone local using a Solaris?
- Thread starter Mikey Donuts
- Start date
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/review2
...has a well-done review on them. The gist of the review is that the light spectrum is very close to what our corals tend to see at the depths they're found in the ocean, but the intensity of the light isn't especially high beyond the perimeter of the fixture.
The fixture was 24" wide and when the usable light intensity (PAR) in the tank was measured outside of that it fell off quickly.
Dana Riddle also did a review on a different LED fixture but it wasn't very appropriate for coral photosynthesis.
...has a well-done review on them. The gist of the review is that the light spectrum is very close to what our corals tend to see at the depths they're found in the ocean, but the intensity of the light isn't especially high beyond the perimeter of the fixture.
The fixture was 24" wide and when the usable light intensity (PAR) in the tank was measured outside of that it fell off quickly.
Dana Riddle also did a review on a different LED fixture but it wasn't very appropriate for coral photosynthesis.
It's pretty far up but in Chico at an LFS there's a G series on display and the owner says the new I series he's seen just blasts your eyes out with brighter intensity. Further, that's the one that sold me on the product. Now, however, fiscal outlook is poor so that purchase is pushed back (way back probably). 
jtarmitage
Active member
Miracles38 has got one and was wanting to set it up on her new 360, but needed another one I think to make it work. Anyhow, she's got one if you wanted to check it out.
miracles38
Active member
Yup, I have 2 g series over my 240 right now. I just ordered an h series for the 360. Don't know if I will have to use all 3, but maybe.
Mikey Donuts
Premium Member
Thanks for the info fellas. I've read all the reviews and researched quite a bit already. Anyone have one of these setup over a tank already?
Shiveley- I've thought long and hard about this and a 48" Solaris will run about $2500. If I were to DIY Luminarc IIIs with the glass shields, t-5 supp, and moonlights I would be close to a grand. Figure in $800-$1000 for a chiller and I'm relatively close to the cost of the LED fixture. Factor in heat issues from MH, bulb replacement, having a big chiller sitting in the living room, and electricity costs and the price difference becomes slimmer. I could also go without a controller and just use timers for fuge lights.
I've seen pics of the new solaris online and it looks really bright. I just want to see one first hand before I drop the $$.
Kim-I just saw your post and I'll send you a PM in a sec.
Shiveley- I've thought long and hard about this and a 48" Solaris will run about $2500. If I were to DIY Luminarc IIIs with the glass shields, t-5 supp, and moonlights I would be close to a grand. Figure in $800-$1000 for a chiller and I'm relatively close to the cost of the LED fixture. Factor in heat issues from MH, bulb replacement, having a big chiller sitting in the living room, and electricity costs and the price difference becomes slimmer. I could also go without a controller and just use timers for fuge lights.
I've seen pics of the new solaris online and it looks really bright. I just want to see one first hand before I drop the $$.
Kim-I just saw your post and I'll send you a PM in a sec.
shiveley
Active member
from what I've seen, the Solaris is quite bright directly under the light in a straight path, but the intensity seems to drop dramatically as you move beyond the linear path. That "narrow' pathway is somewhat of a concern to me. But on the flipside, I guess it would be relatively easy to set up different areas for within a given tank for animals requiring differing levels of light. and yeah, the heat issue, or lack thereof, is definitely a plus as well. I get your point, but I'm just not sold on them yet. I think I still prefer the flexibility of spectrum offered by MH and T5 type bulbs...but who knows, LED's are progressing at a rapid rate so maybe my concerns won't be valid for long.
Not to start a big debate on this thread as it has already been bashed back and forth (MH vs. LED). :mad2: 
The newest PFO series to come out is the I series which uses even brighter sets of LED's. 
I think this one for sure will put out more PUR/PAR than an equvalent MH/T5. Further, try dimming (simulating a cloud shadow) with MH - the control you can provide with LED's is amazing. No T5 supplementation, no extra moonlights, no extra fans/xfrms, one controller to do it all, comes with internal fans and virtually no heat added to the aquarium and still a significant reduction in energy costs compared to the MH bulb use alone let alone ballasts, T5's, moonlights, controllers, fans, chillers, and extra runtime for house AC. Adding all that up and assuming bulb changes on T5 annually, MH 2 years, with ongoing costs - Solaris wins after 3.5 years. Direct lighting is a plus for me. Light right where you want it and less algae growth on the glass to clean. Just though I would share why I want one.
Now, the only question iI have is how long do the LED really last. One thing I noticed with the G series on the LFS tank here when I was last there, was a unique blue-green-yellowish ranbow color pattern showing up on an angled Nephthia stalk due to the shallow proximity of the coral. I suppose the Solaris fixture may not be providing even spread of colors(i.e. each LED within it's own reflector is about by my guess about half an inch diameter or so . But the surface water shimmer did play some very mild cool effects with this. Nonetheless, I was curious if this may be an example of LED bulb degredation.
Again this was their first run G series they made and are now on their third generation, as well as the Galielo which they say is the comparable to PC/T5/or VHO lights and maybe more comparable costs to a fixture in that neighborhood.
Finally, there is at least one LED direct competitor on the market - I forget their name but Dana Riddle did a comparison (Adv. Aquarist Dec 2007?) and theirs is good to go as well. However, the cost is nearly identical to the Solaris. I forsee things like the Galielo version from PFO being the way costs can be brought down. But as far as MH-comparable LED's, I think technology will continue to make them better and brighter before we see too much a drop in price. Hopefully, I'm wrong and soon I can afford a nice one
Just my two cents - thanks for reading.
The newest PFO series to come out is the I series which uses even brighter sets of LED's. I think this one for sure will put out more PUR/PAR than an equvalent MH/T5. Further, try dimming (simulating a cloud shadow) with MH - the control you can provide with LED's is amazing. No T5 supplementation, no extra moonlights, no extra fans/xfrms, one controller to do it all, comes with internal fans and virtually no heat added to the aquarium and still a significant reduction in energy costs compared to the MH bulb use alone let alone ballasts, T5's, moonlights, controllers, fans, chillers, and extra runtime for house AC. Adding all that up and assuming bulb changes on T5 annually, MH 2 years, with ongoing costs - Solaris wins after 3.5 years. Direct lighting is a plus for me. Light right where you want it and less algae growth on the glass to clean. Just though I would share why I want one. Now, the only question iI have is how long do the LED really last. One thing I noticed with the G series on the LFS tank here when I was last there, was a unique blue-green-yellowish ranbow color pattern showing up on an angled Nephthia stalk due to the shallow proximity of the coral. I suppose the Solaris fixture may not be providing even spread of colors(i.e. each LED within it's own reflector is about by my guess about half an inch diameter or so . But the surface water shimmer did play some very mild cool effects with this. Nonetheless, I was curious if this may be an example of LED bulb degredation.
Again this was their first run G series they made and are now on their third generation, as well as the Galielo which they say is the comparable to PC/T5/or VHO lights and maybe more comparable costs to a fixture in that neighborhood.
Finally, there is at least one LED direct competitor on the market - I forget their name but Dana Riddle did a comparison (Adv. Aquarist Dec 2007?) and theirs is good to go as well. However, the cost is nearly identical to the Solaris. I forsee things like the Galielo version from PFO being the way costs can be brought down. But as far as MH-comparable LED's, I think technology will continue to make them better and brighter before we see too much a drop in price. Hopefully, I'm wrong and soon I can afford a nice one
Just my two cents - thanks for reading.
miracles38
Active member
There is actually a green (1 or 2) led in the 25 led panel. That is why you saw that color, not degradation.
Mr. Barlow
New member
I'm researching 120g reef tank purchase and I've been intrigued by the new Solaris I4 at about 2,500.00. At first I was blown away by the price but I soon learned what you have posted. There are offsetting factors here plus the cool factor of the control settings. Love the passing cloud setting. So like you said you will be fairly close in cost at the begining but will also be ahead in the future. Remember bulb replacement cost and electric savings over time. I think I will probably go this route.
Mr. Barlow
New member
Are there limitations using only t5's. Can t5's grow all types of coral? What about the cost to run t5's especially in the summer time when you have run ac to cool a room being heated by those lamps.
JJ4417
New member
There is a second LED on the market as well. Aqua Illuminations makes it and it is sold by Reef Geek. Their marketing says that it uses a more intense LED, and has better PAR and PUR ratings than the I series. Might want to check into that. Biggest advantage is that it is upgradeable. Either longer length (for your next upgrade) or new LED boards. Same price as the Solaris. This is the way I am leaning for my upgrade. The 48" is also $2500. Uses 100w per foot at full power.
Mr. Barlow
New member
Hmm, now if there was only a comparison review between the 2 systems.
Well, you can look at these two reviews by Dana Riddle. No, not a direct comparision but a review of two items. However, I should note the Solaris one is dated due to the G series reviewed and the now I series being produced.
Solaris
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/review2/view?searchterm=Solaris Product Review
AquaIllumination http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/10/review
Hope this helps as I incorrectly reference the December 07 instead of the October 07 report above.
Solaris
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/8/review2/view?searchterm=Solaris Product Review
AquaIllumination http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/10/review
Hope this helps as I incorrectly reference the December 07 instead of the October 07 report above.
Mr. Barlow
New member
Ok so the down side appears to be if you want a 24" wide tank led's are not the ticket as they are only really effective on 18" wide tanks. I'm sure you can get away with its narrower path by carefully placing your coral but for that kind of money you shouldnt have to come up with a work around.
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