Getting LEDs...Trash the Chiller????

[messina06]

Just curious, i am about to purchase Aquailluminiation Sol Blue LEDs for my 90g and am curious if i will be able to remove my chiller from the set-up. Obviously i will test temps after set-up is complete, but curious if anyone out there has come across this. Currently I am running 8 bulb T-5 and chiller kicks on several times a day.

 

[ange062]

I'd keep it, especially living somewhere as hot as Florida. During the summer months, if your homes AC goes out then even with the tank lights off it can still overheat. I consider mine an insurance policy living in Texas, even though it works much less often since I switched to LED.

 

[TheFishMan65]

Won't hurt to keep and see how your tanks does. You may find it never runs.

 

[bdare]

I was able to sell my chiller when I switched. I had 2x150 MH and 4 39w t5's. Sold my chiller, the old lights and the pump to feed the chiller and almost totally paid for my rapidled retro.

 

[heckeng]

I have 3 AI on a 90, but am only running them at about 30% power so far--there is NO measurable heat getting to the tank from the lights. You may need your chiller, but it won't be because of the lights. Also, go SLOW with these things. I thought I was going slow enough but was wrong and had to back the output back down. I would start at an annoyingly low 30% if you use 3.

 

[rodneyri]

keep it, im in summer now and the chiller does go on still...much less than when MH were on the tank but still goes on.

 

[TheFishMan65]

It will also depend on what other equipment (and type you have). If you have a really crummy return pump that adds a lot of heat you may need. If all your other equipment is really efficient chance are you won't. Wait and see what happens.

 

[messina06]

Thanks for input everyone. I will leave and see how it goes. Just picked up LEDs, but will wait for controller before I install

 

[ReefTankHunter]

How many are you using.

 

[ReefTankHunter]

I have 3 AI on a 90, but am only running them at about 30% power so far--there is NO measurable heat getting to the tank from the lights. You may need your chiller, but it won't be because of the lights. Also, go SLOW with these things. I thought I was going slow enough but was wrong and had to back the output back down. I would start at an annoyingly low 30% if you use 3.

Do you feel 2 would work for you, Having sps.

 

[messina06]

i purchased 2. I am hoping that will suffice. Everuthing I have read, says these things are so powerful. Plus in my 90g i have the middle bar. I f i were to have purchased 3, one would have been directly over the bar.

Unfortunatly i was just informed that the controllers are on backorder and will not be available for 3 weeks!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

[ange062]

You can use an aquarium controller like a Neptune, Reefkeeper, Profilux, etc to control them instead. You will have to do a bit of research as each system has its own requirement to hook up to the AI's (additional module, special cable, etc)

 

[OneReef]

You may need it if your a/c goes out. As far as the LEDs, I have 3 led pendants and my water temp doesn't move more than 0.3* when the lights are on/off

 

[OneReef]

I have 3 AI on a 90, but am only running them at about 30% power so far--there is NO measurable heat getting to the tank from the lights. You may need your chiller, but it won't be because of the lights. Also, go SLOW with these things. I thought I was going slow enough but was wrong and had to back the output back down. I would start at an annoyingly low 30% if you use 3.

Me too. I have 3 Sols over a 120g and started at 30% at first and slowly have gone up to 60% over 2-3 months. I have a lot of SPS and they look great. Start low go slow. I only run mine 60% for 3 hours, and 40% for 4 hours right now. But it took awhile to get there. I am still gonna go higher over time for my SPS.

 

[ange062]

Definitely agree with start low and go slow, LED's have an uncanny ability to burn things. I've learned twice the hard way, once by starting at too high an intensity and once by increasing intensity too quickly afterwards.

 

[Johnny351]

I feel your pain with the controller... was excited to start setting everything up yesterday when I got the same news about the controller..... 3 WEEKS!?!?!?! :headwallblue: I'm really considering buying a ReefKeeper a little sooner then expected now....

 

[messina06]

I spoke to Justin from AI and he said they are in the process of creating more and will HOPEFULLY be availabe sooner. We can only keep out fingers crossed.