New AI Sol Super Blue Installation

scottkel

scottkel

Member
Well I have finally started my lighting upgrade from T5's / 250w MH to LED. I have a 180g 72" tank and figured that I would start with 3 units and controller and add on addition units as needed (ending in 5-6).

These are my original lights that I am taking out and replacing.
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I purchased some alum T-Track that I will use to install the lights in (I got the idea from a guy on the AZReefer site).
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The track will allow me to slide/adjust the lights side to side and front to back.

Since I am starting out with just 3 units, I am going to run them parallel with the tank. I added the second track so when I turn them to run front to back, the lights will ride in the 2 tracks and still be fully adjustable.
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This is just showing one light but you get the picture
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The lights installed
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So far I like what I see with these lights. I am having an issue with one of the units but am already talking to AI support. (here is that thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2164249

Thoughts / comments?

Scott
 
I love black units! I just upgraded to a 187g and put 3 over my tank as well. I like how you did the rail-good idea. That allows them room to breath and you to adjust them correct?
 
Just an update on the color issue with the one fixture as mentioned in the original post - AI sent me a replacement fixture and it is working perfectly. I will send them the original fixture back. I experienced great customer service dealing with them so far.

Scott
 
Well I dont really have any FTS before. My halides went out and I was without lights for a month or so (besides the T5's) and I has started losing corals. I will see if I can stir up a few older shots.
 
Can you share where you got the aluminum tracks as well as whether you used the stock screws that came wit the AI units or had to use others to fit the aluminum.

Thanks!
 
just be careful when using a non-factory supplied screw (or the screw that comes up the unit) as you can only go 1-1/2" deep. Any deeper will damage the PCB inside as it is placed under the mounting screw. There is no stopper to prevent the screw to go beyond 1-1/2" and it will hit the PCB. I have been doing some DIY projects and I always make sure that nothing is in the path of any screws. No sure on why AI doesnt think of that but they are aware of such things happening. A least they could have placed a big warning label near the mounting hole saying dont go beyond certain depth.
 
The screws that come with the track are short enough that they do not go through the top. And the screws that are in the fixtures slide right into the track so there was no use in using different hardware with either.
 
scottkel said:
The screws that come with the track are short enough that they do not go through the top. And the screws that are in the fixtures slide right into the track so there was no use in using different hardware with either.
Click to expand...

Sweet! You rule! I've been looking for a good solution to hanging the AI Sol in my canopy. This is by far the best I've seen. :spin3:
 
Scott thanks for posting this. I am also going to use AI's fixtures on my current project. Do you feel that three fixtures is enough? When I talked to AI they recommended three for my 48" tank.
 
Rl225 - that's where I got the idea from as well

nuccadoc - I am starting with the 3 and I am only at 40% right now in my acclimation process and it's already looking good. I will probably add one more and see what that does and possibly another if needed.
 
Is everyone here happy with thier AI's?

Is everyone here happy with thier AI's?

not to side track the thread here but quick question, I am upgrading to custom Ridge from Pico Aquariums and I was about to pull my hair out w the light decision. So after going back and fourth between the ATI and AI fixture I finally decided on the AI? Not that I am second guessing myself but just want to hear that everyone is happy w them and getting good growth.

also I'm going rimless with only one so I don't need a track, what's the best way to hang?
 
What did you use to cut the tracks? And how did you connect the top and bottom tracks together? I'm getting ready to order some for my new tank build.
 
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