will solaris by replaced/reborn

sillygoose

sillygoose

New member
Does anyone know anything about the next generation of LED systems? I got a Solaris used and aside from the guy lying about it being a 300W (it's 250) I love it. It seems like it pumps more than 250W and things grow like crazy. I just worry about how I will replace it someday. Are any wonder lights coming down the pike?
 
There are lots of LEDs in the works but all the legal stuff has to be worked out over the patent lawsuits on LED systems. some company got a patent that never should have been awarded as it was too generic.....
 
What I've heard and read--take it with a grain of salt--suggests that

1) The company that makes solaris is done.
2) Orbital (sp) plans to license or make LED lights with controllers. Orbital and PFO(?) were in litigation over Orbitals patents on LEDs with controllers.
3) Current-USA is moving away from MHs and toward LEDs.

I like the aquaillumination modular systems but they're expensive, especially if you add a nice controller.
 
Solaris was ridiculous as far as $$$. I really couldn't afford the used one we bought. I hope eventually there will be cheaper ones available. I guess it is the controller that costs. Is it true that LEDs give you more bang for the buck in terms of pars, etc? I read the thing that PFO put out and it made me think all 250W (or whatever Ws) are not the same.
 
I think that depends on what you mean by bang for your buck. A good LED system is capable of generating a lot of PAR. It will use much less energy and generate much less heat than metal halides. It will will produce a shimmer effect, unlike T5s, and it have a longer bulb life than either MHs or T5s. So while an LED system costs more up front, it has the capacity to save money in the long run, depending on the specifics of your usage.

Much more than this and I'd be talking over my pay grade.
 
P.S., as a glass worker, I presume that you have basic soldering skills? If so, you should seriously consider DIY LEDs. The schematics are easily available and the cost savings can be significant.
 
LED lighting will be expensive until the LEDs they use arent $7.50-$10.00 each. They are ridiculously over priced and that wont change until making high output LEDs becomes easier and cheaper.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15622281#post15622281 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SWSaltwater
There are lots of LEDs in the works but all the legal stuff has to be worked out over the patent lawsuits on LED systems. some company got a patent that never should have been awarded as it was too generic.....
Click to expand...

Rob what did you do with your two PFO Solaris lights you had above your display tank in the old location? I am looking for some replacement parts.
 
They were sold with the tank. The guy that bought them is a very smart electricial engineer who completely overhauled them and fixed all engineering issues with them. He repairs strips, power supplies, etc.......I can get you in touch with him if you need work on your light........The tank is looking very nice still with the solaris on them. I have another G series laying around somewhere if G parts are needed.
 
Thanks Rob. My problem was with the ballast. I had one of the three go out. Also 2-3 light strips need replacing. I have a new light now and the Solaris is sitting in the closet. Thought it would be good to have it in working order just in case I ever wanted to use it again.
 
On the ballast you can get the 500W from Office Depot or office max. Any PC power supply at 500W can easily be modified to work the light. Open the solaris light ballast and use it as a road map.
 
There are a few good threads on replacing the PS if you are interested in checking them out. One does NOT require you to open up the replacement PS and the other one does.

In one of the posts below I have posted step by step pictures on the one that requires opening up and modifying a new 500watt PS. The other one has pictures of not having to open the unit up.

I am also working on replacement LED boards for the average user to replace on their own.

The threads are located:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...ghlight=Solaris

and here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...ghlight=Solaris

Shack
 
they will get cheaper when there are more being used in commercial applications, like greenhouses and the like... mass production will bring down the cost... but it seems we have to wait for a good manufacturer to come along now... we shall see... glad I did not buy one last Summer like I was considering...
 
The aqua illumination is a good product and still in business. I have been extremely please with it so far.

Their is an even newer technology out there too. I'm drawing a blnk on the name right now. It looks promising, but totally cost prohibitive. I'll see if I can dig it up.
 
Oh, it's the plasma light emmiter. It is being tested by Aqua Illumination. They have a history of doing things the right way, and do not seem to be tangled up in th elegal issues that plagued PFO Solaris.

These are cool because it is a single lamp with an incrediable spread spectrum. Unlike the LED. Yoiu have to use a bunch of LEDs with diffusers because the beam is so narrow. The plasma emmitter can be fitted into a typical reflector like a metal halide lamp.

Here is a sneak peak. I'm sure there is more info on it on RC.
http://glassbox-design.com/2009/aqua-illumination-luxim-plasma-light-emitter-impresses-with-spread/
 
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