Aqua Illumination SOL Blue setup feedback from current users (1 Viewer)

[R-BallJunkie]

Ive been waiting forever and a day for the new Maxpsect to come out.

the more i think about it, im sure it will be priced close to an AI package. I have a genetic cheapness disorder, but in this case, i think i'll look past the couple of hundred i may save, couupled with the fact im tired of waiting.

I am going to order an AI setup, following items to cover a 36 x 18 x 18 tank. of course mostly SPS with clams.



is there anything im missing from list below?

would 3 units be overkill?

its important to me that i dont have too much light spill out of the tank, so i dont want to go too high with the lights, it blinds me when im watching TV.
i i will cieiling mount the lights, as i dont have a hood. not too excited about the aesthetics of the factory hangars, but meh, it will do. any input on need, dont need is appreciated.

Aqua Illumination SOL Blue 12" 2

Aqua Illumination 36" Mounting Rails 1

Aqua Illumination Controller 1

Aqua Illumination End Caps and Mounting Rails 1

Aqua Illumination Grip Lock Hanging Kit 1

Neptune Systems VDM Module 1



looking at ordering in the next day or two.

c

 

[flexrac]

You only need two over a 36 inch tank, you won't have to mount them high either, i like my controller, but since you already have the apex, you can use that, you need to get the wires though. i have 2 over my 40 breeder, but might go back to one since they are mounted high.

start with low settings or you will deff bleach some corals

 

[R-BallJunkie]

You only need two over a 36 inch tank, you won't have to mount them high either, i like my controller, but since you already have the apex, you can use that, you need to get the wires though. i have 2 over my 40 breeder, but might go back to one since they are mounted high.

start with low settings or you will deff bleach some corals

Felix,

are you saying i can use the apex only to control the lights using Neptune Systems VDM Module, and i dont need the factory AI controller unit???

will it have the equivalent functionality?

is this the cable i need?

Neptune Systems VDM Aqua Illumination Cable

thx
c

 

[soymilk]

Yep that's the cable you need. I actually preferred the AI controller.

Setting up the vdm is a pita.

 

[R-BallJunkie]

Yep that's the cable you need. I actually preferred the AI controller.

Setting up the vdm is a pita.

Can you have both controllers running? i see some bugs in the lightning option using hte Apex....

 

[flexrac]

no, you can only use one or the other, using both might make your lights dosome funky stuff, too expensive to try. i prefer the AI controller.

it will always remember your settings, and on power out it holds the clock info for up to 10hrs i believe, after that it will have to charge back up when the power comes on, nothing special you have to do though, although your time will need to be corrected. you might want to replace the 40 degree lense for all 70's using just twoand close to the water. as only the outside pucks have 70's and the inner have 40's. too much intensity in the middle. I have not lowered mine yet, so i could be wrong and you may be good as is from the factory.

 

[soymilk]

Didn't some new cree LEDs come out. I think I would wait on those. Should be a matter of time before the current line is replaced with the newer LEDs.

Where/ who are you ordering from?

 

[R-BallJunkie]

Didn't some new cree LEDs come out. I think I would wait on those. Should be a matter of time before the current line is replaced with the newer LEDs.

Where/ who are you ordering from?

Grrr. now i have to google new cree's,

TB Aquatics. they ship to APO, no problem.
c

 

[R-BallJunkie]

interesting post, dated today in australia....

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=167474

 

[soymilk]

I might have been mistaken. Maybe it was the Xm-L that just came out. Those prob aren't going into the current product line.

To answer your question above. You won't get much light spill because of the optics. Since your tank is only 18" deep. I think running 2 sideways would be better. But there's really no elegant way to accomplish that.

 

[flexrac]

interesting post, dated today in australia....

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=167474

That's Sexy!

 

[Andy]

I just emailed them for more info.

 

[tmgrash]

Yep that's the cable you need. I actually preferred the AI controller.

Setting up the vdm is a pita.

I actually found the vdm to be more simple, and would recommend it over the stock AI controller.

 

[Mark L.]

interesting post, dated today in australia....

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=167474

Wow! Those are awesome. I'd like to get more info on them also. I've only had my ATI Powermodule for 8 months but I'm really getting interested in LED's now. Hmmm

 

[R-BallJunkie]

I’m more confused than a priest at a Boy Scout jamboree. If someone could give me a definitive release date, id hold tight. sux having $$ burning a hole in pocket, ready to go.

 

[soymilk]

just go for the AI... they are pretty much the current market leader. If and when the new maxspects come out... then flip the AI and grab the maxspects.
ability
One thing i've noticed is... leds have awesome resell-ability.

 

[Mark L.]

I'm not too familiar with LED's yet. I'm wondering if these LED's would work on a tank that is 25" tall. The majority of my SPS sits 12-14" under the water line. I keep most of my LPS on the lower half/sand bed. I do have some clams on the sand also though. Here's a quick layout of the top of my tank 48"x20" with 4 of these modules. I'd guess I would need 4.

 

[flexrac]

you should start with three units, then if you feel you need the fourth one, then add it.

 

[BigRick]

Chuckie that was crazy-stupid haaaalirous ...... I bow

 

[flexrac]

Chuckie that was crazy-stupid haaaalirous ...... I bow

he does come up with some wild stuff to say don't he?