Solaris LED Lighting..

[aprilmayjune]

I was wondering if anyone has seen this light yet..

http://www.solarisled.com/

Can go from 0-100% output, change from blue actinics to white LEDs and so forth, from 6K to 22K, rarely ever needs new bulbs, uses almost half the amount of energy as MHs and puts out almost half as much heat, is it really as good as it sounds?

If there is a thread on this already, just link me to it and delete this one, I haven't been able to keep up with all the new threads lately.

Besides the ridiculous price, what are your thoughts on it? See any kind of flaw?

[Bill S]

wesheltonj ordered one of the units from Aquaillumination.

I've done LOTS of work with the latest/greatest LEDs on the market. For a lighting project for our boat. These are BETTER LEDs than those used in the Solaris and AI units. I also spent a TON of time looking at these 2 units.

The problem with LEDs is the VERY limited selection: http://www.luxeonstar.com/. Also, when compared to traditional lighting: MH & HO T5s, there is NO DIFFERENCE in the amount of electricity used, or the heat they give off. Anything else, in my opinion, is hype.

Just think of it this way: They've sold how many units over the last 12 months, and NO ONE has any pictures of SPS GROWN under them. You know, before and after photos. NO ONE.

[wesheltonj]

I expect my AI unit to arrive tomorrow, at least according to UPS. There a few photos of SPS grown under LED, they are posted in reef central (Holy Batman . . .LED) & also some at solarisled.com. The solaris is now at verson 3. The first "G" had some problems (the first units did not have Cyan lights). If you are going to buy one of these "G" you need to make sure thay it is later model with the Cyan lamps. The "H" increased the ouput power, the "I" has the same output but with Luxeon 3 lights. All the buyers have complained to the quality of the units. Thay are made in China and they arrive with screw missing, etc.

The AI uses Seoul lamps. The other differences are (1) price (2) venting: the AI vent on top, the PFO vent from the sides. I bought the AI because of the venting, the AI will allow the use of a canopy without drilling vent holes in the side. The PFO would have required vent holes.

The AI unit is made in the USA. They both have a 2 year warrenty, except the power supply which is one year for the AI.

[wesheltonj]

My AI fixture arrived today. First let me say, its a very heavy fixture, long and narrow. At 100% it lights up the tank, like spot lights at a car lot, it's bright. It puts off very little heat to the touch. The top is one giant heat sink. There is some heat from the bulbs, a fraction of a PC light. It just barely fits side to side inside my canopy. In manual you can adjust the white light from 0 to 100%, and the blue the same. I have not used the auto mode, as you need to gradually increase to 100%.

Cons: the weight, owner manual is a pdf, pain to install legs, power supplies, serial port (USB would be better)
Pros: LOOKS GREAT, power supplies are just Liteon Targus can find anywhere, uses serial port can program with laptop.

[MissT]

Before and after pictures (like now vs. 3 and 6 months from now) would be fantastic!!!

[wesheltonj]

I bought all Joelb SPS all today. He had two small frags. I am going to place one at the bottom of the tank and the other approx mid tank. I am going to take measurement to see how much, if any, growth I get with LED. As soon as i can figure out how to reduce the Pixal count on with wifes digital camera, so that they will conform to this site, I will post photos. My cameras still use film. All hail Kodak.

[aprilmayjune]

My computer has been down for a few days, thanks for the replies and keep us updated!

[DBlackman]

I had purchased the Solaris 48"-250Watt LED system for my 75gal, only to sell it 2 months later. Post: http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37458

The lighting system is great for LPS and Softies, in my experience. As for SPS, you would need to position the corals much higher and directly under the LED tracks.

I had also experienced the color spectrum had a 'Rainbow' effect; blue and green spots on rocks and corals.

There other features were very nice; Northern and Southern Hemisphere, color temperature adjustments, cloud cover, and yearly lighting cycles.

But, I wish you all the best with the LED system you had purchased!

[longhorna95]

hey I have been following your post and wondering what you think about the Led lights? do you any pictures yet, I have been waiting patiently and cant wait to see what you think. I have t-5ho and have been thinking about getting led lights in the future so I want to know what u think.:wink_smile:

[wesheltonj]

Update: I have now been running at 100% for two weeks, and one week on Auto. So far so good. The auto mode is great, and the software on the PFO is supposed to be even better. Set the times, set the % and you are done.

My concerns are: (1) growing SPS. The SPS frag on the bottom is not doing much and the one that was set medium height, now is not either. The medium one when first in the tank was doing great. It could also be that I am currently low on Calcium. (2) I use glass tops. The light in the tank is a LOT less with the glass tops on. (3) I have a bow front. The light calc from AI says it should light the tank completely with the bow, but it looks not as bright in the middle front of the bow.

Would I buy again, so far I would.

[cpreefguy]

wesheltonj,
Do you have any pics?

[Bill S]

Why are you running them with the tops in place?

[wesheltonj]

I would prefer get salt creep on the glass tops then my light.

[wesheltonj]

4-1-08 Lastest update: I have had my light up and running for two months now. One SPS large colony (was 1/4 from the top) has been bleached out to next to nothing, one frag growing (mid point), two others alive but cannot tell if doing anything (bottom). Discussed with AI, and best placement on my tank depth is mid tank with the AI lights.

I have had a problem, one bank of lights has done out. I have also discussed that with AI and its just a connector plug and not an LED failure. According to AI they have zero LED failures. The plug issues appears to be common on both AI & PFO (based on PM's and Posts on Reef Central) that the plugs get loose in shipping, the connection fails and then has to be tighten up.

Also AI has available as an upgrade to Bluetooth and USB plugs instead of serial port thats on mine. They are also comming out with a wider light for use with wide tanks. That also means more weight and bulk. My 48" light is almost a two person job to move.

I made a few software suggestions regarding running the light at different percentages during the day, and they are going to make that change. I also recommend cloud cover as on the PFO, and I am the only person to ask for that. I do not know if that change is comming.

Other then the coral and plug (which I am not happy about), I still like what this light can do. Yes, I will post some photos sometime in the future.

[longhorna95]

so after wesheltonj and his opions I have decided to get some led lights to help boost my t-5 ho, but it will be retro fit, so I hope it goes well

[wesheltonj]

There is a guy in New Mexico, who is selling all the parts that you need, if you want to DIY one of theses lights. It does not have the controls that either the PFO or AI has, but its cheap. He has posted a link under the Solaris Thread. You mights look at those, if all you want to do is boost your T5's.