LED question

Oilers · #1 02-28-2012, 05:16 PM

I was reading about SOL LED on the BRS website and it says that you need 1 SOL unit for every foot of your tank. Is that true? My tank is 5x2x2. Does that mean I need 5 SOL units? That sounds too much to me.
Also, the SOL unit is $400 each. The Radion unit is $800. Is the Radion much better than the SOL then? Is there a kit to hang these LEDs? I saw them being hung from the ceiling at the stores and I don't want to go that route.
I am looking to convert into LED and it seems to be an hefty investment so I just want to make sure I am doing it right. Anything else you can tell me is a bonus. Thanks for the input.

mseepman · #2 02-28-2012, 05:19 PM

I would recommend you read the AI site about coverage rather than a 3rd party. My understanding is that the SOL should cover 2 x 2 but again, check it with the manufacturer as I don't have these.
I'm pretty sure you can cover your tank a lot cheaper with SOL's than Radion's as well.

daniella3d · #3 02-28-2012, 05:20 PM

Maybe you should go with DIY? if you need that many LED, that might be a better cheaper option?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oilers

I was reading about SOL LED on the BRS website and it says that you need 1 SOL unit for every foot of your tank. Is that true? My tank is 5x2x2. Does that mean I need 5 SOL units? That sounds too much to me.
Also, the SOL unit is $400 each. The Radion unit is $800. Is the Radion much better than the SOL then? Is there a kit to hang these LEDs? I saw them being hung from the ceiling at the stores and I don't want to go that route.
I am looking to convert into LED and it seems to be an hefty investment so I just want to make sure I am doing it right. Anything else you can tell me is a bonus. Thanks for the input.

Oilers · #4 02-28-2012, 05:24 PM

mseepman,
I will certainly check it out. Thanks.

daniella3d,
I don't even know how many led I need for my tank. I was thinking 2 or 3 but the info. on BRS says different.

mseepman · #5 02-28-2012, 05:51 PM

If you are thinking about DIY (that's what I'm doing) then either look at www.modularled.ca or bjb connectors through reefledlights.com

toxic111 · #6 02-28-2012, 06:07 PM

I think the AI's @ 1per 1' is about right. I know the Reef Shoppe has 6 over his 6' tank. I know when I was pricing out LED's for my 120, the Radions were around $200 cheaper than the SOL's as I didn't need the controller, & it needed 4 units.

Checking out tanks that are using these will go a long ways in seeing how to do it.

The Radions only have a hanging kit at the moment. The SOL's do have a tank mount bracket.

jorjef · #7 02-28-2012, 06:20 PM

I have 2 AI Sols super blue on a 48" tank. More than enough light for me.... I think 5 on a 5' tank would be throwing money out the window.

monocus · #8 02-28-2012, 06:21 PM

i was pricing out a build for someone else for a 4 1/2 foot light.framework,heatsinks,fans,120 3 watt leds,5 10watt leds and 8 dimmable drivers were $1400 for parts

unclesalty · #9 02-28-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxic111

I think the AI's @ 1per 1' is about right. I know the Reef Shoppe has 6 over his 6' tank. I know when I was pricing out LED's for my 120, the Radions were around $200 cheaper than the SOL's as I didn't need the controller, & it needed 4 units.

Checking out tanks that are using these will go a long ways in seeing how to do it.

The Radions only have a hanging kit at the moment. The SOL's do have a tank mount bracket.

That sounds right and looked right to me!

The Grizz · #10 02-28-2012, 06:20 PM

I would say that 3- SOLS or 2 - Radions would be enough on a 5' tank. Put the Radions length wise with your tank should be good coverage.

And there are mounting arms for both Sols and Radions. I should know because I build them.

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