Aqua Illumination - AI Sol - Special Offer

[Myka]

Could you please enlighten me how the Sol doesn't get muddled with salt spray? The wires and plugins out the end don't seem protected at all. I am considering trying one out on my nano (black? cool!), but I'm just not understanding how the fixture stays clean with those heat sinks and plugins out in the open.

[martinmcnally]

Originally Posted by Myka

Could you please enlighten me how the Sol doesn't get muddled with salt spray? The wires and plugins out the end don't seem protected at all. I am considering trying one out on my nano (black? cool!), but I'm just not understanding how the fixture stays clean with those heat sinks and plugins out in the open.

To be honest. I have never had any light fixture stay clean from salt spray so I doubt the SOL will be any exception. However I noticed all of their holes for data cables and power come filled with silicone to stop salt getting in there.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by martinmcnally

To be honest. I have never had any light fixture stay clean from salt spray so I doubt the SOL will be any exception. However I noticed all of their holes for data cables and power come filled with silicone to stop salt getting in there.

Silicone? Or di-electrode grease? It's just that the Sol looks like it will be a real pain in the butt to clean. This is the main thing holding me back from purchase. I do have an idea for custom acrylic case that won't hinder air flow, but that's probably another $100 to get it built. Or I could try DIY, but that's not the more brilliant idea.

[Madreefer]

You usually hang these fixtures about anywheres from 10-15" above the water level. I've had mine for about a month and a half and no spray what so ever. They're just as clean as when I first put up. Mesh top and alot of surface agitation to boot.

[martinmcnally]

Hi guys, boxing day will be our last day selling Sols at $399. They are going back to $429 after that. If you are looking for some or want to pre-order some black Sols get your order in before Tuesday.

[ensquire]

I'm getting a 48 x 24 x24 tank, would 2 Black super blue do the job ?
Would you recommend these over the Ecotech's ???
Looks like I need to make a decision between these 2 by tomorrow...

[martinmcnally]

Hi Mike, you could get away with 2 but I would recommend 3 for a 4 foot tank.

It really depends on what kind of features you want for your LEDs both of these systems are very capable.

Here is a review I did on another thread:

When it comes to comparing AI Sol and Radion here are the big factors in my opinion from testing both of the units here.

Color Choice:
Radion has complete control over the color output with full RGB spectrium. That means for instance when its sunrise the radion can put out a nice early morning yellowish color and slowly bring that up to mid day as you would experience on an actual reef. AI Sol can do some manipulation of the color but only with the limitations of which units you purchased (White and Super Blue). Radion definitely has more control on the light effects however their first version of their software is pretty poor however should improve soon.

Light Coverage:
Here I think the AI Sol wins, its LEDs are more spread out giving better spread throughout the tank. Radions light output is concentrated mostly underneath the relatively small LED pods.

Added Extras:
Radion can put your EcoTech pumps into night mode and feedling mode etc. For people that do that. Also compatible with the EcoTech battery backup.

Wireless Control:
Contrary to popular believe NEITHER of these units can currently be controlled wirelessly from your computer. The wireless control in the Radion is between the Radion and other EcoTech products such as the pumps. Not to a computer. AI Sol is working on a wireless control module for the AI Sol but its not available yet. Some Info On that Here. AI Sol does have an optional wireless controller. As for wireless between Radions and AI Sols. The Radion wins. It can talk to its neighbours where as the AI Sols are wired together (however hardly a major disadvantage)

Looks:
Radion is following the Apple look with their polished black glass. AI Sol is just a little further behind but still looking pretty stylish. AI Sol is about twice as thick as a radion. AI Sol is coming out with a new black model right away.

Mounting:
Radion is only a hanging style, where as AI Sol is hanging and also available with some pretty inexpensive rails and legs.

LEDs:
While they are both CREE, the Radion has 11 more than AI Sol. Plus the Radion has Cool White, Blue, Royal Blue, Red and Green where as AI Sol is just Cool White and Blue.

Well thats about all I can think of right now They are both excellent LED fixtures.