LED question

[Dez]

I have a 5x2x2 and run 3 AI's. I also run supplemental DIY LEDs with it. Full sps tank. Depending on your rock work, you wouldn't need supplementals. I run a full SPS tank.

[sphelps]

The advantage the Radions have is better spread, built in control and the extra color/effects from red and green LEDs. However in terms of power one Radion is not far off from one sol. Minus red and green the Radion puts out about 94W max and the sol 72W max however the Radion has a higher white to blue ratio (closer to 1/1) than a sol blue (1/3) so unless you like a whiter look the actual usable wattage is pretty comparable. For better spread on the sols you can custom order them with all 70 degree optics and while they need an external controller if you have one already it might be better.

Also consider waiting for the AI Vega, no idea what's in store but the improvements may be worth the wait.

[xnmuller]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Also consider waiting for the AI Vega, no idea what's in store but the improvements may be worth the wait.

Has anybody heard what the specs on the Vegas will be and what they might price out at?

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by xnmuller

Has anybody heard what the specs on the Vegas will be and what they might price out at?

Nope it's one huge secret
Prices should be about $100 more than current sols.

[Oilers]

Thanks for the input so far everyone. DIY sounds interesting but I don't think it suits me. I can't even set up the dosing pump I just bought not to mention putting the whole lighting system together so I think I am looking to for something that I can just plug and play.

Greg,
Do you think you can build those mounting arms for me? PM me the price if you want. Thanks.
Dez,
That's something I am looking to get into, SPS but I need to upgrade my lighting for them. I tried a couple colonies and my T5 doesn't provide enough light for them that they both died.
Sphelps,
Do you know when they will be releasing the AI Vega? I don't mind waiting but I don't want to wait too long either.

[monocus]

parallel-he wanted to be able to dim different areas in a deep tank

[Oilers]

Dez,
Do you have a picture of your tank? How high do you hang your sols?

[Dez]

My AI's are only about 6" from the water surface. There are many pictures of my tank in the links on my signature (Tank of the month and tank journal)

[unclesalty]

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!

[unclesalty]

Myself if I am buying LED lights today I would wait on the Vega to come out. They were supposed to come out last fall right after the Radions but were delayed. My guess is they are delayed due to trying to get one step up on the Radions after AI seen the Radions