|
01/08/2012, 05:30 PM | #51 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 8
|
03 Reefer--For what it's worth--have been running AI Sol Blues for~2months. Switched from 2 150HQI/4 39w T5 combo. Used par meter to get a rough idea of light equivalency, and am currently @:
8:30-9:30AM 20 50 60 15min ramp 9:30-12 PM 75 60 65 30min ramp 12:00-2:00 80 65 75 30 min ramp 2:00-5:00 85 65 85 45 min ramp 5:00-7:30 40 55 55 40 min ramp 7:30-9:00 15 45 50 25 min ramp 9:00-10:00 0 1 2 30 min ramp 10:00 0 1 1 15min lunar cycle on I got to these settings over a period of a few weeks. Initially(peak intensities about 65 55 65), my coral looked a bit off color, with l little browning, but now things are looking pretty decent. I intend to increase my peak intensities gradually up to around 90 70 95, but at this point I'm going slow and paying very close attention to coral coloration. Have been in this hobby for many years and have found, in general, when coral bleaches it happens very fast, often a couple hours, and it is reversible. Coral death is usually more gradual--and obviously irreversible. From what you're saying, I think your corals are not bleaching, but dying from insufficient light. Hope this helps!!!!!!!!! |
01/08/2012, 07:44 PM | #52 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Pocatelo, ID
Posts: 90
|
thanks for the help. Here is some pics of what the corals look like right now.
IMG_5220.jpg IMG_5221.jpg IMG_5222.jpg |
01/09/2012, 04:31 PM | #53 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RB
Posts: 517
|
My input would be that your problems are from lack of light....
I've been running my little bit of reef for about 10 years now. I started with VHO (6x110w), moved to MH (2x250w) and now run 2 AI Sol units. I updated my whole system about 1.5 years ago going from a 110g tank to a 150g (at the same depth as my 110 and the same depth as the OP's 120) and in the process replaced the 2-250w 20k Radiums with the two AI Sol units. First, in spite of their supplied literature that says don't start them at the highest setting as you might burn your corals, it was obvious to me from the get go that they were not of equal par to my MH's. I even recall reading somewhere that the units were equivalent to a "400w MH", which they aren't (IMHO). I have never run mine lower than 80% and currently ramp completely up to 100% at the height of the day cycle. With that being said though, they are bright enough to grow SPS and most everything in my tank survived the transition and is growing happily. The light tends to be more focused and therefore I had to position my corals more towards the center line of the light. Most of my pieces are happy, along the center line, at the same depth as they were under my 250w MHs. About 6 months ago I had one piece go RTN and I had to pull it completely from the tank. Because it had grown so large though it was off on the fringe and receiving much less light than previously and I believe that contributed to it's demise. I have a child piece from that mother colony that is centrally positioned in the light and is growing as readily as it's mother was previously. While the individual Sol units did not replace the light of my 250w MH fixtures they have proven to be plenty enough light though to grow excatly the same SPS's in my tank. Given how much less heat they generate (directly relating to much less evaporation) and how much less power they consume (a big factor in my decision to upgrade), I am quite happy with mine. If I added a third unit (which I may do someday) I'd have more than enough light for growing SPS's anywhere in the tank. I could easily just slap another one on and tie it in without having to change any electronics and having it easily synch right in to the controller.
__________________
but is a sin to make to die corals for superficialitie of who leads the bathtub. Current Tank Info: 150G LeeMar Starphire |
01/10/2012, 02:02 PM | #54 |
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: rome,ny
Posts: 1,151
|
i have 4-ai blues 12" awl on my 125g 72x18x20. i used a par meter to match the output of my t'5. i think i was 35/35/35 to start. i slowly ramped up to 75/70/70 but it was apparently too much for some of my corals. german blue monti and brain coral bleached out rather quickly. i dont know how i didnt notice it sooner it seem to happen in like 2 hours.
i lowered it back down to 50/50/50 and everthing seems to be bouncing back, but my monti started to stn from the base. had not yet made a recovery. some of the higher light corals have browned out slightly. i might keep it where it is for a while. according to my par meter intensity at 50% is almost identical to my 150w pheonix mh. might raise it slightly after 1 more month. |
01/10/2012, 06:03 PM | #55 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 570
|
Keep this thread growing. I ordered 2 more sols for my 90 to see if I can get better light spread and growth out of my SPS. I think placement of frags is key if you don't have enough spread. 2 units over my 90, 8'' AWL was not cutting it as some frags did great, some browned, some bleach, etc. depending on location. Will let you know how it turns out.
|
01/16/2012, 05:26 PM | #56 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 900
|
I'm still working on my tank...I have yet to give up on my AI's
I am currently running at 50 / 45 / 40 for 4+ hours a day. I have been increasing the intensity 5% per week on the peak photo period. As well as 5-10 minutes on the peak timer per week. We'll see what happens. I have also added a GFO reactor to combat some of the light algae I've been seeing. Hope that helps my tank. So far so good. I havn't noticed any dramatic results to say that too little lighting has been my problem or not. But it sure points to that. I post updates as things progress. Glad to see that this thread is drawing some interest and some success stories. |
01/27/2012, 04:21 PM | #57 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 570
|
So, I got my 2 new AI Sol Blues, making a total of 4 units over my 90 running perpendicular to tank. Have been running all four units for about 2 1/2 weeks now. My Bali Green Slimer seemed to have some noticeable growth, but it has always been a fast grower. My Deepwater Acro paled/bleached, but its once green tips is turning purple. One of my other green acro grags looks like its getting paler, when it use to look neon green. My Red Planet frag, which was mostly deep green is starting to turn pinkish colored. Not quite sure what to do, some sps are liking the change... others I am worried about bleaching. I lowered my intensity to max out at 45w 50w 55rb (previous max was 60w 70b 70RB as stated earlier in this thread). Will keep you guys updated. Will try to post pics later.
|
01/27/2012, 04:29 PM | #58 |
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: rome,ny
Posts: 1,151
|
70% is fairly strong for these. im back up to 57% now after lowering to 40% from 80. im thinking in the 60's will be more then enough. im at 12"awl tank 20" deep.
ive noticed that when u start getting into high intensities with the ai's (or most lights)u need to make sure u have sufficient nutrients available to your corals. |
01/27/2012, 04:57 PM | #59 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 570
|
Perhaps that's it. Maybe I am confusing bleaching from paling due to low nutrients. I am going to keep it at 45 50 50 for now and see how it goes. Hopefully, the color comes back. My tank is a 90 gallon 48''l x 18''w x 24'' deep. I have mine 8 AWL (because of canopy limits).
|
01/27/2012, 06:31 PM | #60 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 59
|
Hello:
I'm setting up a 28x28x20 Cube and was wondering if one of the Aqua Illuminations Sol Modular LED Lights would effectively light my system for all types of corals? Or would I have to purchase two units? This is my first set up, so I'm a little lost. Any help or other recommendations would be appreciated. |
01/27/2012, 07:40 PM | #61 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New York - Suffolk
Posts: 1,538
|
Biocube 29
One AI sol blue 10" above water level Before PC with reefbrite blue On: 12pm 75 RB 60 min 1230pm 70 B 60 min 1pm W 50% 60 min Off: 6pm W -0 60 min 630pm B -0 60 min 7 pm. RB 0 90 min At first I have few bleach, brown SPS and also noticed few Lps aren't doing well and I realized that's % is a bit too low so I started raised to 30-35-35 instead of 15-20-25 Now,LPS, SPS are doing good also some color coming back from brown Thanks Jake
__________________
Biocube 29, AI SOL blue, Tunze 9002 skimmer, MP 10 |
01/27/2012, 09:21 PM | #62 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Vacaville CA
Posts: 648
|
I have two ai sol blues mounted lenthwise over a 72 gallon bowfront i have sps and chalices well a mixed reef I have had no browning of coral as a matter of fact I have my intensities at 70 80 85 using all 70 degree optics 9 inches above water I have had tremendous growth in chalices and sps are doing great I have had lights since June of last year I had previously had had mh I have seen some pictures hear and don't understand how some corals get bleached my are doing great this my opinion I can post pictures later but I love Theese lights it took a while for things to get used to it in my opinion but I have growth in everything I also recently added t5 to help out the spectrum a little and in my option I think my tank looks alot brighter and nicer and the t5 do not wash out my shimmer that's my opinion
|
01/27/2012, 10:39 PM | #63 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 312
|
Just from a quick browse through the thread it looks like everyone who has had success with these led's have one thing mainly in common.
They are holding the highest intensity setting used for atleast 6-8 hours a day just like a normal t-5/mh set up. IMO it seems like people are trying to mimic the natural progression of the sun to much and the corals are not getting what they need. |
01/28/2012, 02:04 AM | #64 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 877
|
Quote:
__________________
Reef tanks since 1987. Current tank: 75g SPS dominated reef tank set up in 1996 Last edited by NatureNerd; 01/28/2012 at 02:12 AM. |
|
01/28/2012, 09:24 AM | #65 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 1,629
|
My corals have been loving life at 45/55/65 with 4 sols over my 120. I decided to up it by 10 on each level, and I had a large 10" chalice bleach a bit, so I lowered the intensity back down. The chalice is ok, and I think I will leave my levels alone. I may increase duration rather than intensity in the future.
__________________
When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now. |
01/31/2012, 02:23 PM | #66 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 570
|
[QUOTE=NatureNerd;19801198]Just to put the power levels in perspective. My 75g is 48"l X 18"w X 21" deep. Very similar to your tank, just less deep. I have three units, stock optics, mounted length-wise and running at around 70, 65, 65 for peak powers for 7 or so hours. They are only 8" off the water because of a canopy limitation too. Mine have been in place since March of 2011. I had problems when I had them running higher power levels. My corals seem really happy now.
Ok, so what I am noticing is that when I put the four units on, colors lightened/paled but growth was noticeably faster. I noticed more encrusting that I haven't seen in months, but the colors are off. So, I turned down the intensity, and again growth is slower. The colors are taking a while to rebound. I just can't seem to find the balance. Right now I am keeping it to 45 50 50 until the color returns, then maybe slowly ramp up to my original setting when I only had to units at 65 70 70. |
01/31/2012, 02:41 PM | #67 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 877
|
Quote:
Note it takes weeks to months for my SPS's to stabilize in color in response to a change in lighting. Every tank is different. If you decide to ramp back up, I think that changing the peak setting by more than 5% per week is about as fast as I would want to go. Good luck.
__________________
Reef tanks since 1987. Current tank: 75g SPS dominated reef tank set up in 1996 |
|
01/31/2012, 03:18 PM | #68 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 570
|
Thanks, NatureNerd. My sunset monti turned bleached white, so I moved it down to my sandbed and now its getting its color back but looks brown. My red planet is going from greenish to pale pinkish color. My deep water acro went from an olive green to a pale tan/white color, but getting purple tips. My rainbow monti used to have a bluish base, but now its more white but polyps are out and its growing fast now. I wouldn't say browning, just lightening of their original color. So, its either paling or a color shift.
I guess time will tell. I will ramp up gradually and see what happens. Thanks again. |
01/31/2012, 04:37 PM | #69 |
Premium Member
|
miost of my corals look good under them, i bought a new light and put it over the tank and took frags and put onder the new light and the difference was noticable
with t5s everything looked good , just an AI and stuff looked ok, after 4 months i can see differnce in corals under different lights
__________________
If you think you know the answer than ask 3 more people the question Current Tank Info: 200 Gal RR,ATB medium, 4 AI blue sol,230 LBS LIVE ROCK, no sand , 40 GAL sump, airstar1800, 3 tunze 6105 1- 6205 1-6305, Geo 818, profilux3ex with toys |
02/01/2012, 03:14 PM | #70 |
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: rome,ny
Posts: 1,151
|
i got a new lighting setup on my 125 with 4 sol blues 12" awl. old schedule was..
8am- 0/2/2 5min 10am 2/15/15 120 1pm 58/58/58 180 6pm 2/15/15 120 9pm 0/2/2 5 11pm 0/0/0 new. 8am 0/2/2 1 10am 60/58/58 240 3pm 65/55/55 30 5pm 45/60/60 30 6pm 0/2/2 180 11 pm 0/0/1 5 might need to tweek it some but wanted to go for more of a natural curve. might slowly add to midday but not too much higher. fried a handful of corals at 75% before. |
02/13/2012, 07:28 AM | #71 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 9
|
This is an interesting thread. Unfortunately I cannot contribute a Success Story....yet, but I hope too. I have had a terrible time with my Sol Nano over my BC29. It's debated on different forums is the Nano even powerful enough for a BC29. I have every reason to believe that it is.
For the first 3-4 weeks everything was great! I was running the same light schedule as I was with the T5's. My peak time setting was 90/90/90 over the tank. Happy Corals Then one day after about 4 weeks with the Sol Nano over the tank, I noticed this.... So I started asking the question...why is this happening? The tank is a well established system, running for almost 2 years, with flourishing growth under the T5's. I wanted to switch to LED's to hopefully richen the color as well as add some natural shimmer to the tank. The answer to the above coral loosing its color was "bleaching" from too much lighting. 90/90/90, I'm told was too much. The only thing that changed was the lights. But more of this continued. You get the point. After posting these pics people said that an RTS event, must be water quality issue. I just could not buy it. I do weekly 5G water changes with Red Sea Coral Pro Salt. As of yesterday my chemistry is the following: SG- 1.025 PH - 8.0 KH- 10.1 Ca- 450 PO4, NO2, NO3, NH3 - 0 The above water quality has been such for a long time. The only thing that changed was through all these corals dying I had a bump in ammonia. That's another debate in itself. So what did I do? I dialed the lights WAAAAY back as recommended by many. Now after 4-6 weeks of running at 30% peak, I think it looks like my corals are starving for light. But! I was also told they look like that becasue they're shading themselves still trying to heal.....WHO KNOWS!?!? I don't that's for sure. I've decided yesterday to dial these back up. We will see how things go. The one things I've learned from reading this thread. There's no right answer....But as I stated in this thread that lead me here, It's not inspiring to know it's trial and error as I watch my corals die..... I may post this in a new thread but wanted it here for the record b/c there is great info here! Thank you. |
02/13/2012, 07:33 AM | #72 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 9
|
Light schedule.
I have bumped T3&4 and shortened the ramp up to 120 min. |
02/13/2012, 10:32 AM | #73 |
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: rome,ny
Posts: 1,151
|
90% over a 29 cube will fry everything. u should be more like 30-40% to start. i just had to dial mine back some. 65% started some tip bleaching again. back to 60..
raise up 5% at a time max per week. until corals seem happier. light shock can cause a stn/rtn event. my birdsnet still tring to make a recovery after light shock. i doubt it is a water quality issue. |
02/13/2012, 10:40 AM | #74 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 65
|
I have three ai sol blues over my 300 and after 6 months I couldn't be happier. Bet growth better colloid and I'm still only running at 60% power a lot better than my halides
|
02/13/2012, 10:41 AM | #75 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 9
|
Quote:
As for the 30%, I dialed it way back, as low as this: Currently I've ramped up to here, as of my changes yesterday. |
|
Thread Tools | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
AI Sol Blue Mounting in Canopy | Reefer1225 | Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment | 22 | 07/16/2012 08:41 PM |
AI Sol blue setting question | ianglish | Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment | 7 | 04/05/2012 08:12 PM |
DIY LED VS AI Sol?? | BrklynArch | Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment | 21 | 08/28/2011 07:44 PM |
AI Sol Blues In Stock? | gatorrx98 | Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment | 3 | 04/07/2011 04:47 PM |