Solaris I5 LEDs

[Chuck Spyropulos]

I am currently considering whether and/or when to switch to LEDs, specifically the Solaris 48 inch I5. My tank dimensions are 96" L x 24" W x 30"H. I presently use 4 x 250 Watt, 10,000K MH SE lamps in Lumenarc III reflectors running on IceCap Electronic ballasts. I mostly keep SPS, mainly acropora and a large Heteractis Magnifica.

Since you are a retail aquarium shop, I figured you might have a little more experience with these lights and hence could help me decide if/when I should make the switch from the MHs to 2 x 48" I5 LED arrays. My concern is whether or not the color of my acros would be maintained and whether or not the arrays would provide enough light for the anemone.

I am also interested in the area coverage of these arrays. I have heard that there are dark spots at the top and hot spots directly under the arrays. As far as the shadows or dark spots, I would raise the arrays to minimnize these especially since each array is supposed to output as much PAR as 2 x 400 W MH lamps. With two of the units I would have the equivalent of 1600 Watts so I assume I would have 600 Watts of margin that would allow raising the LED fixtures.

Any comments and details regarding these arrays would be appreciated.

Thanks!:)

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

I honestly think that with a sps dominant system that I would still lean more towards the halides. The led's are excellent, and very efficient, low heat transfer, and last quite a long time. I however just don't think that you will retain the sps coloration you are looking for without the halides or a lot of T5's. For a mixed reef I think it's an excellent lighting choice however, especially where an extremely efficient, low heat emitting setup is needed.

If you do decide to go this route then I would recommend getting the fixture up off the tank a little bit. This will keep the unit from creating any hot spots / dim spots on the higher up corals in the tank.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at jeremy@premiumaquatics.com.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Chuck Spyropulos]

Thanks for the info. I guess I will need to wait a few more years.


Hi,

I honestly think that with a sps dominant system that I would still lean more towards the halides. The led's are excellent, and very efficient, low heat transfer, and last quite a long time. I however just don't think that you will retain the sps coloration you are looking for without the halides or a lot of T5's. For a mixed reef I think it's an excellent lighting choice however, especially where an extremely efficient, low heat emitting setup is needed.

If you do decide to go this route then I would recommend getting the fixture up off the tank a little bit. This will keep the unit from creating any hot spots / dim spots on the higher up corals in the tank.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at jeremy@premiumaquatics.com.

Thanks,
Jeremy