Aqua Illumination (AI) Sol Blue vs. White

[Heidi]

So, as many of you know I am going to do this LED thing. I have read and read.... and read. Now that I have chosen my fixture I am stuck with 2 choices. The AI Sol Super Blue or the AI SOL Super white. I am sick of sifting through posts at reef central so... lets bring more of this discussion over to Captive Reefs!

I am reading about people modifying the Sol Blue because it is too white for their taste. I started my tank back in November with a "20K" MH lamp that was cheap and looked a lot like a 12K or so. I have been getting accustom to my new T5 set up which looks closer to a 14K or even really 20K. I think it is a bit too blue and so I have some "fiji purple" in there to make it a bit warmer. I love the all actinic look SOMETIMES, like maybe for the night or first thing in the morning. This is pulling me towards the Sol BLue. However, I am reading people are adding "warm white leds" because it is just too blue and washes out their reds and yellows. This is pulling me to the Sol White. WHY WHY WHY is there no happy medium? I wish AI would make it so you could order a "sol Blue" with like 1/2 the royal blues and half warm white.
So here I am conflicted. I need pictures and videos... Tom (CalmSeasQuest) has been very helpful thus far but below I have linked his side by side shot of both... I think the white is too warm . . . and the blue is way too blue. I know you can like super control these fixtures to make them look warm to cold.. but how do you pick between the two? The whites have more par... but the blues have more par deeper . . . I want to look at my tank and say, wow that looks like the ocean only a "tad" bluer. Not wow that looks like a smurf dissolved in the water...or who that looks like I am blasting the tank with m mag light lol.
Help me please, am I over-thinking this? I am a woman so that is possible.
Biggest thing is I don't want to pay 1200$ for my 2 fixtures (and stuff they need to run) and then have to fork out more money to "Mod" it so I can stand looking at them. That would be SO NOT COOL.
Any and ALL input is welcome here, we need a good long LED thread CR! Bring it.

Heidi

Pic as promised, Tom if you don't like that I linked your photo tell me and I will nix it, hope its ok though. http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/AI_SWSB100.jpg

[jimsflies]

I vote for blue.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Having owned both, for me the spectrum added by the Royal Blue LEDs is clearly superior. The beauty of the AIs is the advanced features of the controller. You can control all three colors individually, creating any coloration desired with the turn of a dial and create custom sunrise/sunset/mid-day PAR increases with or without a separate controller.

Also note there is very little difference in PAR output in fact - Due to the spectrum, the SOL Blues actually deliver slightly more PAR to depth then the Whites.

I have added a couple of 403nm stunner strips to my setup to see what if any impact the addition of the near-UV spectrum would have. It provides a bit more fluorescent pop in the golds and yellow, but I've noted no change in overall coral coloration.

You will LOVE the impact of the Royal Blue LEDs for sunrise/sunset. It far exceeds any coloration I've seen using T5s - It's just spectacular.

I posted a lot more information and photos at varying power that might be of value at http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/lighting/aquaillumination-vs-maxspect-g2-160w-photosynthetic-active-radiation-measurements-8268/

[Heidi]

You will LOVE the impact of the Royal Blue LEDs for sunrise/sunset. It far exceeds any coloration I've seen using T5s - It's just spectacular.

I posted a lot more information and photos at varying power that might be of value at http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/lighting/aquaillumination-vs-maxspect-g2-160w-photosynthetic-active-radiation-measurements-8268/

Wow yeah these pictures are/were exactly what I was looking for! Seeing the Sol blues and whites next to each other with white @ 100% sells me on the blues. The only difference I can see is the Whites look brighter by a tad. The color is the same and with the Sol Blues the actinic look w/ the R/Bs is so much richer. really when it all comes down to it par is not really a factor for most tanks but with my 36x36 I am wanting to mount 2 higher so I get a bit more spread, and because of the deeper perpetrating PAR of the blues I am this might be a kick over the edge. I guess I just got a bit worried when I read this thread on RC: AI Sol Blue Color Modification - Reef Central Online Community (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2010592)
What do you think this guys problem was he just didn't understand how to adjust the controller?
Heidi

[CalmSeasQuest]

I guess I just got a bit worried when I read this thread on RC: AI Sol Blue Color Modification - Reef Central Online Community (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2010592)
What do you think this guys problem was he just didn't understand how to adjust the controller?
Heidi

LOL Cold, very cold :stars: - In my defense, as an early adopter, there were virtually no LED resources available when I made the switch to LEDs. That coupled with my initial lack of a PAR meter was a recipe for disaster.

[evilc66]

You aren't crazy, or over thinking things. There has been a big shift in the DIY community towards warmer color temperatures in white LEDs to help with color rendering. Cool whites are used for their PAR values by a lot of companies, including AI. They got a major foothold in the DIY side of things for years, as they were the only readily available color temps that were worth a damn. They work, but you miss the warmer tones produced by more red light. Not saying that cool white LEDs can't work, but there is definitely something missing especially when compared to T5 setups. Not all colors on all corals have issue with cool whites though. I'm still running primarily cool white LEDs on my tanks, and I don't have many issues with color rendering.

Don't be too concerned about buying an AI setup though. It's still a fantastic setup, and overall looks will still be good. Chances are, after AI tests things a little more (and if there is enough customer feedback), they will come out with an upgrade kit with a warmer white LED for those wanting a little better color rendition. In AI's defense, there is not one manufacturer of commercial fixtures using neutral white LEDs.

[binford4000]

If you would like,I am expecting my AI's at the end of this week and will put pictures up at diffrent percentages of white and blue combo's along with par reading's.I spoke to AI about reflector choices and they are willing to mix them for you upon request but it will take longer to get your unit tho.I'm assumeing you could make bulb changes also.LMK. I can't wait to get these puppies up and running.

[Corvette Reefer]

i dont know too much about leds but i would vote blue.

[foxhole]

Have you looked at other LEDS besides the AI?I just put some LEDS on my 60 cube from Reef Filtration he sponsers on Reef2Reef.They are a 120 watt fixture that uses 55 2 watt LEDS and 10 watts for the fans.I looked at AI and the Acan LEDS but i did not want to spend 600 to 800 for lights.These have 2 plugs one for the blues and one for the whites.So far i love them no extra heat,no bulbs to replace yearly.With just the blues on the corals really pop like no other actinic.

[tanglovers]

I have a single AI unit over my 60g NPS tank. I love it! I have the older more white version, bought it over a year ago. It has 2 whites and 1 blue (not royal blue) per puck. I am considering ordering all new pucks (with the royal blue) from AI.

[binford4000]

You aren't crazy, or over thinking things. There has been a big shift in the DIY community towards warmer color temperatures in white LEDs to help with color rendering. Cool whites are used for their PAR values by a lot of companies, including AI. They got a major foothold in the DIY side of things for years, as they were the only readily available color temps that were worth a damn. They work, but you miss the warmer tones produced by more red light. Not saying that cool white LEDs can't work, but there is definitely something missing especially when compared to T5 setups. Not all colors on all corals have issue with cool whites though. I'm still running primarily cool white LEDs on my tanks, and I don't have many issues with color rendering.

Don't be too concerned about buying an AI setup though. It's still a fantastic setup, and overall looks will still be good. Chances are, after AI tests things a little more (and if there is enough customer feedback), they will come out with an upgrade kit with a warmer white LED for those wanting a little better color rendition. In AI's defense, there is not one manufacturer of commercial fixtures using neutral white LEDs.

I have to agree with this for sure.They seems to be very intrested in what the customer wants. I personally decided on AI for one reason.I threw price out the window and looked at who's been the leader in this field for the aquarium customer.They out perform everyone else.I don't think you'll regret getting either one,it's mainly a prefrence thing.I have always liked the heavy attentic look so the super blue was a no bainer.On the plus side we did alittle wattage adding today( inclueded the chiller not running all the time) and now have ordered the panaramic leds for the fuge.In just changeing all lighting over to Led's and the chiller not running we will loose 1846 watts!!If you consider that along with annual bulb replacemant it makes the price alittle easier to swallow.When we change the the return pump(mag 9.5) to a high efficant one the total will be close 1900 that's 16 amps gone! My wife and I have decided this is the year to update all the tanks with an emphasis on wattage use to curb the expense of running the tanks.So I guess you could say evryone changeing over is going blue instead of green lol :jester: Looking foward to seeing your set up

[nate_newton]

I'm for the blue. From what I see is that the Sol Blue has one White, Blue, Royal Blue. Unless I missed something the Sol White doesn't have the Royal Blue.

[AZDesertRat]

I went with the Super Blues and they are scheduled to ship Friday minus the controller which is still on backorder. Can't wait!

[tanglovers]

If you want Heidi you can come over and see my fixture, it is the what I think is considered the white by todays standards (1 white and 1 blue per puck).

[Heidi]

ORDERED!!!
2 Super Blue Sol,
Thanks for all your input guys!! Pictures to follow!
Heidi

[binford4000]

ORDERED!!!
2 Super Blue Sol,
Thanks for all your input guys!! Pictures to follow!
Heidi

Congrat's,still waiting for mine.Expect 4 to 6 weeks for delivery is what I was told

[AZDesertRat]

Got my UPS confirmation. The Super Blue fixtures should be on my doorstep Wednesday! I am #2 on the backorder list for the controller so I should be up an running in a week or so hopefully.

[Corvette Reefer]

Sweet lets see it once u get it!

[Heidi]

Oh don't worry Corvette! I have a hard time not sharing on here ;)
Seems these are backordered for people ehh? Where did people order them from? I got mine from aquacave. Just wonder if this makes a difference on time to get it. I ordered on Saturday morning so I figure if they are back ordered I won't know about it till Monday.

[binford4000]

Oh don't worry Corvette! I have a hard time not sharing on here ;)
Seems these are backordered for people ehh? Where did people order them from? I got mine from aquacave. Just wonder if this makes a difference on time to get it. I ordered on Saturday morning so I figure if they are back ordered I won't know about it till Monday.

Honestly,you ordered from the right people.Aqua cave is a preffered vender for AI.Most likely you'll get yours before I do.I went thru a LFS with no regrets either tho.The cave is a great vendor but I really wanted to give this big order to support a Michigan business and the fish doctors in ypsilanti gave me a great price and I know for a fact I'll get even better service.Looking foward to the pics.I'll be getting my fuge led's this week so I'll start there and wait for the AI's to complete the first LED conversion.Then it's onto Mrs.Binford's face lift lol :jester:

[Bella127]

I have two super blues in my 60 cube they are absolutely wonderful. The controllability of these are what sold me on them .

[binford4000]

Finaly got a shipping date for all four super blues!!! The controlers are on back order tho.Can you run these with out the controler??

[AZDesertRat]

Not without cooking your corals. They do work with other brands of controllers though like Reefkeepers and Apex with their lighting modules.

[Heidi]

I got a call from the cave this afternoon. My 2 Sol Blue fixtures and controller plus all the extra stuff ship out tomorrow!! Now I just gotta get a par meter, so I keep everything alive durning the transition. OMG I AM SOOO EXCITED!
:party:
Yeah.

[binford4000]

Not without cooking your corals. They do work with other brands of controllers though like Reefkeepers and Apex with their lighting modules.

cool,I have an apex will have to do some reading.Tx

[binford4000]

I got a call from the cave this afternoon. My 2 Sol Blue fixtures and controller plus all the extra stuff ship out tomorrow!! Now I just gotta get a par meter, so I keep everything alive durning the transition. OMG I AM SOOO EXCITED!
:party:
Yeah.

I'm starting to think I should have gone thru the cave too!! :tear:

[CalmSeasQuest]

I got a call from the cave this afternoon. My 2 Sol Blue fixtures and controller plus all the extra stuff ship out tomorrow!! Now I just gotta get a par meter, so I keep everything alive durning the transition. OMG I AM SOOO EXCITED!
:party:
Yeah.
I'm not sure where you are located Heidi, but if close enough, you're welcome to use my PAR meter. Ideally, you also want to measure PAR from your current lights so you have a baseline to use in acclimating under your AIs.


cool,I have an apex will have to do some reading.Tx
You'll need a VDM module (http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=40) to interface the AIs with the Apex. I've had one sitting in my supply cabinet for a few months, just haven't gotten around to playing with it.

[binford4000]

I'm not sure where you are located Heidi, but if close enough, you're welcome to use my PAR meter. Ideally, you also want to measure PAR from your current lights so you have a baseline to use in acclimating under your AIs.


You'll need a VDM module (http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=40) to interface the AIs with the Apex. I've had one sitting in my supply cabinet for a few months, just haven't gotten around to playing with it.

Really?? Want to sell it lol If you do LMK My MH and chiller exhaust is wipeing my tank out!!! AC is not cooling the room fast enough.I've already lost half my live stock.

[Heidi]

Aww thanks Tom, but I am over here on the way southwest side. I need to see if there is anyone over here I can borrow from. Thanks so much for offering.
Heidi

[Heidi]

Well everyone guess what? I got my new A.I. SOl Blues today and lets just say. . . I don't like them . .. I LOVE THEM!!! OMG (yeah I am a girl so let me spaz out a little here people) They are prolly the easiest thing to just get out of the box and literally plug in. I am SO happy I went with the RBs (Sol Super Blues) Because It add red I think or at least that is what my eye picks up to the mix which makes my purples and reds look spectacular! I spent about the last 2 hours playing with the controller which I was a little worried when it came with no instructions. But really if you can read you can figure it out for as complexed as you make your light cycle during the day and night it was really easy to set up. I am sure my fish are freaking out right now with all the crazy light changes I have made over the last few hours but its all good. Right now I am watching my tank at what looks like dusk. My sun coral is fully open, my cardinal fish are actually moving and everything is fricken florescent! It was a hard decision to make because of the money but I am SO glad today that I made it. I can't wait to run these lights at there full power someday. RIght now at the noon-2 hours they are at their highest at 35% power. I am doing this as to not kill/ bleach all of my coral and give my fish a sunburn. :) I think I will ramp them up about 10% a week for a while. If anyone thinks that is not a long enough ramp up let me know I am open to suggestions as always.
I will start a thread tomorrow with pictures of the lights my tank do some before shots of coral so I can track growth etc. Oh and btw the lightning storm is pretty stinkin cool. I thought it would be kinda gimmicky but it is really neat how it just randomly does it. I am not too sure about the "lunar cycle" thing so that is a question for another thread. Ok thats enough ranting :love3:
I HEART LEDS!
Heidi

[AZDesertRat]

My camera won't take a good picture of the LEDs for some reason. I am also thrilled with my Sol Blues. The controller is about as simple to program as anything I have come across.
10% a week may be a little fast and if your tanks is like mine, I'm not sure I will ever see 100% on the output, its strong!

[binford4000]

Congrats Lets see some pics for sure,still waiting over here.I did get a VDM from Tom so I won't have to wait for the back ordered controler.Not to impressed with the delivery time vs aqua cave's availabilty.Sometimes supporting a LFS can sure be painful,Arrrghhh

[Heidi]

If it makes you feel any better, my hanging kit is still back ordered. Which kinda stinks cause I can't put them up as high as I would like to turn up the juice a bit. Plus I need to mount them about 18 inches to get the spread I want fight now they are only half way there . ..
Thread in process!

[Heidi]

So here are some bad pictures :) I am going to borrow a good camera and try and get better ones. but just a bit to show the color.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/heidiiliff/DSCF2172.jpg
w: 20 b: 15 rl: 12 (10am)
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/heidiiliff/DSCF2180.jpg
w: 35 b: 30 rl: 26 (1:30pm)
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/heidiiliff/DSCF2182.jpg
w:0 b:12 rl: 8 (9pm)
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/heidiiliff/DSCF2170.jpg
This is how I have it rigged till I get my hanging kit. Right now I have them about 8 inches above the water but i want to hang them at about 15 inches. This will have to do for now :)

Best I could do tonight, I will try to get some better ones tomorrow :)
Heidi

[binford4000]

OOOOH,very nice.I wonder if mine will look like those when they get here next year.LOL Ever consider sunlifts suspension hangers?? They work great and are cheap,Nrs Binford loves them,she cane move her 8 bulb fixture with two fingers!!! I[ll give ya a link


Sun Lift Light Fixture Suspension System - AquaCave (http://www.aquacave.com/sun-lift-light-fixturebr-suspension-system-1260.html)

[CalmSeasQuest]

If it makes you feel any better, my hanging kit is still back ordered. Which kinda stinks cause I can't put them up as high as I would like to turn up the juice a bit. Plus I need to mount them about 18 inches to get the spread I want fight now they are only half way there . ..
Thread in process!

Looks Great Heidi!

Where did you order from? You might want to try ReefGeek - It "appears " they have the hanging kit in stock. I'd give Greg a call to confirm (866-295-9230.)

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/LED_Lighting/AquaIllumination_LED/Accessories/GripLock_Systems_Hanging_Kit_by_AquaIllumination

I know your frustration - When I bought AIs in 2009, the hanging kit had not yet been designed. It took a few months for Griplock to design them and get it shipped.

[pjr]

Hey there Binford! Do you have any pics of that hanging kit in action? That looks like a sweet product. Sounds like it can work for any fixture, and not just the AI.

thx!

[Heidi]

Got an email last-night saying they "shipped" the hanging kit so hoping it will be here in a couple days. Benford, I am thinking that that kit is pretty stinking fancy! I will see what I get with the AI one it looks and sounds pretty cool too. We will see. I am ready I made a mesh screen for the top of my tank last night. My husband said "Wow, thats really professional" lol if you knew me better you would understand what a HUGE compliment that is hahaha, I have great ideas but implementing them in a professional manner is not my "fortay" ;) Im gonna try and get some better shots of the tank today. I have figured out a setting on my pas that might work better with these lights.

[binford4000]

Hey there Binford! Do you have any pics of that hanging kit in action? That looks like a sweet product. Sounds like it can work for any fixture, and not just the AI.

thx!

I'll take a look and see if I have some picks of hers,I'm going to use them on my AI's(if they ever arrive) so I'll make sure you can see em in the pics.

[binford4000]

It must be my lucky day!!! All my AI SOL blues came in and are up and running.So here's a FTS.Still waiting on the controler but the VDM for the Apex is working but is going to be replaced when the ai controler comes in.Just to much programing and messing around for lights.I really like the lights and at 16 inches get 315 par in the midzone of the tank(that's adding 20%)as recomended by Tom.


http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz179/binford4000/cr%20members%20tank/DSC01253.jpg

Tank looks alittle more blue then I plan to run it(I think so far) because it was starting the rampdown before shutdown.Well worth the moaning and groaning,thanks foe putting up with it ;)

[CalmSeasQuest]

Congrats Heidi, Binford and AZDesertRat!

As for PAR measurement error - Here's a response directly from Apogee confirming the limitations of their Quantum meters...

"Apogee quantum sensors underweight blue light, and as a result, photon flux measurements for blue LEDs will be too low. Also, the quantum sensors overweight red light up to a wavelength of approximately 650 nm, above which they do not measure, and as a result, photon flux measurement for red LEDs will either be too high (if the LED output is all below 650 nm) or too low (if a non-negligible fraction of the LED output is above 650 nm). Our quantum sensors will likely provide a reasonable measurement for white LEDs because they are broadband, and because the sensors are calibrated under CWF lamps. However, because of the diversity of LED lighting systems the precise errors have not been quantified. We are currently working on better filtering in order to achieve a sharp cutoff at both the 400 and 700 nm wavelengths, but this improvement is still a few months away.

That being said, Apogee quantum sensors can be used to measure the relative output of an LED or bank of LEDs, in order to track variability in output with time or temperature for example. However, quantum sensors should not be used to characterize the absolute output of LEDs (except for the possibility of white LEDs), to compare one LED to another, or to determine photon flux for plant growth for example."

Here's the Quantum response curve chart along with spectral plots for both the SOL Blue and White units. The tricky part is estimating/interpolating output based on individual W/B/RB power settings.

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/AquaIllumination/apogeeinstruments.jpg

AI supplied SOL Blue and White Spectral Plots
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/Misc/SOL_BLue_Plot.png

[pjr]

Binford, how wide is that tank?

Tanks looking good folks! welcome to the LED club!

[binford4000]

Binford, how wide is that tank?

Tanks looking good folks! welcome to the LED club!

I'm at work but it's just a standard 150. Why??

[AZDesertRat]

I found 12" is a good height to mount my two AI Sol Blues and get good coverage. Notice in the photo with the canopy open you can see light hitting the back wall of the canopy as well as the sides so I am getting full coverage over the tank.
The mounting rails I used are called "T Track", its used a lot in woodworking to build adjustable jigs and fences for saws and router tables. I mounted two short pieces front to back and a long piece that slides in it so I get full adjustability both side to side and front to back. Since I didn't know of two fixtures would cover the tank I wanted some adjustment but I know see I could have mounted them permanent where I originally thought was best.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/AJOIII/LEDs007.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/AJOIII/ReefStuff031.jpg

[pjr]

I'm at work but it's just a standard 150. Why??

I see you have 3 AI units over a 6 foot tank... I was always under the impression that 4 or more were needed for that width.

[AZDesertRat]

I think their coverage is great. Notice my tank is a 5 foot 100 gallon and two cover it fine when turned parallel to the tank. Three would be excess light in my mind on a 4 or 5 foot tank and three would be plenty for a 6 foot tank as long as they are mounted high enough.

[binford4000]

I see you have 3 AI units over a 6 foot tank... I was always under the impression that 4 or more were needed for that width.

AI's web page has a chart that recomended only three,I was concerned about the spread also but three more then covers the tank.At 12 inches the intencity is unreal.I'm very impressed with the units and my temp is stable as a rock now.Highly recomend them!! I put one over the wifes frag tank and it covers it fantasticly.At 18 inches she has over 300 par and the spread covers the complete 40 gal breeder(36 inch long tank)

[Heidi]

I was also initially worried when I ordered only 2 fixtures that they would not give enough coverage for my 36x36 cube. From the charts I found I needed 3 or 4 fixtures. I am not sure now that I have them up and running why on earth I would need another fixture but hey to each is there own. I have them about 18 inches above the water and there is spill over to the floor all around the tank. I think I may move them down a bit just to utilize all the power of the lights on my coral instead of the floor :) I also turned up the %% today because I noticed that at 20% my nems seem to be "reaching for the light (now that it is hung 18inches, before it was about 6 inches off the water) So now they are up to 45%, I am going to watch my corals and nems and raise the percentage slowly.

Since this is a "Blue vs. White" thread I am just gonna hijack it back and say I am so happy that I have the Royal Blue leds but I want to talk about them briefly: I like them because they put out a color that reminds me of the fiji purple t5s. It is a blue, but it has red in it which is great cause I see a total difference in colors of my favorite pieces like my purple acropora and my bright red mushrooms, compared to when I just turn on the "all blue and white" lights. However it is kinda a little goes a long way when it comes to them. I find that if I turn them up much past half the % of the other 2 colors the tank really has a purple hue to it, which I find not so great. Its bizarre though because if I don't turn them on at all my colors are way too blue. Just something to think about and ponder :shrug:
Heidi

[AZDesertRat]

I agree, the royal blue really brings out the colors in my RBTA's, red caps and blastos. The green of the slimer and candys is also intense.

[pjr]

So are they really that blue? Is there any white to these at all?

[MizTanks]

I guess these lights are something you'd have to see in person and not just through a pix. Not only to understand them but to be able to see what y'all are talking about.

[Heidi]

So are they really that blue? Is there any white to these at all?

They can be "that" blue if you want them to be, However I like my light warmer so I have my whites turned up about 10% higher then the blues and about double as bright as the royals. I think the problem is that the pictures you take look SOO blue. In person it looks the same as my 250 halide (14k) and my 4 T5 actinic. Now you could have them REALLY really white if you turned the white up full blast and just added a small percent of blue and royal for "color" it would be really warm looking I will get a picture tomorrow. I am still playing around with these to get them exactly how I want them.

Oh and Miz, yeah you would have to not only see them but read as much stuff as we have about LEDs to get this thread at all :roll_eyes: We love you anyhow! And if you ever get on the LED band wagon we can point you in the direction of some great info.

Heidi

[binford4000]

So are they really that blue? Is there any white to these at all?

they're only that blue if that's the way you want them.With no blues on it's a very bright white,The convient and benafical addition of the two diffrent types of blue in each puck allows you to adjust to your likeing.The Ai allows the hobbiest to adjust to a 10k to 20k and still maintain the par levels to sustain coral life and growth.I plan to add UV strips in addition to the AI's.

To chime in on the origanal post.I am very pleased with the blue's.I think anyone wanting to convert to LED's will not be disapointed with this system.Chooseing the white versus the blue I think really is up to your prefrence's of tank apperance.I don't think either model will have difficulty produceing the look you want or the par and pur needed to sustain a reef tank.One thing I think allot of people are not aware of that allot of led's out there inclueding Orphek are not dimable and if they are they require another manufacturs controler.Nothing wrong with that but the AI team put together a very user friendly system that anyone can use right out of the box with very little frustration.I have mine hooked to an apex and the so called plug and play VDM is so complicated that I had to ask a friend who use to be a programer to help.His reponse was this is just confuseing.He got it but it wasn't fun. One more system to go and the apex is showing a 9.8 amp drop in power useage.That's gonna make a major diffrence and the chiller is only comeing on twice in a 24 hour period to keep the water within 1 degree.The typical day showed the chiller comeing on 12 to 16 times a day @ 7.2 amps everytime.I think these will pay off very quickly

[AZDesertRat]

No they are not, for some reason point andshoot cameras will not take good pictures of them.

[pjr]

Thx! Wasn't trying to sound negative. I know I've had trouble taking pics of my setup too -- even my SLR comes out too blue. I shoot in raw and adjust the Color in Elements to the accurate perspective.

So why does AI call one model "blue" and one model "white?"

sorry about the dumb questions!

[CalmSeasQuest]

So why does AI call one model "blue" and one model "white?"

sorry about the dumb questions!

SOL White pucks = Cree W/W/B

SOL Blue pucks = Cree W/B/RB

[AZDesertRat]

The whites have two 3w whites and a 3w blue. The blues have one 3w white, one 3 w blue and one 3w royal blue which to me really makes corals pop.