Aqua Illumination (AI) Sol Blue vs. White

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04-27-2011, 08:51 PM
Post #1: binford4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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
04-27-2011, 09:18 PM
Post #2: 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.
04-27-2011, 10:23 PM
Post #3: 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!
04-27-2011, 11:09 PM
Post #4: 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).
04-30-2011, 08:42 AM
Post #5: Heidi

ORDERED!!!
2 Super Blue Sol,
Thanks for all your input guys!! Pictures to follow!
Heidi
05-01-2011, 11:48 AM
Post #6: binford4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi

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
05-01-2011, 12:48 PM
Post #7: 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.
05-01-2011, 02:28 PM
Post #8: Corvette Reefer

Sweet lets see it once u get it!
05-01-2011, 03:04 PM
Post #9: 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.
05-01-2011, 04:05 PM
Post #10: binford4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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:

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