One AI Sol Blue vs Two MarsAqua 165W Led

jmanley7 · Feb 1, 2016

Hello everyone I am looking for some advice on lighting for my 93 cube. I currently have one AI sol blue, but I am thinking about selling it and switching to two MarsAquas. Here is the link for the MarsAqua.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-MarsAqua...m-Reef-Coral-SPS-LPS-/251512919399?nav=SEARCH

Do you think I should switch over for better coverage of the tank, or stick with one sol. I am planning on having a mixed reef.

Tru REEF · Feb 1, 2016

Heck of a price and looks to have decent controlabilty and its for two I'll say go for it. Im sure it will provide more coverage.

jmanley7 · Feb 3, 2016

kevinn9369 · Feb 3, 2016

I have 2 sb reef lights they come with a 2 year USA warranty. www.sbreeflights.com plus the owner Mike Herman is always around if you need help with the lights

mcarroll · Feb 4, 2016

Correct me on any details, but if I recall correctly, the Sol's had 70º and 40º lenses.

Calculating off the wider spread, and accounting for the 30" sides on your tank, you'd want that light from 17"-20+" off the tank to get adequate spread.

With only 75 watts or so at it's disposal, I don't think you'd be getting adequate intensity from a single Sol.

A) Does all of that sound about right?
B) Do you have a lux (or par) meter?

A lux meter app for your smartphone is free.

I'd be curious to know what's the maximum lux reading you get today at the water surface? And at what height from the tank do you currently have the Sol mounted?

Oh...and the lights you mentioned have a pretty wicked hot-spot in the middle and very low-light on the edges just a few inches away....I'm not sure how much you'd like it.

P.S. I think the Sol's were more or less designed to be closer to tank-hight (on their leg-system) and to have 1 unit per foot of tank. Just for perspective, since you have one on what is nearly a 3 foot tank. Not suggesting you mount yours that way...just sayin.

jmanley7 · Feb 5, 2016

mcarroll said:
Correct me on any details, but if I recall correctly, the Sol's had 70º and 40º lenses.

Calculating off the wider spread, and accounting for the 30" sides on your tank, you'd want that light from 17"-20+" off the tank to get adequate spread.

With only 75 watts or so at it's disposal, I don't think you'd be getting adequate intensity from a single Sol.

A) Does all of that sound about right?
B) Do you have a lux (or par) meter?

A lux meter app for your smartphone is free.

I'd be curious to know what's the maximum lux reading you get today at the water surface? And at what height from the tank do you currently have the Sol mounted?

Oh...and the lights you mentioned have a pretty wicked hot-spot in the middle and very low-light on the edges just a few inches away....I'm not sure how much you'd like it.

P.S. I think the Sol's were more or less designed to be closer to tank-hight (on their leg-system) and to have 1 unit per foot of tank. Just for perspective, since you have one on what is nearly a 3 foot tank. Not suggesting you mount yours that way...just sayin.

I have the sol about 10 inches over the water. It has a good spread but doesn't fully cover it all. I'm going to my lfs today to burrow their par meter so I will get some readings. I'm trying to stay under $250 in a new light. Do you have any you suggest for this tank?

mcarroll · Feb 5, 2016

Is DIY possible if I tell you it's as easy as wiring a lamp like you might have in shop class?

All AC powered bulbs and simple on/off function. No soldering. Easy to assemble. Dirt cheap. You would have two rows of little gu10 bulbs, only slightly customized from the standard build. Between $85 and $180 depending on other bulb options, but I am using the $85 version on an SPS tank presently. It's my third unit.