Interesting Read on AI Sol Super Blue (1 Viewer)

[wes]

Perhaps the controlability of LEDs may quell some of the gear wanderlust, but I doubt it ;-)

I forget what electric costs back in MN, but in CA in the higher tier it was ~$.25/KwHr. I used to run a 70W viper (that IIRC sucked about 80w) over a 12g nano; I'm doing a similar build now with a single Kessil at 32w. Before LEDs there wasn't really an option for minimalist look other than halides, so that's why I had the viper on my old tank.

There's no doubt a large electric savings in this scenario. I lit for ~10hrs/day. That translates to around $50/year. Add in bulb changes and heat and it seems like a no-brainer for a new build, so long as you like the aesthetics. If you already have the gear it would still make a payoff in under 5 years if you replace bulbs yearly, especially if you like costlier bulbs. I just picked up a used Kessil with mount for ~175; the savings for me should pay off in around two years (2x50 electrical +2x50 for bulbs).

If you really run the numbers there isn't much direct electrical savings. For most it's only about $5 a month savings from MH to LED. The only significant savings would be bulb replacment, even then thats on the assumption you will keep the LEDs and they won't fail before 7+ years. I can't speak for anyone else but the chances I don't switch to something else in the next 7 years is pretty slim, I like to try new things and lots can change by that time. So never really expect any kind of savings.

Heat, well that's really the main reason to justify a switch. If you having temp issues particularly in the summer months even after keeping them well ventalated that is more of a valid reason. Becuase a tank crash can mean thousands of $ lost that can't be predicted.

 

[David Grigor]

Wes, your in Baltimore now ? I didn't catch that. I remember you moving out to CA.

 

[Myclang]

Sounds like you found your best solution david. I figured after I paid for even a bulb after 1 year, the heat generated, extra energy, etc etc it was almost the cost of the reduced AI sol with even less flexible control of the leds. I loved my Halides but the extra heat and equipment alone wasn't worth it anymore...

 

[David Grigor]

I run LEDs. I have about 5 grand invested in them. From a pure, electrical savings like sleeri was thinking it just isn't there. A new build where you don't already have the MH equipment like Wes mentions makes a bit more sense and recoupe your money happens quicker that way.

Yes bulb replacements is a major factor but that is all based on how long your LEDs run. It would be nice if they run 5-7 years but you don't know that yet. If they fail earlier than expected or you upgrade to the latest LEDs 3 years from now then all that is out the window......

 

[Myclang]

I suppose the biggest factor (which everyone agrees on) is the size of the tank in question. As you can see in my Avatar, my tank needs only 1 unit. Your 180 would take a handful of the same unit to accomplish the same task, so I completely agree with you.

 

[wes]

Yes, David, I'm going to Johns Hopkins now for my PhD. I wasn't posting much in Ca since my tank became more of an output only tank and I couldn't really give any frags to TCMAS anymore... I gave away/sold all my stuff when we came out here, and I've been waiting until we get into a house out here to get a new tank going (we're supposed to close this week!). Suffice it to say, I'll have a build thread shortly... :rock:

I still miss Ca wildly, though, and hope to go back when I'm done. Besides the typical socal pleasures, the reefing culture just isn't here, not the camaraderie like in TCMAS nor the sheer volume as in So Cal. There's not even a single decent SW shop in the city. It is nice being close to Matt and Kristi (Hypertech, Dragoneyes), who're down in DC. I'll be bugging him for frags soon enough. :biglaugh2:

 

[Bob1]

Quick question, why the high cost on the LED lights like Sols. Is it the new technology or lack of competition.

 

[Myclang]

I think most of it is due to it being relatively new technology. the leds themselves are not cheap, plus the added electronics to power them, heatsinks to cool. Then the profit put on top of that.

 

[Kepler]

Quick question, why the high cost on the LED lights like Sols. Is it the new technology or lack of competition.

These things are dirt cheap compared what they used to be.

Just 4-5 years ago there was a TCMAS banquet (Anyone else remember? The one with Julian Sprung selling books. And the banquet hall had a SW tank.) they were showing off this new type of light called "leds". I remember laughing when I heard them say $1000 per foot.

Now let's compare this to the present day AI Sol 4-5 that is more powerful, efficiant, more spread, more features... basically everything about it is better than that other light. But only 4-5 years later and the better ligtht (sol) is $600 less than its underling. Now tell me the speed of technology is not amazing.

 

[Kepler]

I like the way that sounds. I will raise my lights up a bit more to get better spread. Thanks. By the way do you use the lunar mode to simulate night time or just completely shut them off? I like having the lunar mode on so i can still see the tank glow when im up late. Do you know if that is detrimental to my fish/coral health or growth??

It is actually good for them. It replicates their wild habitat. I run mine at 3% through the night. (royal blue only)

 

[AaronBliss]

ok thanks for the advice.