how many AI Sol's ?

[thirty6]

Looking for some input on how many AI Sols i should put on my tank

footprint is 36x36x27. i have 3, wondering if i need a fourth? idea at the moment is your basic mixed reef but no plans on sps

 

[marklugo23]

yea i would think 4 would work, 2 in the front two in the back

 

[sunny]

Yup, 4 will be ideal.

 

[jaa1456]

I would say none and go with T5 and MH combo, but yes 4 would be idea. Or at least 3 in a I type pattern.

 

[House of Laughter]

AI's only really have an 18" coverage pattern - if you go with 4, there are going to be shadows in the middle of that 36" square reef.

I'd go with 5 in the pattern outlined here.

JMHO

House

 

[thirty5]

Dont forget the Overflow So i think that 4 will work. Similar layout to house, without the one on the top left corner

 

[myblock175]

i say 3 is all you need

 

[thirty6]

hmm

t5/mh are great lights, got sweet deal on the 3 i have now just debating on adding one more or not. also have to decide how to mount/hang em

 

[Alex]

Looking for some input on how many AI Sols i should put on my tank

footprint is 36x36x27. i have 3, wondering if i need a fourth? idea at the moment is your basic mixed reef but no plans on sps

What did you plan on doing with the three units you have? how did you plan on laying them out?

How far off the water line, determines your coverage. In addition the intensity of the units will also determine how much light reaches the bottom. Each unit will cover a 24" x 24" square, with some light fall off on the edges. if you have a 36" x 36" tank and you place the unit in the middle , then you will have 6" all around where the light will not be as intense but you will still have light. This area can be prime real estate for corals with less light requirements. Using this example you can use two units with 6" front and back of fall off light. this would only leave the front to contend with since the rear has the overflows. Hope this helps.

 

[Alex]

I have a 36" x 36" cube that will only get two units, however this cube is only 16" high. I have already tested this with two units.

 

[ctrayer]

4 is the number but you could go with 3 and put the rest of your money
into a lightrail3 I have this system on my 325 and I have the lights moving from front to back it has a cool effect like clouds moving over a reef

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

3 lights on a custom made bracket and your golden lmfao lololol but i say three and your realy gonna do well, but in the end its your call

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

try to simulate it with a few friends holding the lights over the tank , this way you can step back and check it out and see how you feel about it

 

[thirty6]

yeah, i will probly go with 3 for now

i can add another one easy enough if i find i need it i guess. custom brackets huh? whats your idea... im listening

 

[MikeC]

I would go with something like this.

With your AI's in the middle this is a link to the lights I used

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5...2x39w-miro-4-t5-high-output-retrofit-kit.html

 

[thirty6]

thats not a bad idea mike,

they arent overly priced either. i forget, you have a canopy on your setup? whats your lighting schedule

 

[MikeC]

I have a DIY canopy

Lighting schedual:
1) 11:30 AM +120 ramp up =30,45,50 @ =1:30 PM
2) 1:30 PM +60 ramp up =30, 50, 90@2:30 PM
( 4Pm-7Pm T5's one Blue antic & one purple plus)
3) 6:30PM+30 ramp down=20,30,80@7PM
4) 7PM+60 ramp down =10,20,65@8PM
5) 8PM+30 ramp down =0,0,32@8:30PM
6) 10:30PM+90 ramp down=0,0,2@12AM