AI Sol or Evolution LEDs

ReefCheif

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Platinum Sponsor
#1
Title explains it all. Getting ready for a major overhaul and re build of the 180 coming up In February, trying to get my ducks in a row. Im 100% going to upgrade to LEDs, alot of research has led me to 2 manufacturers.

1. Aqua Illumination
2. Evolution

I like both fixtures alot, I like what each can do.

FOR AI I like that fact they are upgradeable, and the fact I have seen numorous tanks in person running these lights and have really liked what I have seen

One the otherhand

I like the Evos for one major reason, ReefKoi sales them, I like to support locals, I like the idea of the distibutor being 2 hours away in case I have any isses, I also like the fact the Evos are now controllable and incorporate both red and green LEDs into the fixture, one downfall, Ive never seen these in operation.

I will be supplementing these lights with 4 36" True Actinic T5s to make sure Im hitting the 420nm spectrum as well, want my zoanthenale (sp?) to be happy and want colors to POP!

Any feedback, suggestions, insight, advice is very well apprciated.
 

Smiley

Nurse Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#3
if you want color, id say the evos unless of course you dig deep to afford the radions. completely controllable and link up to your mp40's/60's.
 

cdrewferd

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#4
I'd give a serious look to the new ones that Ambrosio Aquatics is selling. His are pretty nice as well.


Drew

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ReefCheif

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Platinum Sponsor
#5
Uggghhh, damn you Drew! Now i have even more reading to do
 

cdrewferd

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#6
Lol. It honestly all depends on your budget. If you have $2000 to spend, then the Radion Pro's might be hard to beat. If you wanna stay around $1000, then Evos or the ones from Nick.


Drew

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newtoreef

Bat Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#7
The thing is that nicks give you way colors you want not what color the manufacture provides with nicks LEDs it more for advanced person or can be made like the evo
 

ReefCheif

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Platinum Sponsor
#8
What do you mean by expert person? Ive never used LEDs, Wouldnt an undestanting of spectrumand nessecary wave lengths allow you properly configure an LED? I just want something that will make my coral grow and my colors pop.
 

newtoreef

Bat Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#9
As in you can tune it to your desire but do talk to him he can for sure help you
 
#10
I picked up Evos from Chris in the Springs. I am not an expert by any means but I love my lights. They have a great spectrum of colors and are dimmable. I know that you have more control with the AIs but to me that really is not important. The lights come on, they look great, and my animals are happy.

ReefCheif;208955 said:
Title explains it all. Getting ready for a major overhaul and re build of the 180 coming up In February, trying to get my ducks in a row. Im 100% going to upgrade to LEDs, alot of research has led me to 2 manufacturers.

1. Aqua Illumination
2. Evolution

I like both fixtures alot, I like what each can do.

FOR AI I like that fact they are upgradeable, and the fact I have seen numorous tanks in person running these lights and have really liked what I have seen

One the otherhand

I like the Evos for one major reason, ReefKoi sales them, I like to support locals, I like the idea of the distibutor being 2 hours away in case I have any isses, I also like the fact the Evos are now controllable and incorporate both red and green LEDs into the fixture, one downfall, Ive never seen these in operation.

I will be supplementing these lights with 4 36" True Actinic T5s to make sure Im hitting the 420nm spectrum as well, want my zoanthenale (sp?) to be happy and want colors to POP!

Any feedback, suggestions, insight, advice is very well apprciated.
 

ReefCheif

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Platinum Sponsor
#11
Now im torn between Chris lights and Nicks lights. Damn these local vendors. Did tou customize your lights or go with off the shelf?
 

ReefCheif

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Platinum Sponsor
#12
I do like that the AIs are American made
 

newtoreef

Bat Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#13
Customized I put uv into them for mh slime coat production and better growth
 

cdrewferd

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#14
You'll want to at some 420nm true violet or similar. This is a big spot that a lot of the premade fixtures are missing. I know you can get Nicks with these, but not sure about the Evos.


Drew

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newtoreef

Bat Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#15
Also for the same price as AI(75watt) you get 280watts
 

newtoreef

Bat Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#16
Yah I got the 420 plus 3 more diff blues
 

The Coral Shop.com

Sting ray
M.A.S.C Club Member
#17
Both are very good but Evos have been excellent imo been growing coral under them for a few years, spread is awesome, excellent color with the 450nm, 460nm blues corals love it! imo the controls for other more pricey lights can be a pita where the Evolutions just dial em in where you like it and walk away. Plus the warranty locally no sending to China (good luck lol) etc and he backs the product 100%.
 

ReefCheif

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
Platinum Sponsor
#18
cdrewferd;209078 said:
You'll want to at some 420nm true violet or similar. This is a big spot that a lot of the premade fixtures are missing. I know you can get Nicks with these, but not sure about the Evos.


Drew

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I was thinking about supplementing with a few tru actinic T5s.
 

reefmaster719

Nurse Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#19
What spectrum are t5 actinics? 420-450? Sorry to threadjack. Just seemed like a good place to ask...
 

09bumblebee

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#20
reefmaster719;209097 said:
What spectrum are t5 actinics? 420-450? Sorry to threadjack. Just seemed like a good place to ask...
With t5 you can do any bulb color and get the full spectrum. I was missing the 420 spectrum in my 90 so I added 2 t5 to my 90 last week and huge difference in coral growth pe already. So you can always add 2 t5's to a led setup and solve that.
 
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