AI SOL Dimming & Thunderstorms

thewackyreefer · Mar 17, 2011

So I just picked up two of the AI SOL Blue fixtures with the AI controller and they're pretty amazing.

One question I have though is if the thunderstorm mode (which dims the lights to simulate cloud cover and quick flashes of white to simulate lightning) and ramping up and down the intensity of the LED's will reduce the lifespan or affect the bulbs in any negative way?

I asked Bill @ Reef LED Lights the same question but I thought this would be good info for anyone else with the fixture.

Thanks!

billd · Mar 17, 2011

I spoke with AI directly and they said it will not reduce the lifespan of the LED's.

thewackyreefer · Mar 17, 2011

billd said:
I spoke with AI directly and they said it will not reduce the lifespan of the LED's.

That's awesome cause those thunderstorms are pretty fun to watch! Any idea if there's actually any benefit to the storms or is it just for effect?

billd · Mar 17, 2011

Not that I know of.... other than scaring the crap out of my G/F when a storm goes off in the middle of the night :-)

soccerbag · Mar 17, 2011

Would love to see a video of your setup during a "storm". I've seen some similar stuff on you tube and think it looks really cool. I know that dimming T5 bulbs and halide bulbs definitely reduces bulb life. I'm surprised that LED's wouldn't follow suit (bulb life reduced by dimming). It's good to know though. Especially for anyone looking for dimming capabilities. I wonder how they know? Have they been out long enough to compare? Just curious.

I love those fixtures. Please post some pics when you can! : )

thewackyreefer · Mar 17, 2011

Absolutely, I'll set up and take a video of a storm tonight!

FiReBReTHa · Mar 17, 2011

Simple, it looks cool while freaking out the fish.

A+ job on finding the most similar experience for humans to get flashed in the face with the camera and replicate it for fish.

Fish lack irises.

i'm not a fan.