AquaIllumination Blade Announced

aquaticlog · Feb 22, 2024

I would second the suggestion of getting the third glow.

jake37 · Mar 1, 2024

I'm really happy with my freshwater ai blades - overall happier than the ghl lx series. Mind you the lx is a better light but using it is such a pia; it is hardly worth it.

jabeuy · Apr 20, 2024

jake37 said:
Does anyone know the diameter of the screws that go into the side of these lights? I went to homedepot to purchase a set of M8 screws and discovered they came in many different lengths (expected) AND many different diameters ranging from a few mm to 100mm (really thick screw).

Did you ever figure out the M8 size? Or anyone know what size works?

spsick · Apr 20, 2024

jabeuy said:
Did you ever figure out the M8 size? Or anyone know what size works?

M8 x 1.25 x your choice of length. I got stainless ones from the hardware store.

jabeuy · Apr 21, 2024

spsick said:
M8 x 1.25 x your choice of length. I got stainless ones from the hardware store.

Thanks!

SFNanoReef · May 8, 2025

It’s now 2025, and the Ai Blade has been in production for several years. Yet somehow, Ai managed to ship an Ai Blade Glow without an end cap—very disappointing in terms of quality control. Additionally, the HMS mount noticeably sags under the minimal weight of three 12” blades. This is not a great start. I should’ve spent the extra money on the Illumimagic X4.

LiquidFunk · May 8, 2025

SFNanoReef said:
It’s now 2025, and the Ai Blade has been in production for several years. Yet somehow, Ai managed to ship an Ai Blade Glow without an end cap—very disappointing in terms of quality control. Additionally, the HMS mount noticeably sags under the minimal weight of three 12” blades. This is not a great start. I should’ve spent the extra money on the Illumimagic X4.

Not sure what you would expect when all the executive team from AI and Ecotech where bought out and a giant corporation came in to run the show who knows nothing about producing lights or our hobby. This is exactly what I would expect. Honestly I am surprised there isn't more issues but they haven't actually launched any new products so its all still the original engineers work.

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 8, 2025

Just to add my experience, I got 4 AI blades last month and all are as expected. :)

ChrisfromBrick · May 8, 2025

why not save your money and get a quanta bar or the like. way overpriced.

BriDroid · May 8, 2025

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Just to add my experience, I got 4 AI blades last month and all are as expected. :)

I agree with Randy. I have a 12” Grow and a 12” Glow over my cube, and I love them. I did have a weird color blending issue with my first Grow, but the LFS swapped it out and I’ve had no issues since. Exceptional lights with great color!

rtparty · May 8, 2025

ChrisfromBrick said:
why not save your money and get a quanta bar or the like. way overpriced.

Apples to Oranges

The Blades are slightly overpriced IMO but no other bar touches their T5 like spread. Especially if they use optics or reflectors in any way

ChrisfromBrick · May 8, 2025

rtparty said:
Apples to Oranges

The Blades are slightly overpriced IMO but no other bar touches their T5 like spread. Especially if they use optics or reflectors in any way

except t5

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 8, 2025

ChrisfromBrick said:
except t5

Since I want a natural sunlight look, and to be able to control the spectrum and intensity, the Blades are a good option and t5 are not.

ChrisfromBrick · May 8, 2025

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Since I want a natural sunlight look, and to be able to control the spectrum and intensity, the Blades are a good option and t5 are not.

You think blades give a natural sunlight look? Ok.

Same thing can be done with t5/LED combo

Ben's Pico Reefing · May 8, 2025

I have the 12 inch blade grow and glow. I really like them. However. Now that the ORphic came out with 12 inch bar. I would probably recommend those. I have not seen them yet but if they are like the rest of their line, I am already sold lol.

I will say AI customer service has been stellar for me with the axis pump issue.

spsick · May 8, 2025

rtparty said:
Apples to Oranges

The Blades are slightly overpriced IMO but no other bar touches their T5 like spread. Especially if they use optics or reflectors in any way

GHL Mitras LB3 does, but is also a bit overpriced being ala carte to purchase bar, PSU, hanging kit, splitter, etc. it uses similar optics to the Blade.

rtparty · May 8, 2025

spsick said:
GHL Mitras LB3 does, but is also a bit overpriced being ala carte to purchase bar, PSU, hanging kit, splitter, etc. it uses similar optics to the Blade.

But it’s GHL

I haven’t used one so no experience there. The few GHL products I bought and tried all failed woefully IMO so my limited funds don’t go there now