Comprehensive AI Blade Lighting Par Chart - 21"

[141918]

Hi Everyone, hope all is well.

Been searching quite a while for a par chart for the AI blade 21". I recently purchased the light about 4 or 5 months ago.

I recently splurged and got a PAR meter. I bought the VBR AQUA from Amazon. I've read more reviews saying that it's pretty close with the Apogee 510, and very few saying that it's not accurate at all. But seeing how I've seen more reviews saying its close, I decided to take a shot at it.

My current tank is a 24x16x16 Clear Mini from Waterbox.

Since I've used the PAR meter, my corals seems to be doing better overall. I think I was blasting them with too much light. But enough of the background because I want to present the PAR readings I received from using the PAR meter. (Please note that I do not have enough context or experience to say these numbers are accurate, close or incorrect). I am only going by my own research and personal equipment.

I have attached a screen shot of the PAR readings I reviewed. My AI Blade is 18 Inches above the sand level. Measurements are taken at 8, 12 and 18 inches below the light. Currently using the elevated tank mount sold by AI. I just wanted to provide a ball park reading for what users are to expect if they purchase the light.

My settings screen shot is attached as well. All flow was turned off to see steady numbers so its likely a bit less, but you get the idea.

Honestly, one blade on a tank my size would be enough for SPS. With settings at MAX, I believe it would provide enough light for up to 30 gallon tanks and support any coral. Can easily hit over 300 PAR with the settings turned up. The light spread is fantastic and eliminates most shadowing.

I just wanted to share my experience for those looking for quality lighting at a budget. Honestly, it's probably the best par per dollar lights on the market right now, including the T5 look with shadow elimination.

If anyone else has any experiences with the light in regards to performance, please feel free to enrich us.

I hope this helps some of the people that own the light and are looking for a PAR reference.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[141918]

Thanks for sharing!

No problem. Hope some people get some use for this. Not much for par maps on these lights. But as you can see, plenty powerful for most tanks with just one blade. Plus love how they naturally kinda look like t5

 

[JOSE3504]

Forgive me if this is an obvious answer but can you explain the 3 different readings taken at the 3 different distances from the light? Thank you in advance.

 

[141918]

hi,

I just measured 8 inches below, then 12 and then 18. The par chart is only half the tank just to show general par numbers. So from left to right 0 to 6 to 12 as my tank is 24 long and 16 wide.

 

[dnote]

Are you still running this light? If so, how do you like it

 

[141918]

Are you still running this light? If so, how do you like it

Hey,

The light itself is really good. Works amazing and have had absolutely no issues. However, I do take it off the tank and wipe it down monthly to clean up salt creep or other stuff.

Par and light spread are best in market. No other manufacturer has adopted this without external modifications. They literally give a blanket of light like t5.

Power is very high for one blade. My tank is 16 inches deep, my light is only about 3 inches above with the elevated mount. So about 20 inches or so above the sand. At full blast, can reach upwards to 180 par at sand bed. Pretty phenomenal for one light fixture at its price, including the fact that its one fixture.

My only complaint is that the light lacks the deep violet colors or deep blue. Kinda at a soft purple side. Although the light is designed for coral growth, I think it's a bit lacking in spectrum without the glow. The only solution would be to add a grow/glow/grow. Adding only one glow would show the light transition between the two. Would need 3 fixtures for even spread. But then that would be overkill, and you'd be running 3 lights at like 25% lol since they're so powerful.

Honestly for one light, they put out a ton of par and punch way above their weight. One grow can light up to a 25 gallon sps tank without a doubt

 

[141918]

Just wanted to note that I paired this with 2 aquanight v2 led pucks. I've got the entire tank covered now with light.

Eventually, just gonna get another grow and that will be it. Even if I eventually upgrade to tank that's 30 inches long, Ill have enough power for any mixed reef and even sps on top. 3 lights would be best but you'd be running them all at like 30 % capacity. But believe the grow/glow/grow would provide the best aesthetics