Looking at the new AI Phoenix ?

It's the same size as the Sol except thinner. With one row of pucks down the middle how will it match the spread of the Sol? Wider optics you think?
It's supposed to be stronger too with less leds. More watts per led?

I guess it's worth the extra 100d for how thin it is. I know it's not out yet, but I was just wondering. Anybody have info on it? It looks nice.

thank you

 

As far as I know it will have more spread than the old SOL, but then again the new SOL is supposed to have more spread to. They used to recommend them be mounted across your tank but now they will be recommended to be mounted lengthwise. As far as the power, I heard that the Phoenix will be running the same pucks as the Nano. The Nano is supposed to pack 60% as much power as a SOL, and a Phoenix is supposed to be basically two nanos packed together, so the Phoenix should pack 120% power compared to a SOL. If you need more than one for your tank, the Phoenix also offers wireless controls which can now do cloud cover. I think they are worth more than the $100 more, but there are still situations where there wouldn't be much point in spending the $100. What size tank are you looking at putting them on?

 

a 84x24x27. not sure which is better. Phoenix is nice and thin, both come in black. both can be wireless?, Sol has new lenses and leds. so is looks the main difference? the Phoenx mntg rail looks good too. warm white/neutral white available?
info will dribble out, i guess

 

I think the new control unit for the SOL will be wireless, but there won't be communications between units via wireless.

The Phoenix has more power, wireless communications, better looks, ability to fade individual units to simulate clouds passing and more future potential. Because it's wired with the ability to dim individual units, there's potential for much more. The SOLs are not wired for this and don't have the firmware to do it.

The new rails are being adapted to work with the new SOL also.

I'm sure they will have at least a couple colors.

Basically what it boils down to IMO when picking between the two is the cloud cover, increased power and future potential of the Phoenix. With a tank as long as yours, I would say you're looking at getting at least four units, so you need to think of it as a $400 difference. If I were you, I would go with the latest and greatest. Now that the SOL is one Gen in the past, they may not be looking as much at making upgrade LED pucks for it. I think they will instead be focusing more effort on the Phoenix.

 

thanks, you're probably right.
what makes you say they're more powerful?
i think i read 75watts to 72w for the Sol.
oh, maybe its because 75w for 20 leds instead of 72 for 24?

 

You can't even judge by watts anymore when it comes to lighting. I have it from inside sources that the new AI Nano puts out 60% of what a SOL does. The Phoenix is two Nanos put together, so it therefore puts out 120% of what a SOL does.

 

Yeah, with the different watt leds, the different efficiencies, the different ways they can be driven, and different optics all changing the PAR/PUR that reaches the sandbed. Watts per gallon or watts in general, alone, means nothing with LEDs.

 

so you think it will be the same 24"x24" coverage or different?

 

I have heard that you will be able to wirelessly control the SOL and Nano using an add on reciever that plugs into a jack for around 50$
AI Sol and AI Nano LEDs will soon be able to enjoy the same wireless control as the “Phoenix”

 

When they release the new Sol, what will be different about it?

maybe that's another thread?