Ai Vega - A Review (With Pictures)

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by rstar

As I stated above, the two main fixtures I was considering were the Maxspect Razor, and the Vega. I was also considering the Mazzara P and the SOL. I nixed the SOL because I wanted the additional color right away, and the Mazzara because my brother has had a lot of problems with his. The budget I had set for myself was around $800. After numerous PM's from various vendors and hobbyists alike mentioning a very bad effect that the Razor gives, and the fact that it is not modular I decided against it. I'll admit the only fixture I had seen myself was the Mazzara. I largely relied on fellow hobbyist advise, as I'm sure you can vouch first hand that the availability of most of these lights, even to just view is fairly limited in Saskatoon.

I'll also admit that I have very limited experience in any LED lighting, so my perception of what is and is not disco could be out to lunch, but to my eyes, I really cannot see much distinction between the red and green, more so the white and blue, but I don't find it unappealing in any way. The camera may be better picking up the separation, and I imagine if I ran an overflow which would greatly increase the surface agitation, this effect may become more pronounced.

Ultimately my choice came down to quality (AI from my research released a quality product, with good support) Spectrum without having to modify, price, and finally support, as this fixture was available locally, and I could have that backing. I've learned to value Baysides recommendations over the years and so decided to go this route.

The recommended height for this fixture is about 5" AWL and I am running it at 9" to get the spread over the whole tank. I am watching the corals closely and have not notice any burning or anything yet.

I hope this answered some of you questions, and thanks for reading!

Thanks, I was just curious on the reasoning since you mentioned it. The reliability of AI products seems to be really good so it's an obvious choice if the so called disco effect isn't something that bothers you. While a Radion might have a nicer effect and better programming at the end of the day the reliability just isn't there, so given your budget I think you made a decent choice, especially since you could add another one if needed with going to much over.

[kam]

It seems like you can notice the "disco" coloration in the sand bed... I could be wrong but i noticed it right away. Doesnt look bad though and your tank looks beautiful

[fishyfishster]

Disco effect is caused when different colored LEDs are spread out on the fixture.

So when one color is shadowed by something, another color appears in the shadow from a different angle. The reason radions have less of this is because they've only got 2 picks and the LEDs are clustered close together.

[rstar]

Originally Posted by kam

It seems like you can notice the "disco" coloration in the sand bed... I could be wrong but i noticed it right away. Doesnt look bad though and your tank looks beautiful

I think this is more an anomaly of the camera capturing it because it is not as noticeable to the naked eye. Also When I took these pictures there was some cyano in the sand which is highlighted by the red LED's.