
AquaIllumination Blade LED Lights - The Most Versatile and Cost-Effective LED Strips We Have Ever Seen
AquaIllumination is ringing in the new year with an all-new smart LED light that we believe to be one of the most versatile and efficient lighting solutions to date. At first glance, the Blade LED may not strike you as anything new or innovative but don't let those preconceived notions of strip lighting fool you. These unassuming strip lights are among the best-performing reef tank LEDs we have ever seen and we have the data to prove it!
Whether you're looking for a stand-alone lighting solution or want to further improve your existing setup, the Blade LEDs will not disappoint.
LED Light Spectrum Simplified
The Blade LEDs take a uniquely simple approach to spectrum making it incredibly easy to choose the right fixture(s) for your tank. There are four different spectrum blends that don't require any modification to be successful. The diodes are blended exactly as you need them to produce a safe and usable spectrum and each color channel is intended to operate at an equal output percentage. No more guessing - just simple, proven spectrums that produce results.
End-to-End Coverage
The Blade Coral Glow, Grow, and Freshwater fixtures are available in 7 different fixture lengths. Select the fixture that most closely matches your tank's dimensions to achieve coverage across your entire aquarium. The LEDs are grouped into clusters, with each cluster containing 6 pucks with four LED diodes in each puck. This effectively spreads the diodes out allowing the fixture to produce usable PAR across the entire length of the fixture. Blade Refugium is available in 12" model only.
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Outstanding Performance
One of the most impressive features of the Blade series fixtures is the even spread and color-blending achieved using their EdgeField Optics. Even when mounted close to the water's surface the all-new optics produce a well-blended, even distribution of PAR across the coverage area while also providing a crisp, natural shimmer. This relatively wide even spread of light reduces shadows and produces results that rival even the most highly regarded LED lights in the hobby.
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When calculated against over 50 other LED lights the Blade Coral Grow provided the lowest cost per PAR ratio meaning it's the most cost-effective light we have tested to date. Combine this value with even coverage and you get one of the most effective and versatile LEDs money can buy.
The fixtures are passively cooled meaning they don't make any noise and are rated IP66 water-resistant so you won't have to worry about moisture damage, even when mounted close to the water's surface.
Stand-Alone or Mix & Match
While the Coral Glow is a perfectly capable stand-alone spectrum designed for PAR efficiency, you can combine it with the Coral Glow to get the best of both power and fluorescence. Using the Grow and Glow fixtures at a 2:1 ratio respectively is recommended for peak performance but using one of each is perfectly acceptable in situations where less light is required.
If you are looking to boost the performance of your existing light solution, the slim profile of the Blade smart strips makes them incredibly easy to use as a supplement. AquaIllumination has created a number of different mounting options too so no matter your situation, you can almost certainly take advantage of the Blade.
The 12, 21, 30, and 39-inch fixtures include sliding tank brackets (pictured above) while the larger 48, 57, and 66-inch fixtures include HMS clips for use with the AquaIllumination HMS mounting system. Elevated tank mounts, suspension kits, and hybrid brackets will also be available separately. For those of you who prefer the DIY route, each Blade fixture features a threaded M8 screw port on each end so you can make your own mounts and attach using standard M8 Screws.
Easy Wireless Control
To round out the incredible convenience these smart LED strips offer, the setup and programming are intuitive and quick using the myAI or Mobius app on your phone. Simply download the preferred app from your app store (iOS or Android), connect wirelessly to your Blade fixtures using Bluetooth LE technology, and follow the on-screen prompts to get your light setup in a matter of minutes.
Upon setup, you have the option to use a preset light schedule or create your own custom schedule. The preset route is highly recommended because it's easy, yet flexible. After the initial setup using a preset, you can always go back into the settings to change/add setpoints.
Each of the fixtures does offer individual color channel adjustments but remember, the spectrums are optimized with all color channels running at an equivalent percentage. To adjust the overall intensity, change each color channel by the exact same percentage in order to retain the optimized spectrum.
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