This review dives into the Aquaillumination BLADE Coral Grow, a compact 12-inch LED light designed for reef tank environments. The author, facing uneven coral growth and shadowing issues with their existing AI Prime 16 HD, sought a solution to improve coral health and vibrancy. This review details the installation, app integration, and performance testing of the BLADE Coral Grow, specifically focusing on its light spread, PAR levels, and overall impact on coral growth in a Waterbox 20 cube reef tank. Particular attention is paid to the differences between the light's two modes: Coral Grow and Coral Glow.The review assesses the BLADE's build quality, ease of use, and effectiveness in addressing the author's initial lighting concerns. Through PAR meter measurements and visual observations, the author provides a comprehensive assessment of the light's performance, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the review offers valuable insights for potential buyers considering the Aquaillumination BLADE Coral Grow, especially regarding the importance of using mounting brackets to optimize light distribution within the tank.
Pros And Cons
- Good build quality (metal and firm plastic)
- Slim design
- Easy mounting on tank
- May be too small for some tanks (reviewer considered getting a longer one)
- Significant shadowing when mounted directly on the tank without brackets
Read more: Top 5 Green Aquarium Corals
Addressing Shadowing Issues in Existing Setup
My current AI Prime 16 HD Reef light, while functional, creates significant shadowing in my Waterbox 20 cube reef tank. This leads to uneven coral growth and discoloration. Some corals, particularly the green slimer, are visibly browning on one side due to inadequate light penetration.
This uneven lighting is affecting the overall health and appearance of my reef tank. I'm hoping a new lighting solution can solve this problem and improve the vitality of my corals.
The new light needs to provide better spread and reduce shadowing, promoting healthier and more vibrant coral growth throughout the tank. The goal is to revitalize the corals that are currently suffering from light deprivation.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the BLADE Coral Grow
The Aquaillumination BLADE Coral Grow arrived, a 12-inch light specifically designed for coral growth. The packaging includes the light fixture, power supply, various power adapters, and mounting hardware.
The build quality seems quite robust with a metal housing and sturdy plastic components. The mounting system is very low-profile and appears to easily attach to the tank rim, which is a nice feature for a clean look.
However, I'm already considering whether the 12-inch length is sufficient for my tank's size. It appears quite compact; perhaps a longer model would have been a better choice for more even coverage.
Connecting the BLADE to the Mobius App and Initial Testing
Connecting the BLADE Coral Grow to the Mobius app was straightforward. The app quickly recognized the device, and I was able to import my existing light schedule from the AI Prime 16.
After a quick software update, the BLADE was ready to test. I opted for a 'Growing LPS/Soft Coral' setting to match the majority of my coral stock.
Initial observations showed the BLADE is producing significant light at the center of the tank, however, the spread is rather focused, even with the low-profile mounting, and there are still noticeable shadows.
PAR Measurements and Light Spread Analysis
Using a PAR meter, I measured light intensity at various points in the tank. The center showed a significantly higher PAR reading than the edges and back of the tank. This confirmed my initial impressions about the light's spread.
I observed substantial PAR differences between the center and the edges of the tank, indicating the need for additional lighting or repositioning to achieve a more uniform PAR distribution.
The measurements highlight the importance of bracket use to elevate the light and improve the spread for even coverage across the tank; otherwise, the light intensity is heavily concentrated in the center.
Comparing Coral Grow vs. Coral Glow Settings
The BLADE offers two distinct settings: Coral Grow and Coral Glow. Coral Grow emphasizes blues, optimal for coral growth, while Coral Glow incorporates a wider spectrum for enhanced color.
I tested both settings, noting that Coral Glow produced a more vibrant display of colors. Coral Grow, however, maintained a greater focus on blues and enhanced the growth of my corals.
The choice between these settings depends on your priorities: prioritizing coral growth or maximizing color vibrancy. Testing both helps determine your preference.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Aquaillumination BLADE Coral Grow offers a compact and sleek design, but optimal performance requires the use of brackets to improve the light spread and reduce excessive intensity at the top of the tank.
Without brackets, the light focuses too heavily on the center, leaving the edges and back with considerably lower PAR levels. This may not be ideal for a reef tank with corals placed throughout the entire tank.
While initially disappointed by the concentrated light spread, the low profile design, coupled with brackets, can provide adequate lighting for a wide variety of corals. Consider carefully the type of corals in your tank before purchasing and use brackets for best results.