Backorder: Aquaillumination SOL Blue

I spent a little over 3 months investigating, documenting, designing, and finally scrapping multiple designs for an LED lighting system for my tank.  But, I ultimately decided to purchase a pre-built system.

Why? For starters, my design goal was something modular and upgradable.  I plan to have a larger tank in the future and don’t want to have to re-buy.  I just want to add a module.  I was going to build my LED system that way.  AquaIllumination did it for me.

Next was the cost.  Now, there is no way around the cost difference if you simply compare dollars to dollars of the finished product.  But, think about how many times I would screw up building the unit.  And think about the cost of my time to build it.  And, think about the cost to rebuild my house if I burn it down which leads me to my final and deciding factor:  I am not an engineer or electrician and there are many factors to consider when you are building a light that has 144 LEDS and has 6 separate power supplies, etc.

So, with all of the Black Friday deals out there and the pressing need to replace the lights I do have, I broke down and bought the 72″ AquaIllumination SOL Blue from Premium Aquatics.  And, I am happy to say that I got a good deal.

But, guess what?  Its been almost three weeks and I have no light yet.  I am not complaining.  Premium Aquatics told me they were backordered.  But…. wait a minute….   I am complaining.  I am not happy that I have no lights.  I am 38 years old.  My generation is one of instant gratification.  When I buy a new car, I walk into the dealer and tell them “I want that one.  And, I will only pay X and I want Y for my car.  I will be back in two hours to sign the paperwork and take the car.  Go figure it out.”  Honestly, that is almost exactly how I buy a car.  And I typically do that on my way home from work on a whim.  So, needless to say, I am jonesing for these lights.

But, I am not blaming anyone.  AquaIllumination has built, as far as I can tell (and after months of research), the best LED system on the market, hands down.  And, Premium Aquatics has always treated me well.  And, so, its only natural that there is a backorder.

And, now I wait.  I thought it would be 2 weeks, maybe even less.  Premium Aquatics placed their order on 11/16 and my order will be fulfilled by that delivery.

So, all I can do is continue to Google “AquaIllumination” twice a day and annoy Jason and Luke at Premium Aquatics with “are they in yet?” emails.

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