As Titus told me, i would be better to do what i said i'll do!
Many differences have to be noticed when you talk about an europeen based technology fixture and a north american one. First, i would like to answer Stephane comments regarding chain setup wish i figure was one in a store display. Giesemann fixture are pendant light. It's design for open aquarium and hold with a steel wires attached with stainless screw cover and a patented height adjustement device. Chain are for the retailer an easier way to dismantele the fixture for re-sell.
Each Giesemann fixture as a Tridonic autotransformer to generate a 220v 60hz (500va standard and 820va for high wattage fixtures) output necessary to the operation of the ballast and the digital ignitor. Finaly, a capacitor will protect intergrity of the system in allowing slight change in power from the main source. MH bulbs showed more efficient when used at higher operative voltage. In North America, Steve correct me if i am wrong
, MH bulbs have an internal ignitor regulating the frequency at wich the energy arc will be created, Some europeen bulbs have no internal ignitor wich grant them with a longer life span and, as a great plus, a more stable intensity and spectrum over the life of the bulb. In some case, Europeen MH bulbs can be fully operative (according to bulbs manufacturers) up to 6000hrs
(both in screwed or DE models) On the market their price is very competitive and, on the long run, can save somes of aquarist money in two differents ways. If the MH illumination is adequate for a given system, stability of the bulbs charateristic in intensity and spectrum can provide corals with a better living environnement and the replacement cost of the bulbs can be amortized over a longer period. Ask yourself, did you ever buyed a inkjet printer thinking you would save money? I did only to realize that it was costing me 2 times the initial cost of my printer in ink cartdrige :shock:
Gisemann fixture features all of the above and more. Complete extruded aluminium body (end plate as well?!!?) High finish Powder coated colours (like a car) Computerized calculated reflector to fully manage DE bulbs output (the geometry of DE bulbs is easier to predict than mogul bulbs which give them an advantage as to design the perfect reflector) Giesemann reflector, on high-end model, features a complete polished aluminium reflector (99.9%) and integrated microprocessor for managing sunrise, sunset, cloud simulation and a moonlight simulation over a 28 days cycle :shock:
Giesemann fixture have a one year warranty parts and labor and will be drived by new Electronic ballast technology end of january! Sorry, i am becoming too commercial oriented. I will wait the OK before getting in the highlights of the new Electronic ballast.
Again, everybody has is own needs and preferences and no one should take a decision based on promotion and marketing but more on the results seen. BTW Stephane, the cover hood of your pic is beautiful but i like the modern still of open aquarium