Observations since using Aqualight Pro.

[OCDP]

(warning: this thread has no real purpose.. just stating observations.. it's not whining, complaining.. just observations, feel free to add in your comments too if you have one of these fixtures)

As nice as these fixtures are. I am starting to re-think my lighting plans. And I am starting to realize that these fixtures aren't all that great. I'd say right now, the only reason I like the unit so much is because it's fairly sleek, and comes with the HQI, actinic, and moon lights. (all in one factor)

But.. I have definitely noticed a lot more cons and than pros lately.

I don't know about other Aqualight Pro users. But, I have noticed that because all the lights are fairly close to my water surface, and my tank is pretty shallow (only a standard 20g tank) My water clarity SUCKS! It must be because there's so much light, and it makes the water look cloudy and merky. Totally sucks. I know for fact it's the light because the clarity in water changes as I move around the tank and tank sides. I find this a huge drawback.... who likes looking into cloudy (but its not really cloudy) water?

Another big, big disadvantage (IMO) [and this can be fixed, I know] is I don't have the beauty of viewing my tank top-down. I can't hang the fixture though! I think top-down views and pictures are some of the most beautiful and true looking views. It's like being in the ocean looking over top all the corals, and they seem to pop more, because your not viewing them through the glass. I also cannot take top down shots either.

And the biggest of all disadvantages.... I can't work in my tank now, at all.... When I had my 150w HQI hanging over my tank before, tank maintenance was simple... no problems. Now, I dread it because it's such a chore, getting my arm under the fixture... burning my fingers and hands on the UV glass. This gives all the "goodies" (probably a bad choice of word) get to spread and re-populate.

All in all, it doesn't seem like I'm too , too happy with it.. and I won't lie, I am not completely satisfied. It does the trick though,

Some advantages I have noticed since using the fixture... My corals (all of them) have more vibrant colouration from adding the 2x65w actinics. My coral growth seems to have doubled since having more light and having the lights closer to the water surface. Not bad! I am happy with my zoanthid growth that's for sure.. I didn't have growth like this with the single 150w HQI.

I'll add more to it as they come to my mind... and anyone who uses the fixture post comments and what you think of fixtures that sit on top of the tank. As I said, there is no real purpose for the thread.... but maybe it will assist others who are thinking of purchasing one. All's I can say is... it does the trick, and that's about it !