72" Lights from Aquatraders

[my2rotties]

We have no problem doing the DIY. Frank is building a canopy over the top anyways, but we just don't know where to start out. One option was to use the Tek Lights and some how fit the MH into the grand sceme of things. We also want to LEDs so I don't know how that will work into our plans. I guess I should check the DIY section and see if there are any pictures of what I am looking for.

Thanks to everyone for the most helpful info and sensory overload.

Pics of the tank with water are now up...

Originally Posted by fkshiu

If you are serious about your corals you have two choices: the all-in-one fixtures like the aquatrader one you were looking at OR building a lighting system a la carte with separate components. There are many good fixtures out there, but the problem with almost all of them are the reflectors IMO.

There are three main components to a good lighting system: bulb, ballast and reflector. Of the three, the reflector is usually overlooked. However, a good reflector can make or break your lighting system by even spreading out the light and preventing any hotspots.

The problem with the MH reflectors in most all-in-one fixtures are their size - they are simply too small to properly spread the light. It's simply a matter of packaging for the manufacturers. The only exception I can think of offhand is the Sfiligoi Infinity which has comparatively gigantic reflectors, but unfortunately not many people can afford it.

Now if you go DIY you'll be able to utilize one of three vastly superior reflectors: Lumenmax, Lumenbright and the grand-daddy Lumenarc.

I understand that some people are uncomfortable doing electrical DIY, and would prefer a pre-assembled fixture. However, much of what you'd be doing with a custom system is simply doing some extra plugging-in and at worst matching the same coloured wires. It is more work if you have to build a hood, but the superior results you'll get will be worth it if you are planning to be in this hobby seriously and for the long haul.

[globaldesigns]

I have a 4ft Corallife with 2X250W MH, 2 Actinics and 4 Moon LED, and must say what you are looking at looks quite similar.

I love my corallife

[my2rotties]

They "look" like Corallife lights, but I think that is the only similarity. I think I will talk to the husband and see if we should try to make our own lighting, if you have to mod most of them any ways... This build has been 8 months from the time I bought the tank, and if it takes another year to make certain it is right we will just have to wait it out. It kills me to got to the LFS and see all my future livestock that I want to stock the tank with. I am sure that will be another big chapter of questions to make sure they are compatible, since I want a peaceful and happy tank.

I always thought Coralife was good, but not having it personally and hearing it needs to be upgraded makes me wonder... If I could have bought generic lighting for half the price an upgraded which I would have to do with the Coralife lights, why not go that route? Then I read thrads and just don't want to chance it. Electricity and water are risky as it is.

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I have a 4ft Corallife with 2X250W MH, 2 Actinics and 4 Moon LED, and must say what you are looking at looks quite similar.

I love my corallife

[MMAX]

I was looking at the 48" model from Aquatraders. It sounds like a great deal but I'd be real worried about the shipping aspect of it. Coming from that far away (California I think) the fixture would more than likely arrive in several broken pieces.

[xtreme]

Don't get me wrong, the Coralife or Aquatraders lights do not "need" to be upgraded. They are fine for softies and LPS and even some SPS. My corals grew well under these lights for 6 or 7 months. My tank is now mostly SPS so thats why I did the upgrades and they have definitely benefitted from the brighter light. For example my pink birdsnest went from a peachy color to bright pink with purple polyps with the new lights. The growth was always there but not the color. All I'm saying is there is higher quality fixtures available, and depending on what corals you end up keeping, you might find yourself needing something better.

[xtreme]

Originally Posted by MMAX

I was looking at the 48" model from Aquatraders. It sounds like a great deal but I'd be real worried about the shipping aspect of it. Coming from that far away (California I think) the fixture would more than likely arrive in several broken pieces.

My 72" fixture came out of Cali. It was packaged quite well and there was only one broken PC bulb. They sent me another but I had to pay the cost to ship the replacement.