FAQs about Light and Lighting for Marine
Systems, By Manufacturer, Models:
AquaticLife
Related Articles: Marine Light, &
Lighting,
Marine Aquarium Light Fixtures and
Canopies, Lighting Marine Invertebrates, Anemone
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Related FAQs: Marine System Lighting,
Marine
System Lighting 2, FAQs 3,
FAQs 4,
FAQs 5,
FAQs 6,
FAQs 7, FAQs 8, FAQs
9, FAQs 10, FAQs 11, FAQs 12,
FAQs 13, FAQs 14, FAQs
15, FAQs 16, FAQs 17, FAQs 18, & FAQs on Marine Lighting:
Fixture Selection 1, Fixture Selection 2, Fixture Selection 3, (incandescent,
fluorescent, MH/HQI, LED, natural...), Lamp/Bulb Selection 1, Lamp/Bulb Selection 2, (See Fluorescent, LED,
MH... below), Installing, Waste Heat Production/Elimination, UV Shielding, Measure, Troubles/Repairs, & Actinic
Lighting, Metal
Halide Lighting, Fluorescent Lighting,
Compact Fluorescent
Lighting, Small System
Lighting, Lighting Marine
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championlighting.com
http://www.current-usa.com/
customaquatic.com
http://www.esuweb.com
www.icecapinc.com
http://www.jebo.com johnny@premiumaquatics.com Marinedepot.com
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HID Lighting
6/13/09
Dear Crew,
<Andy>
The last time I was in one of my better LFS, I saw the AquaticLife
HID/T5 fixture, which employs two directional 150W "High Intensity
Discharge 700+" (700 nm) lamps (that come in the 10000K, 14000K
and 20000K varieties), 2 actinic HO T5s and directional LED moonlights,
a built in timer system that controls all lights, and a single cord. It
does not appear that this fixture requires any external ballasts. A
48" fixture runs about $800 and is carried by all the usual
suspects (Marine Depot, That Fish Place, etc.).
<Mmm, I thought they were much more than this>
From what I can find on the net, the use of this technology in the
marine hobby is relatively recent, and this particular fixture is
fairly new as well.
<Yes>
I searched WWM but didn't find anything substantial on these HID
lamps.
Does anyone have any experience with this technology/fixture or
otherwise know much about them?
<I do not>
If so, thoughts?
<Have looked these over and they appear to be "the real
thing"... Nice controllers, single plug, built-in
timers...>
It looks like a pretty cool, simple fixture if it works well. The bulbs
and reflectors are pretty small, so one concern I would have is the
coverage. And, the only available wattage is 150W so I am curious
about
how these light would perform on a deeper tank.
Thanks.
Andy
<I think the wattage is fine... and have been of the opinion that
higher wattage MH's are too much for "hobby depth"
systems for ever... Bob Fenner>
Re: HID Lighting
6/13/09
Thanks Bob. I have seen this fixture in person and it looks very good
(both from a quality standpoint and an aesthetics standpoint). No fans
so it's silent (although one would probably want to run a fan to
dissipate heat/aid in evaporative cooling) and clean and kind of
futuristic looking. They make 36" (one lamp), 48" (two lamps)
and 60" (three lamps) models at $550, $800, and $1,130,
respectively. The replacement bulbs run $50, which is cheaper than any
"name brand" MH bulb. Don't know about the bulb life.
<Should be about the same...>
All of the negative hobbyist feedback I have read relates to the bulb
choice being limited to 10000K, but the company clearly listens because
they now also offer 6000K, 14000K and 20000K.
The company makes available a lab study of the 10000K bulb (see
aquaticlife.com/lamps/410053_Test.pdf). The bulb had a CCT of 9,659K
with a CRI of 88.
<Good enough in my estimation>
If/when my cheap (but modified/upgraded) 2x250W HQI fixture goes
up,
<Mmm, maybe sell on Craig'sList?>
I will give this fixture serious consideration. Again, my only concern
is the light spread, as the reflectors are relatively deep with a small
diameter.
<I like such non-uniform intensity myself...>
Looks like something to follow.
Thanks for the response.
Andy B
<And you for your input. BobF>
Re: HID Lighting
Sorry, my email contained an error--the fixture sizes are 36",
48" and 72",
not 60".
AB
<Ahh. B>
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