MH Lights

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

Hello Fellow Reefers ,

Would like to know your opinions on what make of MH is popular with fellow hobbyist?

1) Arcadia

2) Aquamedic

3) Aqualight

4) Aquasun

5) Azoo

6)Dymax

7) Giesemann

8) Macro

9) Weipro

10) DIY

[blueheaven]

DIY

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

DIY

DIY with no warranty.......

[AlfaRomeo]

Im using the Arcadia 3x250w DE lights and I have no complains. But of course, need the SPS to grow and color up first... then i can say its good. comes with 14K Arcadia MH bulbs...

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

I guess MH are MH , doesn't really matter where they're made in right? 10K and 14K which is better? Always hear alot of K's going around......

[Gouldian]

I prefer 14,000k cuz the light with be more blue as compared to 10,000k.

Heard 20,000k is even better.......

[weileong]

the higher color temp the lower the PAR

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

so preference of more blue hues or whiter spectrum....... Does the ballast make any difference if it's made in China......

[dr evil]

sis,

it still depends on ur budget.......... u have $$ to spare, a commercial ones will look good....

but for ur tank, i still suggest a diy unit to suite ur tank size.....4x4...

[roidan]

get 2 pieces of commercial 4ft fixtures.....will look very neat...

[Achilles Tang]

Hi AP,

What you listed are the names of the MH pendant brands.

To me, a pendant is just a housing with different cosmetic choices. It's so subjective.

But to me, a pendant is only as good as its reflector and the bulb quality that is in there.

The best? German stuff are the best! But that means the $$$ is the best too!

AT

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

Hi AP,

What you listed are the names of the MH pendant brands.

To me, a pendant is just a housing with different cosmetic choices. It's so subjective.

But to me, a pendant is only as good as its reflector and the bulb quality that is in there.

The best? German stuff are the best! But that means the $$$ is the best too!

AT

Thanks Boss..... Theres so many sets out there that I racking my brains on what to get.....

Actually , with 2k and above would do with a good light set but which one.....

I understand that Aquamedic is 100% German and that 400w makes your house trip several times ..... Thought of getting single 400w as I intend on doing a mix reef with only 30% or so SPS but found it wasn't a good idea.

4 X 250W is kind of alot don't you think..... Please help fellow guru's

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

sis,

it still depends on ur budget.......... u have $$ to spare, a commercial ones will look good....

but for ur tank, i still suggest a diy unit to suite ur tank size.....4x4...

thanks Dr.Evil....I am still deciding on whats good but kind of comprehensive on a DIY set.....

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

get 2 pieces of commercial 4ft fixtures.....will look very neat...

yeah thought of that but have to make decision soon....

[Achilles Tang]

I understand that Aquamedic is 100% German and that 400w makes your house trip several times ..... Thought of getting single 400w as I intend on doing a mix reef with only 30% or so SPS but found it wasn't a good idea.

4 X 250W is kind of alot don't you think..... Please help fellow guru's

If 400w can make your house trip... my house would have permanent blackout with my 1600w MH already!

There are very very few 400w DE bulbs around, so I am assuming you want SE bulbs?

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

If 400w can make your house trip... my house would have permanent blackout with my 1600w MH already!

There are very very few 400w DE bulbs around, so I am assuming you want SE bulbs?

Hi AT ,

what would you recommend? I'm not too familar with whats around and whats good for my tank.....

[Achilles Tang]

If you got the cash... you can get a proper pendant like Guieseman.

Guieseman seems to be good but looking at Hon's unit which has given him so much problems... you have to ask around more such owners for their opinions.

Glare's MH pendants are simple looking but functional. You can consider those if you don't mind the look.

Anyway.. are you going to use a hood? If you are... pointless to buy a good-looking pendant.

The things you should look for in a pendant is:

1. Weight. Is it super heavy? Are the ballasts mounted externally or internally. Sometimes ballasts can cause the FL/T5 tubes instead to crack due to heat.

2. Reflector design. Too small... poor spread...

3. Can the bulbs be moved or is it in a fixed position?

4. Are the bulbs/tubes logically placed?

5. Fixture build quality.

6. wires and sliding adjustment mechanisms provided.

7. Controllers/switches - individual on/off? timers for each bulb?

8. Anti-UV glass provided - check the grade and reliability.

9. Brand and quality means a higher resale value.

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

AT , thank you for the advise will check these out before purchasing one soon.....

Almost bought the Giesemann but looking at Aquamedic as well

I have an open concept which is hoodless as you notice in the pics....

Maybe my home is not too new but had problems before with 150w which always tripped constantly. Was using Dupla lights at the time but I don't think it was because of that..... So was told that the 400w would make things worse.

[terryansimon]

I would think that the tripping may be due to a leak of current from the previous MHs?

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

I would think that the tripping may be due to a leak of current from the previous MHs?

yeah.....I was told that..... but Dupla is a German Brand right? Could the quality have had defects or something? Still don't know what was the cause of it.....

[terryansimon]

well..not trying to be a wet blanket. but to use an army expression, German =/= excuse failure. it still happens!

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

well..not trying to be a wet blanket. but to use an army expression, German =/= excuse failure. it still happens!

so actually nothing is gauranteed.........

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

Does anyone know if Aquamedic MH are good? or have any experience in the lighting equipment?

[terryansimon]

Blenny...

MH for freshwater? woah? keep what?

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

Hi AP, I am using 2 different set of MH from the Germans. One set consist of 3 x 150w Dupla for my 6 footer freshwater tank and another set is a Aquamedic Aquaspacelight 2 x 150w with 2 x 24 actinic.

Have been using Dupla for the last 6 -8 years with no incidents and for the AB, I think it is only one month old. Am happy with it and no complains. The ballast they use in AB are Vossoloh Schwabe (if the spelling is correct). They are considered premium in the industry. Know about them because I have a good family friend in this line. Once I knew that AB is using them. Did not hesitate and purchased the AB. Cost a quite a bit more but I feel good after purchase.

Did checked out Arcadia's ballast and all you can see is the they printed "from EU countries". Not comfortable with that.

Hi Blenny,

Thank you so much for the feedback on the Aquamedic MH......was contemplating on getting a 2 X 250w with Acthinic but the price is kind of stiff for such a piece. I suppose it's worth it in the long run. Heard that Giesemann gives off too much heat and Arcadia sounds not too good either....

The Aquaspacelight's height is adjustable and it's sleek in design as well....so I am pretty keen on it and don't want to make a mistake in getting my lights.

Thanks again for helping me make a decision.....