250 W HQI/T5 Fixtures for sps tank

M

MGB

New member
I originally posted this question in the lighting and filtration forum, however it appears nobody has any opinions, or possibly experience. Perhaps sps keeper's would have more of an opinion. This would be to light my in progress 160 gal sps tank.

I'm looking at buying a 4' dual 250W light fixture and the three main ones on the market are:

Gieseman 230 Eco/plus system
Aqua Medic ocean light metal halide/T5 combo
Maristar metal halide/T5 combo

None of these fixture are cheap, so if anybody has any kind of experience with thier use, good or bad, it would be greatly appriciated. MGB
 
I have the Aqua Medic and I think it's good fixture. I would say the one negative would be I wish the reflectors were better. There not terrible, but could be better. The Maristar is a very nice fixture, but the ballast is in the fixture and all that weight hanging on two wires from the ceiling over water scares me. The Aqua Medic has a seperate ballast.
 
From what Ive heard the Maristar is a excellent fixture and if the weight is a concern it has optional legs you can purchase, but both the fixture and legs are pricey.
 
I got the Giesemann Eco 250HQI/T5 48" fixture for my 90 and I am very happy with the unit. I can't really think of any complaints with the unit. The craftsmanship and sleek design of the system beats any other fixture I've seen in IMO.

Well I do have a complaint... It took me FOREVER to get the unit but if you can find a dealer that has the unit your after in stock then your good to go. I know Premium Aquatics has em and also MarineDepot Here's a pic:

FTSe_030706.jpg


P1010103.jpg
 
I have a 24'' Maristar and a 72'' Maristar Both a good looking and they have ROIII reflectors they are great as well. The only ballast in the fixture is the one for the T5's the MH ballasts are remote, not in the fixture.
 
I have two Aquamedic Oceanlight 48" dual 250 watt DE with T5 actinics over my 240 cube. I have had them for almost one year and they have had no problems. I have no complaints about them at all. All ballasts are housed in one fan cooled box that can be housed 8 feet from the tank. This keeps the pendants themselves light and obviously cooler. There is a single switch for each halide and one for the actinics.
But, the dual 250 HQI's do put out a fair amount of heat. I have mine about 14" above water level, without a canopy, and the halides will raise my tank temp 2 degrees after 4 hours or so.
In my opinion, they're 'almost' as nice as the Geisseman, but half the price.
You can see them in action here:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=832134
 
maristar

maristar

i have the maristar fixture 72 inch and am very happy with it. custom aquatics usually has them on sale and at a good price the only thing is shipping costs are high because they send on a pallet. i think they have most in stock i did not have to wait for mine. good luck :rollface: :rollface: :rollface:
 
I think I've got it down to either the Aqua Medic or the Gieseman. The Gieseman fixture seams to be very nicely done, however its considerably more expensive. Is anyone aware if there's any difference in ballasts between the two, I guess I'm trying to find a reason for spending more on the Gieseman fixture. Sonofgaladriel, your tank was an inspiration for me, well done. If you'd have had only one fixture to buy, instead of the two you needed, would you have opted for the Gieseman. Thanks for all the opinions.
 
It seems weird to me that you already ruled out the maristar. Especially considering that the reflectors for the MH is far superior to the hammertone reflectors on the Aqua Medic or the Giesemann. I will admit that the Giesemann has far superior craftsmanship to the Maristar and the Aquamedic.
 
Truth be told, I was wanting the Giesemann initially, but after the tank expense, stand expense, and all the plumbing etc.. I didn't have the funds for two Giessmann fixtures.
In hinds sight though, I am still very happy with these Oceanlights.
But, if I were to only need one pendant, I would have gone with the dual 400 watt fixture. I have found that I really like the brightness that a 400 watt bulb puts out.
 
Greg,
I think you hit the nail on the head, the only reason for going with the Gieseman is for the superior craftmanship. My tank is going to be in the living room, so I need it to be acceptable as far as fitting in with the existing decor, we all know how that goes. I'm I prepared to spend a little more for the spouse approval rating, lets just say its a lot cheaper in the long run. So Sonofgaladriel, your pushing me towards the dual 400 watt fixture, great even more money.
 
The Oceanlights look very nice too, or else I wouldn't have purchased them. Their look and craftsmanship is quite nice. They have very similar profiles to the giesemann.
250 watt or 400 watt is really up to you. Most here on RC say that the gain from 400 watt bulbs is not worth the increased energy expense or the heat issues over 250s.
However, when I see a tank lit with 400's, I always go "'wow' I love how bright that is!"
The height of your tank will also help you make up your mind. Anything over 24" tall usually warrants 400's but again that's up to you.
Good luck with whatever you choose. Your wife will be happy with the Oceanlight or the Giesemann.
 
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